My question concerns the prayers of supplication – du’a – such as Du’a Kumayl, and paying homage – ziyarat – for example the Ziyarat of Imams that we read daily. Who compiled these, from where were they taken and how useful is it to recite them? What benefit do either we or the Imams derive from this activity?

Imams do not derive benefit from your ziyarat or du’a. However, if you wish to attain higher levels of purity and spiritual enhancement, to recite the Qur’an and the du’a, provided you understand their meaning, and to offer ziyarat to Imams is beneficial. Without doubt, remembrance of Allah, and committing to the moral values referred to in those du’as, is the best way to treat disorders of the soul. Most of the above mentioned du’as were compiled by companions of our Imams in the same way as all the other traditions were compiled.