Shrine · Najaf
Shrine of Imam Ali (as)
The shrine in Najaf where Twelver Shia Muslims believe Imam Ali (as), cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet (s), is buried.
Full guide
Destination · Iraq
Najaf
The city of the shrine of Imam Ali (as), cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet (s), and a long-standing centre of Shia scholarship.
النجف
Sites in Najaf
Cemetery · Najaf
Wadi al-Salam Cemetery
A very large historic cemetery in Najaf, close to the shrine of Imam Ali (as), where many believers have chosen to be buried.
Summary only, full guide coming
About Najaf
How to read this guide
Each statement is labelled so you can tell what kind of information it is.
- Historical record
- Widely documented in historical sources.
- Shia belief
- Religious belief held in the Twelver Shia tradition.
- Accounts differ
- Sources disagree. We note this openly.
- Practical
- Visitor logistics. These can change.
Why Najaf matters
Shia belief
Twelver Shia Muslims believe Imam Ali (as), the first Imam, is buried in Najaf. Shia sources report that the grave was kept hidden for a period after his death and later made known. [al-Shaykh al-Mufīd]
Historical record
Najaf has been a major centre of Shia religious learning for centuries and is home to the hawza (seminary) and several leading religious authorities. [Moojan Momen]
Sample itineraries that include Najaf
Najaf, Kufa and Karbala in four days
A first ziyarat covering all three cities, starting in Najaf and ending in Karbala.
- 1
- 2
Day 2: Kufa
Kufa Mosque, Muslim ibn Aqil, Masjid al-Sahla
Kufa is close to Najaf. Check travel arrangements locally.
- 3
Day 3: Travel to Karbala
Travel by road, then visit Imam Hussain (as) once you have rested.
- 4
- Travel times between cities are not included because we have not yet sourced them.
- Opening arrangements have not been verified.
Sources
Written by A humble human
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