Shrine guide · Karbala, Iraq
Shrine of al-Abbas (as)
العتبة العباسية المقدسة
- Directions: we have not verified an exact map pin yet, so show a driver the Arabic name under “When you arrive”.
- Ziyarat: no checked text is published for this site yet.
If you are new to this
Al-Abbas ibn Ali (as) was a son of Imam Ali (as) and a half-brother of Imam Hussain (as). At Karbala in 61 AH (680 CE) he carried the standard of Imam Hussain’s small company and was killed there. His shrine stands a short walk from Imam Hussain’s, and many visitors go to both on the same day. He is remembered above all for his loyalty.
On this page
Part 1
Understand
Who al-Abbas (as) was and why visitors come to his shrine. Each statement is labelled so you can tell established history from religious belief.
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.
Who was al-Abbas (as)?
Al-Abbas was the son of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (as) and Fatima bint Hizam of the Banu Kilab, who is known as Umm al-Banin (“mother of sons”). Imam Hussain (as) was his half-brother. [al-Shaykh al-Mufīd]
He is widely known as Abu al-Fadl. Devotional tradition gives him further titles of honour that reflect his service and loyalty to Imam Hussain (as). [al-ʿAtaba al-ʿAbbāsiyya al…]
Read the full history and significanceAt Karbala · The shrine today
At Karbala
Early historical accounts name al-Abbas as the standard-bearer of Imam Hussain’s (as) company and record that he was killed on the day of Ashura, 10 Muharram 61 AH. [The History of al-Ṭabarī] [al-Shaykh al-Mufīd]
Accounts describe him going towards the Euphrates while the camp was cut off from water. The details of how he was killed vary between the early histories and later devotional narratives. [The History of al-Ṭabarī] [al-Shaykh al-Mufīd]
The shrine today
The shrine faces the shrine of Imam Hussain (as) across the open walkway known as Bayn al-Haramayn. It is administered by al-ʿAtaba al-ʿAbbasiyya al-Muqaddasa. [al-ʿAtaba al-ʿAbbāsiyya al…]
Part 2
Before you go
Religious obligations, recommended practices, shrine rules and general etiquette are listed separately. Recommended acts are encouraged, not required.
Recommended devotional acts
These acts are described in devotional sources as recommended (mustahabb). They are not obligatory.
Performing ghusl (ritual bathing) for ziyarat before visiting. [Shaykh ʿAbbās al-Qummī]
Approaching with humility, and reciting the words asking permission to enter (idhn al-dukhul) before going in. [Shaykh ʿAbbās al-Qummī]
Reciting the ziyarat of al-Abbas (as) and offering a two-unit prayer of ziyarat. [Shaykh ʿAbbās al-Qummī]
Religious obligations
Ziyarat does not suspend everyday obligations such as daily prayers and modesty. The specific rulings depend on the scholar (marjaʿ) you follow, so check their published guidance for questions such as prayer for travellers.
Venue rules
Security checks operate around the shrines. Rules on entrances, bags, phones and clothing are set by the shrine administration and can change. Follow the instructions of shrine staff and security personnel, use the designated entrances and allow extra time during busy periods.
General etiquette
Dress modestly and move quietly. Give way to people who are praying, elderly visitors and families. Be careful with photography, especially of other visitors.
Questions of religious law depend on the scholar you follow (your marjaʿ). If you are unsure, please ask a qualified scholar.
Security, etiquette, accessibility and facilitiesWhat to expect on site, and who to ask
Security and facilities
Security checks operate around the shrines. Follow the instructions of shrine staff and security personnel and any posted signs, use the designated entrances and allow extra time during busy periods.
Facilities such as toilets, shoe storage, drinking water and step-free routes differ from site to site and between entrances. We have not verified them for each location, so please ask shrine staff on arrival.
Accessible routes and facilities can vary by entrance and by crowd arrangements on the day. Ask shrine staff for assistance on arrival.
Etiquette on site
Dress modestly, move quietly, and give space to people who are praying. [Ziyarat Guide]
Be considerate with photography, and follow any instructions given by shrine staff. [Ziyarat Guide]
Accessibility
Accessible routes and facilities can vary by entrance and by crowd arrangements on the day. Ask shrine staff for assistance on arrival.
Visiting with family
We do not have confirmed details for this yet. Please ask shrine staff on arrival.
Facilities
Facilities such as toilets, shoe storage, drinking water and step-free routes differ from site to site and between entrances. We have not verified them for each location, so please ask shrine staff on arrival.
Part 3
When you arrive
Arrangements on site can change, so follow the instructions of shrine staff and confirm anything important on arrival.
Show this to a driver
العتبة العباسية المقدسة
al-ʿAtaba al-ʿAbbāsiyya al-Muqaddasa
Shorter everyday name
مرقد أبي الفضل العباس
Marqad Abī al-Faḍl al-ʿAbbās
Spelling checked against al-ʿAtaba al-ʿAbbāsiyya al-Muqaddasa (al-Abbas Holy Shrine), official website, alkafeel.net, accessed 14 October 2026. on 2026-10-14.
Map
We have not confirmed an exact pin yet, so we link to a map search rather than a fixed point.
Search for it on OpenStreetMapGetting there
The shrine is in central Karbala, a short walk from the shrine of Imam Hussain (as) along Bayn al-Haramayn. Many visitors walk between the two. [al-ʿAtaba al-ʿAbbāsiyya al…]
Nearby
The shrine of Imam Hussain (as) stands at the other end of Bayn al-Haramayn. [al-ʿAtaba al-ʿAbbāsiyya al…]
Part 4
During your visit
Prayers recited at the shrine. Show or hide each available layer, change the text size, or read full screen. We only publish a text after checking it against a named edition.
Ziyarat of al-Abbas (as)
The ziyarat recited at the shrine of al-Abbas ibn Ali (as) in Karbala.
Full text not shown here
Please use a printed copy of Shaykh ʿAbbās al-Qummī (d. 1359 AH), Mafātīḥ al-Jinān..
Part 5
Reflect
Themes many visitors reflect on at this shrine. You do not need any background knowledge to use them.
Questions to take with you
- Who has stood by me when it was difficult, and have I thanked them?
- Where am I being asked to stay loyal to what is right?
- What would quiet, unrecognised service look like in my life this year?
Themes for reflectionLoyalty · Service
Loyalty
Al-Abbas is remembered for staying beside his brother when leaving was possible. Think about the people and principles you stay loyal to when it becomes costly.
Service
Many visitors see his life as one of service rather than prominence. Consider where you could serve others quietly, without seeking recognition.
Part 6
Continue your journey
Sites often visited on the same trip, and further reading.
Shrine · Karbala
Shrine of Imam Hussain (as)
The burial place of Imam Hussain (as) in Karbala, and the heart of ziyarat for millions of visitors each year.
Full guide
Historic site · Karbala
Al-Mukhayyam (the Camp)
A site commemorating where the camp of Imam Hussain’s (as) family is traditionally held to have stood before and during the events of Ashura.
Summary only, full guide coming
Related reading
Pilgrimage Preparation · Sacred Places & History
Arbaeen Pilgrimage
The walk to Karbala forty days after Ashura: what it marks and what visitors should expect.
Read Article: Arbaeen Pilgrimage
Sources
Written by A humble human
Sources referred to
- The History of al-Ṭabarī, Vol. XIX: The Caliphate of Yazīd b. Muʿāwiyah, trans. I. K. A. Howard (Albany: State University of New York Press, 1990).
- al-Shaykh al-Mufīd, Kitāb al-Irshād: The Book of Guidance into the Lives of the Twelve Imams, trans. I. K. A. Howard (London: Balagha Books & Muhammadi Trust, 1981).
- al-ʿAtaba al-ʿAbbāsiyya al-Muqaddasa (al-Abbas Holy Shrine), official website, alkafeel.net, accessed 14 October 2026.
- Shaykh ʿAbbās al-Qummī (d. 1359 AH), Mafātīḥ al-Jinān.
- Ziyarat Guide (existing website), ziyaratguide.com, accessed 13 October 2026.
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