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Mosque · Kufa

Masjid al-Sahla

Associated in Shia tradition with Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf)

A first-century mosque about two kilometres north-west of the Great Mosque of Kufa. Shia tradition holds that prophets prayed here, and narrations attributed to Imam al-Sadiq (as) describe it as the place where Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf) will reside after his reappearance. A station (maqam) within it is attributed to him.

  • Directions: we have not verified a map pin or Arabic name yet.
  • Ziyarat: no checked text is published for this site yet.
A brick arcade with a green flag on the roof and two tall minarets, under a bright sky
Masjid al-Sahla, seen from its open courtyard.

Visitor guide

Significance

Historical record

Built in the first century AH by Arab tribes of Kufa, the mosque is also known as Masjid al-Suhayl, Masjid Bani Zafar and Masjid ʿAbd al-Qays. [WikiShia]

Shia belief

It is one of the oldest mosques associated with Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf). A station (maqam) inside is attributed to him, and some accounts describe it as where he will live after his reappearance. [WikiShia]

Before you go

Shia belief

Collections of ziyarat and supplications record recommended acts for this mosque, including prayers, recitation of particular suras, supplications and dhikr. We have not yet reproduced these texts. [WikiShia] [Shaykh ʿAbbās al-Qummī]

Arrival

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.

Accessible routes and facilities can vary by entrance and by crowd arrangements on the day. Ask shrine staff for assistance on arrival.

Directions and layout

Practical

The mosque is about two kilometres north-west of the Great Mosque of Kufa and about ten kilometres north-west of the shrine of Imam Ali (as). The main gate is in the middle of the eastern side, beside the minaret. [WikiShia]

Practical

Inside, the maqam of Imam al-Sadiq (as) is at the centre. The maqam of Imam al-Sajjad (as) lies towards the east, and the maqam of Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf) towards the south, between that of Imam al-Sajjad (as) and that of the Prophet Yunus (as). The maqamat of the Prophets Ibrahim, Idris and Salih (as) are in the corners. [WikiShia]

Photographs

  • The open courtyard and minarets framed by a deep brick archway, with patterned carpet in the foreground
    The courtyard seen through one of the arched entrances.
  • A richly painted domed ceiling of blue and gold medallions with chandeliers, above a lit prayer niche
    The painted ceiling of the prayer hall.
  • A tiled pointed portal set into a high brick wall, with a green banner above the doors
    A tiled doorway on the courtyard side.
  • A gilded lattice screen beneath a tall lit niche and a skylight
    Gilded screens inside the mosque.
  • A tall brick corridor hung with chandeliers, with two visitors in the distance
    A covered brick corridor around the courtyard.

Visit nearby

  • Mosque · Kufa

    Great Mosque of Kufa

    One of the oldest mosques in Islam, where Imam Ali (as) led prayers and was fatally struck during the dawn prayer in Ramadan 40 AH.

    Full guide
  • A low arcaded building with a small turquoise dome, above a wide stairway and a marble forecourt

    Shrine · Najaf

    Shrine of Kumayl ibn Ziyad

    The resting place of Kumayl ibn Ziyad, a close companion of Imam Ali (as) and Imam al-Hasan (as), and the narrator of the supplication known as Dua Kumayl. He was killed on the orders of al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf around 82 AH. The shrine stands on the route between Kufa and Najaf.

    Summary only, full guide coming

Sources

Written by A humble human

Sources referred to

  1. WikiShia, “Al-Sahla Mosque”, en.wikishia.net, accessed 14 October 2026.
  2. Shaykh ʿAbbās al-Qummī (d. 1359 AH), Mafātīḥ al-Jinān.

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