Skip to content

Preview. Content is awaiting scholarly review. How we check content

Ziyarat Guide
SearchMy Trip

Shrine · Kufa

Shrine of al-Mukhtar al-Thaqafi

al-Mukhtar ibn Abi Ubayd al-Thaqafi

The resting place of al-Mukhtar al-Thaqafi, who led an uprising in Kufa after Karbala to avenge Imam Hussain (as). It is within the Great Mosque of Kufa complex.

  • Directions: we have not verified a map pin or Arabic name yet.
  • Ziyarat: no checked text is published for this site yet.

Visitor guide

Significance

Historical record

Al-Mukhtar ibn Abi ʿUbayd al-Thaqafi, from Taʾif, hosted Muslim ibn Aqil in Kufa and was imprisoned by ʿUbayd Allah ibn Ziyad while the Battle of Karbala took place. He later led an uprising to avenge Imam Hussain (as), during which many of those who had taken part in the killing were killed. After 18 months ruling Kufa he was killed by Musʿab ibn al-Zubayr in 67 AH. [WikiShia] [The History of al-Ṭabarī]

Accounts differ

Scholars disagree about his uprising, his beliefs and his relationship with the Ahl al-Bayt (as). Some reports describe Imam Zayn al-Abidin (as) as approving of him and others as rejecting his envoys. [WikiShia]

Before you go

Practical

The grave is part of the Great Mosque of Kufa complex and is usually visited together with the shrines of Muslim ibn Aqil and Hani ibn Urwa. [WikiShia] [WikiShia]

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

Practical

His grave is next to the Mosque of Kufa and is visited and respected by Shia Muslims. [WikiShia]

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

  • Shrine · Kufa

    Shrine of Muslim ibn Aqil (as)

    The resting place of Muslim ibn Aqil, Imam Hussain’s (as) envoy to Kufa, who was killed there in 60 AH. It adjoins the Great Mosque of Kufa.

    Full guide

Sources

Written by A humble human

Sources referred to

  1. 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).
  2. Amānat Masjid al-Kūfa al-Muʿaẓẓam (Secretariat of the Great Mosque of Kufa and its shrines), official website, masjed-alkufa.com, accessed 14 October 2026.

Spotted an error? Let us know. You can also read how we check content.