Shrine guide · Kufa, Iraq
Shrine of Muslim ibn Aqil (as)
مرقد مسلم بن عقيل
- Directions: we have not verified a map pin or Arabic name yet.
- Ziyarat: no checked text is published for this site yet.
If you are new to this
Muslim ibn Aqil was a cousin of Imam Hussain (as), sent ahead to Kufa in 60 AH to judge whether its people would really support him. When the city’s new governor took control, that support collapsed and Muslim was captured and killed. He is buried beside the Great Mosque of Kufa, close to Hani ibn Urwa, who sheltered him.
On this page
Part 1
Understand
Who Muslim ibn Aqil was, and how his story leads to Karbala. 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 Muslim ibn Aqil?
Muslim was the son of Aqil ibn Abi Talib, Imam Ali’s (as) brother, which made him a cousin of Imam Hussain (as). [The History of al-Ṭabarī] [al-Shaykh al-Mufīd]
Read the full history and significanceHis mission to Kufa · The shrine
His mission to Kufa
After many Kufans wrote inviting Imam Hussain (as), he sent Muslim to Kufa to report on their support. Muslim stayed with Hani ibn Urwa. When Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad became governor, supporters dispersed. Muslim was captured and executed in Dhu al-Hijja 60 AH, and Hani was also killed. [The History of al-Ṭabarī] [al-Shaykh al-Mufīd]
He is honoured as the envoy (safir) of Imam Hussain (as), and remembered as the first of those killed in Imam Hussain’s cause. [Amānat Masjid al-Kūfa al-M…]
The shrine
His shrine and that of Hani ibn Urwa adjoin the Great Mosque of Kufa, and are cared for by the mosque’s administration. [Amānat Masjid al-Kūfa al-M…]
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 a ziyarat of Muslim ibn Aqil, as recorded in devotional sources. [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 mosque 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]
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.
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 adjoins the Great Mosque of Kufa, so most visitors go to both together. [Amānat Masjid al-Kūfa al-M…]
Nearby
The shrine of Hani ibn Urwa is beside it, within the mosque complex. [Amānat Masjid al-Kūfa al-M…]
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.
We have not yet added a devotional text for this shrine. A text will appear here once it has been checked against a named edition.
Part 5
Reflect
Themes many visitors reflect on here. You do not need any background knowledge to use them.
Questions to take with you
- Which promise or responsibility am I tempted to let go of when it gets hard?
- Who around me needs shelter, help or a voice, and what can I do?
Themes for reflectionKeeping trust · Hospitality and courage
Keeping trust
Muslim stayed true to the task he was given after others abandoned him. Think about the responsibilities you have been trusted with.
Hospitality and courage
Hani ibn Urwa sheltered a guest at great cost to himself. Consider who might need your protection or support.
Part 6
Continue your journey
Sites often visited on the same trip, and further reading.
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 · Elsewhere in Iraq
Shrine of the Two Sons of Muslim ibn Aqil
Dedicated to Muhammad and Ibrahim, the two young sons of Muslim ibn Aqil. It is outside Najaf, Kufa and Karbala. Its exact location is still to be confirmed for this guide.
Summary only, full guide coming
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).
- 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.
- Shaykh ʿAbbās al-Qummī (d. 1359 AH), Mafātīḥ al-Jinān.
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