Holiest sites in Islam

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The Kaaba at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, present-day Saudi Arabia, is the holiest site in Islam. The Kaaba during Hajj - edited.jpg
The Kaaba at Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, present-day Saudi Arabia, is the holiest site in Islam.

All branches of Islam (Sunni, Shia and Ibadi) agree on three holiest sites being, in descending order: the Masjid al-Haram (including the Kaaba) in Mecca, the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] After the consensus on the three sites, there is a divergence on other holy sites. Even within each branch, there are disputes over other sacred sites beyond the aforementioned three.

Contents

In Shia Islam, sites associated with the Imamah hold a extremely high level of significance, including Karbala, Najaf, Mashhad and Qom. Some of the Shia Imams’ shrines, including those of Ali, Husayn, and Reza, are also revered by Sunnis for various reasons, such as the figures being prominent members of Muhammad’s family or their significance in Islamic history. In Ibadi Islam, there is no doctrine of holy places beyond the three universally sacred sites.

Hejaz

Jabal al-Nour, where Muhammad received his first revelation. Jabbal An-Nour (2024).jpg
Jabal al-Nour, where Muhammad received his first revelation.

Hejaz is the region in the Arabian Peninsula where Mecca and Medina are located. It is where the Islamic prophet Muhammad was born and raised. [7]

The two holy cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina, are traditionally known as the Ḥaramayn, which is the dual form of ḥaram , thus meaning "The Two Sanctuaries". [8] They should not be confused with Jerusalem and Hebron, which were also called Haramain during the Mamluk period. [8] Another appellation of the Two Noble Sanctuaries is Ḥaramayn Ṭayyibayn.

Mecca

Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam, as it is home to Islam's holiest site Kaaba in Al-Masjid Al-Ḥaram (The Sacred Mosque). [9] [10] Only Muslims are allowed to enter the city. [11]

Mount Arafat, where Muhammad stood and delivered the farewell sermon towards the end of his life. Some Muslims believe that it is also the place where Adam and Eve reunited on Earth. Pilgrims cover Arafat's roads, plains and mountain - Flickr - Al Jazeera English.jpg
Mount Arafat, where Muhammad stood and delivered the farewell sermon towards the end of his life. Some Muslims believe that it is also the place where Adam and Eve reunited on Earth.

The Kaaba or Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, is the most sacred holy place of Islam and a Qibla of the Muslims, contains al-Bayt ul-Ma'mur spiritually above the Kaaba, contains the Maqam Ibrahim, Hateem, and the Al-Hajar-ul-Aswad which belonged in Jannah to Adam and Eve (Adam and Hawa). According to the Islamic tradition it was first built by the first prophet Adam, after Noah's Flood the flood of the prophet Nūḥ (Noah), it was then rebuilt by Abraham (Ibrāhīm) and his son Ishmael (Ismāʿīl), it has been rebuilt several times.

The area of Mecca, which includes Mount Arafah, [12] Mina and Muzdalifah, is important for the Ḥajj ('Pilgrimage'). As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, [13] every adult Muslim who is capable must perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime. [14] Hajj is one of the largest annual Muslim gatherings in the world, second only to pilgrimages to the Shia Shrines. [15]

Medina

Prophet's Mosque, where Muhammad himself was involved in its construction. The Green Dome is where his tomb is located. Masjid Nabawi The Prophet's Mosque, Madina.jpg
Prophet's Mosque, where Muhammad himself was involved in its construction. The Green Dome is where his tomb is located.

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is located in Medina, making the city the second-holiest site in Islam, after Mecca. Medina is the final place-of-residence of Muhammad, and where his qabr (grave) is located. [9] In addition to the Prophet's Mosque, the city has the mosques of Qubāʾ [16] and al-Qiblatayn ("The Two Qiblahs"). [17]

The Prophet's Mosque in Medina contains the grave of Muhammad. The two companions Abu Bakr and Umar are also buried with Muhammad; the grave of Uthman is located in al-Baqi Cemetery, located to the southeast of the Prophet's Mosque.

Levant

Ash-Shaam [1] or the Levant [18] is a historical region that includes the cities of Jerusalem and Damascus. [1] [19] [20]

Jerusalem

Al-Aqsa, also known as the Haram Al-Sharif or Temple Mount, is where according to Islam, Muhammad ascended bodily into heaven. Jerusalem-2013(2)-Temple Mount-Dome of the Rock (SE exposure).jpg
Al-Aqsa, also known as the Haram Al-Sharif or Temple Mount, is where according to Islam, Muhammad ascended bodily into heaven.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, also knon as the Temple Mount, is where according to Islam, Muhammad ascended bodily into heaven. It is the third-holiest site in Islam, held in esteem by all Muslims due to its history as a place of worship by many prophets such as Abraham, [10] David, Solomon, Elijah and Jesus. The mosque has the capacity to accommodate approximately 400,000 worshippers. [2]

In early Islam, Muslims faced in the general direction of Al-Aqsa Mosque as the qibla (direction of prayer) before changing the direction to face the Kaaba; a result of a Quranic verse revelation to Muhammad. According to Islam, in 610 CE, over the night of the Isra' and Mi'raj, Muhammad was taken from the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to visit masjid al-Aqsa "the Furthest Mosque", where he led the prayer among the Prophets, and was then taken to the heavens from the Foundation Stone [21] (today part of the Dome of the Rock. [3] The Quran mentions the "Furthest Moque" only once, in verse 1 of surat al-Isra'. [22] [23]

Damascus

The Umayyad Mosque, where Muslims and Christians alike consider it a holy place. According to Islam, Prophet Isa (Jesus in Christianity) will appear close to the Day of Judgment at the mosque. Syria, Damascus, The Umayyad Mosque.jpg
The Umayyad Mosque, where Muslims and Christians alike consider it a holy place. According to Islam, Prophet Isa (Jesus in Christianity) will appear close to the Day of Judgment at the mosque.

The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus is another holy site in Islam. [24] [25] The head of John the Baptist, revered in Islam as the prophet Yahya, is believed to be inside inside the mosque, which also houses one of only four authorized original copies of the Quran. The Umayyad Mosque is also the place where Muslims believe the prophet Isa (Jesus) will return at the end of times, atop the "Minaret of Isa" of the mosque, during the time of a Fajr prayer. It is believed that prayers in the Umayyad mosque are considered to be equal to those offered in Jerusalem. [26]

Muslims and Christians alike consider it a holy place. According to Islam, Prophet Isa (Jesus in Christianity) will appear close to the Day of Judgment at the mosque. The mosque also holds a special importance in Shia Islam since it contains shrines commemorating Husayn ibn Ali, made to walk there from Karbala, after the Battle of Karbala. [27] Furthermore, it was the place where they were imprisoned for 60 days. [28]

Hebron

According to Islam, Hebron was where Abraham settled. Within the city lies the Cave of the Patriarchs, the traditional burial site of the biblical Patriarchs and Matriarchs in both Islam and Judaism, and the Ibrahimi Mosque, built on top of the tomb to honor Abraham, is also often considered to be the fourth holiest in Islam. [29] [30] [31] Muslims believe that Muhammad visited Hebron on his nocturnal journey from Mecca to Jerusalem to stop by the tomb and pay his respects. [29] In the mosque in a small niche there is a left footprint, believed to be from Muhammad. [32] [33]

Sinai Peninsula

The Sinai Peninsula is associated with the prophets Harun (Aaron) and Musa (Moses). [34] In particular, numerous references to Mount Sinai exist in the Quran, [35] [36] where it is called Ṭūr Saināʾ, [37] Ṭūr Sīnīn, [38] and aṭ-Ṭūr [39] [40] and al-Jabal (both meaning "the Mount"). [41] As for the adjacent Wād Ṭuwā (Valley of Tuwa), it is considered as being muqaddas [42] [43] (sacred), [44] [45] and a part of it is called Al-Buqʿah Al-Mubārakah ("The Blessed Place"). [40]

Sunni Islam

All sites mentioned in the Hadith are holy in Sunni Islam. The Kaaba is the holiest site, followed by the Prophet's Mosque, al-Aqsa, and other sites mentioned in the Hadith, as well as the Umayyad Mosque and Ibrahimi Mosque. Various other sites and mosques across the Islamic world are claimed to be the fourth-holiest site in Islam or among the holiest:

Shia Islam

The holiest sites in Shia Islam are Mecca, Medina, and then Al Aqsa. After these sites, sites associated with the Imamah hold a extremely high level of significance.

Imam Ali Mosque

Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf, Iraq. It contains the tomb of Ali, who was Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, and the first Imam. He was raised in the household of Muhammad, was among the first to accept his teachings, and played a pivotal role in the early years of Islam. Najaf City.jpg
Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf, Iraq. It contains the tomb of Ali, who was Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, and the first Imam. He was raised in the household of Muhammad, was among the first to accept his teachings, and played a pivotal role in the early years of Islam.

Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf, Iraq, is the holiest site for Shia Muslims after the three above. It contains the tomb of Ali, the Imam who was also Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law. According to Shia belief, the tomb also contains the remains of Adam and Noah. [64]

The shrine's significance in Shia Islam is profound. All Muslims revere Imam Ali, but the Shia in particular, as a paragon of justice, knowledge, and piety. His burial site has thus become a symbol of Shia identity and faith. Every year, the shrine is visited by millions of pilgrims, with attendance peaking during Arba'in, when estimates suggest more than 20 million visitors. [65]

In addition to Imam Ali, the shrine complex is the resting place for several notable figures. Among them are many revered Shia scholars, jurists, and theologians. Some of the prominent figures buried here include: Murtada Ansari, a leading Shia jurist of the 19th century [66] , Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr, a renowned Iraqi Shia cleric and philosopher [67] , and Abu al-Qasim al-Khoei, one of the most influential Shia marjas of the 20th century. [68]

The shrine is also surrounded by the world's largest cemetery, Wadi al-Salam. It is believed that being buried near Imam Ali brings spiritual benefits, and many Shia Muslims request to be interred in this sacred ground. [69]

Historical background

The Imam Ali Mosque has a rich history that dates back to the 7th century. Ali was buried in Najaf following the Assassination of Ali on 28 January 66. However, the location of his grave remained a closely-guarded secret for many years due to political tensions. It wasn't until the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid reportedly discovered the grave during a hunting expedition in the 8th century that a shrine was built at the site. [70]

Over the centuries, the shrine has undergone numerous renovations and expansions. In the 10th century, the Buyid dynasty made significant contributions by building a large dome over the grave and by adding other structures. [71] The Safavid Empire in the 16th century also played a crucial role in further developing the site, adding ornate decorations, and expanding the mosque complex. [72]

Architecture and structure

The Imam Ali Mosque is an architectural masterpiece. The shrine is distinguished by its golden dome and minarets, which are covered with approximately 7,777 gold tiles. The complex also includes courtyards, prayer halls, and a museum. The central hall, where the tomb is located, is adorned with intricate mirror work, mosaics, and calligraphy. [73]

The mosque features a large courtyard, known as the Sahan, which is surrounded by arched colonnades. The main entrance, Bab al-Qibla, is an impressive gateway that leads directly to the inner sanctum. The interior is lavishly decorated with Persian carpets, chandeliers, and intricate stucco work, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of the region. [74]

Pilgrimage and religious significance

The shrine is a focal point for Shia pilgrimage. Every year, millions of devotees travel to Najaf to pay their respects, particularly during significant religious occasions, including the anniversaries of Ali's birth and martyrdom, as well as the Arba'in. This pilgrimage marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, Ali's son, who was martyred at the Battle of Karbala. [75]

During Arba'in, the number of visitors can exceed 20 million, making it one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world. Pilgrims often travel on foot from various parts of Iraq and even from neighboring countries to participate in the commemorations. [76]

Imam Husayn Shrine

Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala, Iraq. It contains the tomb of Husayn, who was the third Imam, a son of Ali and Muhammad's grandson. Every year, millions of people observe Ashura during Muharram and later commemorate Arba'in, honoring Husayn's martyrdom for all Muslims. Hrm lmm lHsyn.jpg
Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala, Iraq. It contains the tomb of Husayn, who was the third Imam, a son of Ali and Muhammad's grandson. Every year, millions of people observe Ashura during Muharram and later commemorate Arba'in, honoring Husayn's martyrdom for all Muslims.

Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala, Iraq, contains the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali. The mosque stands on the site of the grave of Husayn ibn Ali, where he was martyred during the Battle of Karbala in 680. [77] [78] Up to 20 million pilgrims visit the city for the anniversary of Hussein ibn Ali's death. [79] There are many Shia traditions which narrate the status of Karbala.

The Imam Husayn Shrine is a site of immense religious significance for Shia Muslims. It commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram in the year 680 AD. This event is one of the most tragic and pivotal moments in Islamic history, especially for Shia Muslims, as it symbolizes the struggle against tyranny and injustice.

Historical background

The Battle of Karbala was a defining moment in Islamic history. Husayn ibn Ali, along with his family and companions, was martyred by the forces of the Umayyad caliph Yazid. The battle took place on the plains of Karbala, and Husayn’s stand against Yazid’s oppressive regime has since been revered as a symbol of resistance and martyrdom in Shia Islam. [80]

Following the martyrdom, the site of Husayn's grave became a place of pilgrimage. The first structure over his grave was constructed by the order of Mukhtar al-Thaqafi in the late 7th century. [81] Throughout the centuries, the shrine has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Major renovations were carried out by various Islamic dynasties, including the Abbasids, Buyids, and Safavids. [68]

Architecture and structure

The Imam Husayn Shrine is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate decorations. The shrine complex includes a golden dome, several minarets, and expansive courtyards. The central dome is adorned with gold-plated tiles, and the interior features elaborate mirror work, mosaics, and calligraphy that depict verses from the Quran and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Imams. [82]

The main courtyard, known as the Sahan, is surrounded by arched porticos and serves as a gathering place for pilgrims to offer prayers and recite elegies. The shrine also includes a museum that houses artifacts related to Husayn ibn Ali and the Battle of Karbala, as well as a library with a vast collection of Islamic manuscripts and texts.

Pilgrimage and religious significance

The Imam Husayn Shrine is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Shia Muslims worldwide. The annual Arba'in pilgrimage, which marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for Husayn ibn Ali, draws millions of visitors from around the world. During Arba'in, pilgrims often walk long distances, sometimes covering hundreds of miles, to reach Karbala. This pilgrimage is considered an act of devotion and solidarity with the sacrifices made by Husayn and his companions. [75]

In addition to Arba'in, other significant occasions that draw large crowds to the shrine include Ashura, which is the commemmoration date of Husayn's martyrdom, and the birthdays and martyrdom anniversaries of other Shia Imams. The shrine also plays a central role in commemorating various religious events and serves as a hub for religious learning and scholarship.

Modern developments

In recent years, the shrine has undergone extensive renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. These developments include the construction of new facilities for pilgrims, improved infrastructure, and enhanced security measures. Efforts have also been made to preserve the shrine's historical and architectural heritage while ensuring that it can meet the needs of contemporary visitors. [83]

Imam Reza Shrine

Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, Iran, receives nearly 30 million pilgrims annually and is the most visited site in Islam. It contains the tomb of Reza, the eighth Imam and a descendant of Muhammad, whose lineage is connected to Ali, Fatima, and Husayn. The vast complex is the world's largest mosque after Mecca and Medina. ImamReza(A).jpg
Imam Reza Shrine in Mashhad, Iran, receives nearly 30 million pilgrims annually and is the most visited site in Islam. It contains the tomb of Reza, the eighth Imam and a descendant of Muhammad, whose lineage is connected to Ali, Fatima, and Husayn. The vast complex is the world’s largest mosque after Mecca and Medina.

The Imam Reza Shrine is the mausoleum of Ali al-Rida, the eighth Imam in Shia Islam, located in Mashhad, the province of Razavi Khorasan, Iran. As one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam, nearly 30 million Muslims making pilgrimages to the shrine every year, [85] [86] [87] the most visited site in Islam. [88] [89] [90]

Imam Reza was a descendant of Muhammad, known for his piety and learning. His lineage traces back to Ali via Muhammad’s daughter Fatima, from their son Husayn. He is also part of the chain of mystical authority and asceticism in Sunni Sufism, making him widely respected in Sunni Islam as well. The Uyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha recorded miracles which have occurred at the shrine.

The shrine covers an area of 1,200,000 square meters, making it the world's third largest mosque, after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. The complex is also on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also buried within the shrine are the members of the Timurid, Safavid and Qajar family members, alongside the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid, polymath Baha al-Din al-Amili, crown prince Abbas Mirza, and many other notable political figures, scholars, and clerics.

Historical background

In the early 9th century, the Abbasid caliph al-Ma'mun invited Reza from Medina to Khorasan and appointed him as his heir apparent, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to legitimize Abbasid rule and contain Shia influence. Imam Reza died in 818 CE in the city of Tus, poisoned by al-Ma'mun.

The site of his grave became a major destination for pilgrimage, and the surrounding settlement gradually developed around his tomb, creating a new city called Mashhad, meaning “place of martyrdom.” The earliest structures around the shrine date back to the 9th century, with significant patronage and expansion carried out during various periods, including by the Samanid, Seljuk, Ilkhanid, Timurid, Afsharid, Safavid, and Qajar Empires.

Architecture and structure

The shrine is renowned for its vast scale, architectural grandeur, artistic richness, and spiritual atmosphere. The architecture of the shrine represents a blend of Persian and Islamic traditions. The complex features a prominent golden dome, multiple minarets, and numerous courtyards (sahn), prayer halls (riwaq). The central sanctuary houses the Imam's grave beneath the gilded dome. The interior of the shrine is richly decorated with mirror work, tile mosaics, stucco carvings, and intricate calligraphy featuring Quranic verses and religious inscriptions.

Pilgrimage and religious significance

The shrine is an unmistakable landmark in Iran and Shia history, with the city of Mashhad regarded as the country's spiritual capital. The Goharshad Mosque, built by Timurid Empress Goharshad in 1418 CE, is also located at the shrine. The Astan Quds Razavi Central Museum, a library, four seminaries, a cemetery, and the Razavi University of Islamic Sciences, are contained within the complex as well. The shrine also serves as a major center for religious ceremonies, gatherings, and educational activities, attracting scholars and students from across the Islamic world.

Several hadiths from the Shia Imams and from Muhammad highlight the importance of pilgrimage to his shrine. A hadith from Muhammad says: "One of my own flesh and blood will be buried in the land of Khorasan. God the Highest will surely remove the sorrows of any sorrowful person who goes on pilgrimage to his shrine. God will surely forgive the sins of any sinful person who goes on pilgrimage to his shrine." [91]

Modern developments

In modern times, the shrine has undergone huge expansions to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. Large-scale construction projects have added new courtyards, prayer halls, underground facilities, and improved transportation access. Significant efforts have also been made to preserve the shrine’s historical structures while integrating contemporary architectural and safety standards.

Al-Abbas Shrine

Al-Abbas Shrine in Karbala, Iraq, opposite the shrine of Husayn. Abbas was a son of Ali, the half-brother of both Hasan and Husayn, and Husayn's flag-bearer in the Battle of Karbala. l`tb@ l`bsy@ lmqds@ (6).jpg
Al-Abbas Shrine in Karbala, Iraq, opposite the shrine of Husayn. Abbas was a son of Ali, the half-brother of both Hasan and Husayn, and Husayn's flag-bearer in the Battle of Karbala.

Al-Abbas Shrine in Karbala, Iraq, is the mausoleum of Abbas ibn Ali, who was the half-brother of Husayn ibn Ali and a key figure in the Battle of Karbala. Abbas is revered for his loyalty and bravery, and his shrine is one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims, attracting millions of pilgrims, especially during the annual commemoration of Arba'een. [92]

Historical background

Abbas ibn Ali, also known as Abu al-Fadl, was a son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and a respected warrior known for his unwavering support of his brother Husayn. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Karbala, where he was martyred while attempting to fetch water for the thirsty children and companions of Husayn. His sacrifice is deeply commemorated in Shia tradition, and his shrine stands as a symbol of devotion and courage. [93]

The construction of the shrine began in the early Islamic period, with significant contributions from various Islamic rulers. The earliest recorded construction was during the Abbasid Caliphate, with later renovations and expansions by the Safavid and Qajar dynasties. [80] The shrine has been rebuilt and restored multiple times due to natural disasters and political upheavals.

Architecture and structure

The Abbas Ibn Ali Shrine is an architectural marvel, featuring a grand golden dome and two towering minarets, which are visible from miles away. The shrine complex includes several courtyards, prayer halls, and a museum. The central hall, where the tomb is located, is lavishly decorated with intricate tile work, mirror mosaics, and Arabic calligraphy depicting verses from the Quran and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Imams. [94]

The shrine is surrounded by spacious courtyards that can accommodate the influx of pilgrims during major religious events. The main entrance, known as Bab al-Qibla, is an ornate gateway that leads to the inner sanctum. Inside, the walls are adorned with elaborate stucco and mirror work, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of the region.

Religious significance

The Abbas Ibn Ali Shrine holds immense religious significance for Shia Muslims. Abbas ibn Ali is revered not only for his familial connection to Husayn but also for his virtues of loyalty, courage, and self-sacrifice. His shrine is a focal point of pilgrimage, particularly during the annual Arba'in commemoration, which marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for Husayn ibn Ali. [75]

Pilgrims from around the world visit the shrine to pay their respects and seek intercession. The rituals performed at the shrine include recitations of elegies, lamentations, and the reenactment of the events of Karbala. These practices are deeply ingrained in Shia cultural and religious identity, symbolizing the eternal struggle against oppression and injustice. [95]

Modern developments

In recent years, the shrine has seen extensive renovations and expansions. These efforts aim to preserve the historical and architectural integrity of the site while accommodating the increasing number of pilgrims. Modern amenities, improved infrastructure, and enhanced security measures have been introduced to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors. [96]

The Abbas Ibn Ali Shrine remains a beacon of faith and a testament to the enduring legacy of Abbas ibn Ali. It stands as a symbol of loyalty, bravery, and the eternal struggle for justice, drawing millions of devotees who seek solace and inspiration from his exemplary life.

Jannat al-Baqi

Jannat al-Baqi in Medina, Saudi Arabia, is a cemetery founded by Muhammad that holds the graves of several of his family members and companions. Among them are the four Shia Imams: Hasan ibn Ali, Ali ibn Husayn, Muhammad al-Baqir, and Jafar al-Sadiq. The cemetery was demolished under the Emirate of Diriyah in 1806. After their reconstruction, they were again demolished in 1926 under the Sultanate of Nejd, in accordance with their Wahhabi interpretation of Islamic law regarding idolatry. These demolitions were condemned across the Islamic world, but the Saudi government has rejected calls for reconstruction.

The Great Mosque of Kufa

The Great Mosque of Kufa in Iraq, was Ali's home and the site of his assassination Kufa Mosque 1.jpg
The Great Mosque of Kufa in Iraq, was Ali's home and the site of his assassination

The Great Mosque of Kufa is one of the earliest surviving mosques in the world. The mosque was home to Ali, and also contains the shrine of Muslim ibn Aqeel, his companion Hani ibn Urwa, and the revolutionary, Al-Mukhtar. The mosque has been significantly rebuilt and restored multiple times in its history.

Historical significance

Masjid al-Kufa is believed to have been built in the 7th century. It is one of the four major mosques that Shia Muslims consider to be significant. According to Shia Islam, the mosque was constructed by Adam, with subsequent renovations by Noah, Abraham, and Ishmael.

Religious importance

Masjid al-Kufa holds immense religious significance for Shia Muslims. It was the place where Ali, the first Shia Imam, and the fourth caliph in Sunni Islam, used to lead prayers and deliver sermons. The mosque is also the site where he was struck with a fatal blow by Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam during the month of Ramadan in 661 CE. [97]

Pilgrimage

The mosque is a significant pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims, especially during the anniversary of Imam Ali's death and other important Islamic events. Pilgrims visit the mosque to pay their respects, pray, and reflect on its historical and spiritual significance. [98] [99]

Fatima Masumeh Shrine in Qom, Iran, considered to be the most sacred city in Shia Islam after Karbala, Najaf, and Mashhad. Fatima Masumeh, a saint in Shiism, was the daughter of Musa al-Kazim and sister of Reza, the seventh and eighth Imams. Aerial photographs of Qom, 29 March 2018 (13970109000106636579121753288836 38629) (cropped).jpg
Fatima Masumeh Shrine in Qom, Iran, considered to be the most sacred city in Shia Islam after Karbala, Najaf, and Mashhad. Fatima Masumeh, a saint in Shiism, was the daughter of Musa al-Kazim and sister of Reza, the seventh and eighth Imams.

Fatima Masumeh Shrine

The Fatima Masumeh Shrine in Qom, Iran, is considered to be the most sacred city in Shia Islam after Karbala, Najaf, and Mashhad. Fatima Masumeh was the sister of the eighth Imam Reza, and the daughter of the seventh Imam Musa al-Kazim.

Religious significance

In Shia Islam, women are often revered as saints if they are close relatives to one of the Imams. Fatima Masumeh is therefore honored as a saint, and her shrine in Qom is one of the most significant Shia shrines.

Pilgrimage

Every year, millions travel to Qom to honor Fatima Masumeh and seek her intercession with God.Also buried within the shrine are three daughters of the ninth Imam Muhammad al-Taqi, Persian poet Parvin Etesami, six members of the Safavid family, eleven members of the Qajar family, and many other notable political figures, scholars, and clerics. The shrine has attracted dozens of seminaries and religious schools.

Other shrines

Ibadi Islam

Oman is an Ibadi-majority country, and its Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the largest Ibadi mosque. Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque RB.jpg
Oman is an Ibadi-majority country, and its Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is the largest Ibadi mosque.

In Ibadi Islam, there is no formal doctrine of sacred shrines or saint-centered holy sites. Ibadis place strong emphasis on monotheism (tawḥīd). Like all Muslims, they recognize Mecca, Medina and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem as holy. Beyond these universally sacred sites, Ibadism does not promote pilgrimage to shrines or mosques.

As a result, mosques in Ibadi communities—such as those in Oman, Libya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Dominican Republic, and Algeria—are valued primarily as centers of communal worship, learning, and governance rather than as sacred places.

Some prominent Ibadi mosques, such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, serve as important cultural and educational centers, but they are not regarded as sites of pilgrimage.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 Mustafa Abu Sway. "The Holy Land, Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Qur'an, Sunnah and other Islamic Literary Source" (PDF). Central Conference of American Rabbis. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-28.
  2. 1 2 National Geographic Society (U.S.); de Blij, H.J.; Downs, R.; John Wiley & Sons (2007). Wiley/National Geographic College Atlas of the World. Wiley. p. 49. ISBN   978-0-471-74117-6 . Retrieved 2022-06-15. Al 'Aqsa is the second oldest mosque in Islam after the Kaaba in Mecca and is third in holiness after the mosques in Mecca and Medina. It holds up to 400,000 worshippers at one time.
  3. 1 2 The Encyclopaedia of Islam. Vol. 7 (New ed. 2006 ed.). Brill. 2006. pp. 97–105.
  4. ↑ Quran   9:25–129
  5. ↑ Quran   33:09–73
  6. ↑ Quran   48:22–29
  7. ↑ Hopkins, Daniel J.; 편집부 (2001). Merriam-Webster's Geographical Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. p. 479. ISBN   0-87779-546-0 . Retrieved 2013-03-17.
  8. 1 2 Haramayn at MadainProject.com. Accessed 19 Nov. 2022.
  9. 1 2 Trofimov, Yaroslav (2008), The Siege of Mecca: The 1979 Uprising at Islam's Holiest Shrine, New York, p. 79, ISBN   978-0-307-47290-8 {{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  10. 1 2 Michigan Consortium for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (1986). Goss, V. P.; Bornstein, C. V. (eds.). The Meeting of Two Dads: Cultural Exchange Between East and West During the Period of the Crusades. Vol. 21. Medieval Institute Publications, Western Michigan University. p. 208. ISBN   0918720583.
  11. ↑ Tucker & Roberts 2008, p. 673.
  12. ↑ Quran   2:124–217
  13. ↑ Musharraf 2012, p. 195.
  14. ↑ Peters 1994, p. 22.
  15. ↑ Blatt 2015, p. 27.
  16. ↑ Description of the new mosque and architectural documents at archnet.org Archived January 8, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
  17. ↑ "CRCC: Center For Muslim-Jewish Engagement: Resources: Religious Texts". Usc.edu. Archived from the original on 2011-01-07. Retrieved 2011-01-12.
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  20. ↑ Salibi, K. S. (2003). A House of Many Mansions: The History of Lebanon Reconsidered. I. B. Tauris. pp. 61–62. ISBN   978-1-86064-912-7. To the Arabs, this same territory, which the Romans considered Arabian, formed part of what they called Bilad al-Sham, which was their own name for Syria. From the classical perspective however Syria, including Palestine, formed no more than the western fringes of what was reckoned to be Arabia between the first line of cities and the coast. Since there is no clear dividing line between what are called today the Syrian and Arabian deserts, which actually form one stretch of arid tableland, the classical concept of what actually constituted Syria had more to its credit geographically than the vaguer Arab concept of Syria as Bilad al-Sham. Under the Romans, there was actually a province of Syria, with its capital at Antioch, which carried the name of the territory. Otherwise, down the centuries, Syria like Arabia and Mesopotamia was no more than a geographic expression. In Islamic times, the Arab geographers used the name arabicized as Suriyah, to denote one special region of Bilad al-Sham, which was the middle section of the valley of the Orontes river, in the vicinity of the towns of Homs and Hama. They also noted that it was an old name for the whole of Bilad al-Sham which had gone out of use. As a geographic expression, however, the name Syria survived in its original classical sense in Byzantine and Western European usage, and also in the Syriac literature of some of the Eastern Christian churches, from which it occasionally found its way into Christian Arabic usage. It was only in the nineteenth century that the use of the name was revived in its modern Arabic form, frequently as Suriyya rather than the older Suriyah, to denote the whole of Bilad al-Sham: first of all in the Christian Arabic literature of the period, and under the influence of Western Europe. By the end of that century it had already replaced the name of Bilad al-Sham even in Muslim Arabic usage.
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  25. ↑ Birke, Sarah. "Damascus: What's Left | Sarah Birke". The New York Review of Books. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
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  29. 1 2 Vitullo, Anita (2003). "People Tied to Place: Strengthening Cultural Identity in Hebron's Old City". Journal of Palestine Studies. 33: 68–83. doi:10.1525/jps.2003.33.1.68. quote: From earliest Islam, the sanctuaries of Hebron and Jerusalem [al-Haram al-Ibrahimi and al-Haram al-Sharif] were holy places outranked only by Mecca and Medina; the Ibrahimi Mosque was originally regarded by some Muslims as Islam's fourth holiest site. Muslims believe that the Hebron sanctuary was visited by the Prophet Muhammad on his mystical nocturnal journey from Mecca to Jerusalem.🗿🗿🗿🗿
  30. ↑ Aksan & Goffman 2007 , p. 97: 'Suleyman considered himself the ruler of the four holy cities of Islam, and, along with Mecca and Medina, included Hebron and Jerusalem in his rather lengthy list of official titles.'
  31. ↑ Honigmann 1993 , p. 886
  32. ↑ Janet L. Abu-Lughod (2007). "Damascus". In Dumper, Michael R. T.; Stanley, Bruce E. (eds.). Cities of the Middle East and North Africa: A Historical Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. pp. 166–167. ISBN   978-1-5760-7919-5.
  33. ↑ "Hebron: The city of Abraham, the Beloved". 2005-04-26.
  34. ↑ Jewish Encyclopedia
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  36. ↑ Abbas, K. A. (1984). The World is My Village: A Novel with an Index. Ajanta Publications.
  37. ↑ Quran   23:20  (Translated by  Yusuf Ali)
  38. ↑ Quran   95:2  (Translated by  Yusuf Ali)
  39. ↑ Quran   2:63–93
  40. 1 2 Quran   28:3–86
  41. ↑ Quran   7:103–156
  42. ↑ Quran   20:9–99
  43. ↑ Quran   79:15–25
  44. ↑ Ibn Kathir (2013-01-01). Dr Mohammad Hilmi Al-Ahmad (ed.). Stories of the Prophets: [قصص الأنبياء [انكليزي. Dar Al Kotob Al Ilmiyah (Arabic: دَار الْـكُـتُـب الْـعِـلْـمِـيَّـة). ISBN   978-2745151360.
  45. ↑ Elhadary, Osman (2016-02-08). "11, 15". Moses in the Holy Scriptures of Judaism, Christianity and Islam: A Call for Peace. BookBaby. ISBN   978-1483563039.[ permanent dead link ]
  46. ↑ Toueir, Kassem (2018). "Muhammad as Prophet and Mayor: City Planning from the Perspective of the Qur'an, Hadith, and Islamic Law Case Study: Damascus". In Stager, Lawrence E.; Greene, Joseph A.; Coogan, Michael D. (eds.). The Archaeology of Jordan and Beyond: Essays in Memory of James A. Sauer. Brill. p. 501. ISBN   978-90-04-36980-1.
  47. ↑ Darrow, William R. (2011). "Holy Places". Islamic Beliefs, Practices, and Cultures. Marshall Cavendish. pp. 180–182. ISBN   978-0-7614-9964-0.
  48. ↑ Lecoquierre, Marion (2019). "Hebron: A nested division of sacred spaces". In Dumper, Michael (ed.). Contested Holy Cities: The Urban Dimension of Religious Conflicts. Routledge. ISBN   978-0-429-67384-9. Hebron is often presented as the fourth holy city of Islam after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem
  49. ↑ Santelli, Serge (2008). "Harar: The Fourth Holy City of Islam". In Jayyusi, Salma K.; Holod, Renata; Petruccioli, Attilio; Raymond, André (eds.). The City in the Islamic World. Brill. p. 631. ISBN   978-90-04-16240-2. Harar, which is known as being the fourth Holy city of Islam (...)
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  51. ↑ Shinn, David H.; Ofcansky, Thomas P. (2013). Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia. Scarecrow Press. p. 207. ISBN   978-0-8108-7457-2.
  52. ↑ Brockman, Norbert (2011). Encyclopedia of Sacred Places. ABC-CLIO. p. 267. ISBN   978-1-59884-654-6.
  53. ↑ Dodds, Jerrilynn D. (1993). The Art of Medieval Spain, A.D. 500-1200. Metropolitan Museum of Art. p. 104. ISBN   978-0-8109-6433-4.
  54. ↑ Ring, Trudy; Watson, Noelle; Schellinger, Paul (2014). Middle East and Africa: International Dictionary of Historic Places. Routledge. p. 388. ISBN   978-1-134-25993-9.
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  58. ↑ Robert D. Kaplan (2004). Mediterranean Winter: The Pleasures of History and Landscape in Tunisia, Sicily, Dalmatia, and Greece. Random House. p. 66. ISBN   978-0-375-50804-2. With eighty nine mosques it is the fourth holiest city in Sunni Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. A tradition holds that seven pilgrimages to Kairouan exempt the faithful from having to journey to Mecca
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