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Destination · Iran

Mashhad

A city in north-eastern Iran that grew around the shrine of Imam Ali al-Rida (as), the eighth Imam.

مشهد

Sites in Mashhad

  • A golden dome and a golden minaret above a tiled courtyard with a glowing golden iwan, a fountain and visitors, under a blue evening sky

    Shrine · Mashhad

    Shrine of Imam Ali al-Rida (as)

    The shrine in Mashhad, north-eastern Iran, of Imam Ali al-Rida (as), son of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) and father of Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (as). It is the only shrine of the Twelve Imams in Iran.

    Summary only, full guide coming

About Mashhad

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.

Why Mashhad matters

Historical record

Imam Ali al-Rida (as) died in Tus in 203 AH (818 CE) and was buried there. The city that grew around his shrine became known as Mashhad, “the place of martyrdom”. [WikiShia] [WikiShia]

Sources

Written by A humble human

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