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Karbala, Najaf & Kufa

Two days in Karbala, one in Najaf, then two covering Kufa and the sites nearby.

Cities
Karbala, Najaf, Kufa
Suggested length
5 suggested days
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Starts in Karbala, then travels south to Najaf. Kufa is close to Najaf, so the last two days can be visited from the same place to stay.

Day 1: Karbala, the two shrines

Imam Hussain (AS), then across Bayn al-Haramayn to al-Abbas (AS).

  1. Stop 1: Shrine of Imam Hussain (AS)

    العتبة الحسينية

  2. Stop 2: Shrine of al-Abbas (AS)

    العتبة العباسية

Day 2: Karbala, places of Ashura

Al-Mukhayam and Tal al-Zainabiya, with time to return to the shrines.

  1. Stop 3: Al-Mukhayyam (the Camp)

    المخيم الحسيني

  2. Stop 4: Tal al-Zainabiyya

    التل الزينبي

    • A raised site traditionally associated with Lady Zaynab (AS), sister of Imam Hussain (AS), during the events of Ashura. Listed under “Key Landmarks” on the existing site. Read the guide to Tal al-Zainabiyya

Day 3: Travel to Najaf

A travel day. Once you have arrived and rested, visit Imam Ali (AS). Wadi al-Salam only if you have the energy.

  1. Stop 5: Shrine of Imam Ali (AS)

    العتبة العلوية

  2. Stop 6: Wadi al-Salam Cemetery

    مقبرة وادي السلام

Day 4: Kufa Mosque and nearby shrines

The Great Mosque of Kufa, with Muslim ibn Aqil, Hani ibn Urwa and al-Mukhtar beside it. Kumayl ibn Ziyad lies between Najaf and Kufa.

  1. Stop 7: Shrine of Kumayl ibn Ziyad

    مرقد كميل بن زياد

    • 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. Read the guide to Shrine of Kumayl ibn Ziyad

  2. Stop 8: Great Mosque of Kufa

    مسجد الكوفة المعظم

    • Kufa Mosque: 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. Read the guide to Great Mosque of Kufa
    • Muslim ibn Aqil: 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. Read the guide to Shrine of Muslim ibn Aqil (AS)
    • Hani ibn Urwa: The resting place of Hani ibn Urwa, who sheltered Muslim ibn Aqil, Imam Hussain’s (AS) envoy, and was killed in Kufa in 60 AH. It is beside the shrine of Muslim ibn Aqil, within the Great Mosque of Kufa complex. Read the guide to Shrine of Hani ibn Urwa
    • al-Mukhtar: 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. Read the guide to Shrine of al-Mukhtar al-Thaqafi

Day 5: House of Imam Ali and Masjid al-Sahla

The house of Imam Ali (AS) near Kufa Mosque, then Masjid al-Sahla.

  1. Stop 9: House of Imam Ali (AS)

    بيت أمير المؤمنين

  2. Stop 10: Masjid al-Sahla

    مسجد السهلة

    • 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. Read the guide to Masjid al-Sahla

Before you go

  • Durations are suggestions, not schedules. Crowds, especially during Muharram and Arbaeen, can change everything.
  • Opening times, journey times and access rules are not included because they change. Check locally on the day.
  • Follow shrine staff, police and posted entrance instructions.
  • Intercity road journeys vary with traffic and checkpoints. Ask your driver or accommodation on the day, and do not overfill travel days.