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Ziyarat Guide

Shrine · Baghdad (Kadhimiya)

Shrine of al-Kadhimayn

Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (as), the seventh and ninth Imams

The shrine in Kadhimiya, in the north of Baghdad, where Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) and his grandson Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (as) are buried. Al-Shaykh al-Mufid and Nasir al-Din al-Tusi are among the scholars also buried here.

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The illuminated shrine façade at night, with a tiled golden entrance arch between two tall gold minarets
The shrine of al-Kadhimayn at night.

Visitor guide

Significance

Historical record

Imam Musa al-Kadhim (as) was buried in a cemetery founded by the Abbasid caliph al-Mansur and known as the graves of Quraysh. In 220 AH Imam Muhammad al-Jawad (as) was buried beside his grandfather, which is why the shrine is called al-Kadhimayn, “the two Kadhims”. [WikiShia]

Historical record

Al-Shaykh al-Mufid, Ibn Qulawayh and Khwaja Nasir al-Din al-Tusi are among the scholars buried in the shrine. [WikiShia]

Before you go

Historical record

The complex covers more than 26,000 square metres, with a main courtyard, porticoes, the rawda, minarets and dome. It is known for its mirror work, tilework, gilding and calligraphy. It was rebuilt many times, notably under the Safavid Shah Ismaʿil I. [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

The shrine is in Kadhimiya, in the north of Baghdad, close to the Tigris. [WikiShia]

  • Golden domes and minarets above the shrine walls by day, with visitors in the courtyard
    The domes and minarets by day.
  • Visitors crossing the lit marble courtyard at night towards the gilded façade
    The courtyard at night.
  • A busy lit street lined with shops at night, leading towards a shrine gateway
    The street approach to the shrine at night.

Visit nearby

  • A large golden dome and two minarets above the shrine walls, with visitors crossing a marble courtyard under a cloudy sky

    Shrine · Samarra

    Shrine of al-Askariyyayn

    The shrine in Samarra where Imam Ali al-Hadi (as) and his son Imam Hasan al-Askari (as) are buried, in what was their home. Narjis, mother of Imam al-Mahdi (ajtf), and Hakima, daughter of Imam al-Jawad (as), are also buried here. The dome was destroyed in bombings in 2006 and 2007 and has since been rebuilt.

    Summary only, full guide coming

Sources

Written by A humble human

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