Sacred Sites of Iraq

Imam Ali’s Step Mosque, Basra

Imam Ali’s Step Mosque in Basra is a revered site for Shia Muslims, believed to mark the spot where Imam Ali, the first Shia Imam and fourth Sunni Caliph, once stepped. The mosque, though simple in its architecture, holds deep spiritual significance, attracting pilgrims who seek to connect with Imam Ali's legacy and offer prayers.

Maqam of Zaid bin Ali, Kafel

The Maqam of Zaid bin Ali in Kafel is a shrine dedicated to Zaid bin Ali, the grandson of Imam Hussein. It is a place of pilgrimage for Shia Muslims, who honor Zaid bin Ali for his uprising against the Umayyad Caliphate. The site is a reminder of his courage and dedication to justice.

Maqam Sahib Alzaman (12th Imam), Karbala

The Maqam Sahib Alzaman in Karbala is a site associated with the twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, who is believed by Shia Muslims to be in occultation and will reappear at the end of time. It is a place of prayer and anticipation, where devotees seek the Imam's intercession and await his return.

Mausoleum of 1st Imam Ali bin Abu Talib, Najaf

The Mausoleum of Imam Ali bin Abu Talib in Najaf is one of the most sacred sites for Shia Muslims. It houses the tomb of Imam Ali, the first Shia Imam and fourth Sunni Caliph. The magnificent shrine, with its golden dome and intricate tilework, attracts millions of pilgrims annually, making Najaf a central hub of Shia devotion.

Mausoleum of Abbas (brother of Imam Hussein), Karbala

The Mausoleum of Abbas in Karbala is dedicated to Abbas ibn Ali, the brother of Imam Hussein. He is revered for his loyalty and bravery during the Battle of Karbala. The shrine, with its striking architecture and spiritual atmosphere, is a place of mourning and remembrance for Shia Muslims.

Mausoleum of Abd Alqadir Gilani, Baghdad

The Mausoleum of Abd Alqadir Gilani in Baghdad is a significant site for Sufi Muslims. Abd Alqadir Gilani was a renowned Sufi saint and the founder of the Qadiriyya order. The shrine is a place of pilgrimage and spiritual reflection, attracting devotees who seek his blessings and guidance.

Mausoleum of Alhasan Albasri, Basra

The Mausoleum of Alhasan Albasri in Basra honors Al-Hasan al-Basri, a prominent early Islamic theologian and mystic. His tomb is respected by both Sunni and Shia Muslims, who recognize his contributions to Islamic thought and spirituality. It is a place of contemplation and learning.

Mausoleum of Alqasim bin Musa Alkadim, Al Qasim

The Mausoleum of Alqasim bin Musa Alkadim in Al Qasim is a revered shrine dedicated to Al-Qasim, the son of the seventh Shia Imam, Musa al-Kadhim. It is a place of pilgrimage for Shia Muslims, who honor Al-Qasim's piety and devotion.

Mausoleum of Ezekiel, Kafel

The Mausoleum of Ezekiel in Kafel is a site of historical and religious significance for both Jews and Muslims. The tomb of the Prophet Ezekiel, known as Dhul-Kifl in Islam, is a place of prayer and remembrance, reflecting the shared heritage of the Abrahamic faiths.

Mausoleum of Hamzah Algharbi, Diwnyia

The Mausoleum of Hamzah Algharbi in Diwnyia is a shrine dedicated to Hamzah Al-Gharbi, a figure revered by Shia Muslims. It is a place of pilgrimage and devotion, where devotees seek blessings and offer prayers.

Mausoleum of Hamzah Alsharqi, Diwnyia

The Mausoleum of Hamzah Alsharqi in Diwnyia is another shrine dedicated to a figure named Hamzah, in this case Hamzah Al-Sharqi, also revered by Shia Muslims. Like its counterpart, it is a place of pilgrimage and devotion.

Mausoleum of Imam Hussein, Karbala

The Mausoleum of Imam Hussein in Karbala is the holiest site for Shia Muslims after Najaf. It houses the tomb of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was martyred in the Battle of Karbala. The magnificent shrine, with its golden dome and elaborate decorations, is a center of mourning and remembrance.

Mausoleum of Maytham Altammar, Kufa, Najaf

The Mausoleum of Maytham Altammar in Kufa, near Najaf, honors Maytham al-Tammar, a loyal companion of Imam Ali. His tomb is a place of pilgrimage and respect for Shia Muslims, who remember his unwavering devotion and martyrdom.

Mausoleum of Prophet Job, Hillah

The Mausoleum of Prophet Job in Hillah is a site revered by Muslims, Christians, and Jews. The tomb of Prophet Job, known as Ayyub in Islam, is a place of prayer and reflection, symbolizing patience and faith in the face of adversity.

Mausoleum of Sayed Ibrahim, Najaf

The Mausoleum of Sayed Ibrahim in Najaf is a shrine dedicated to Sayed Ibrahim, a figure revered by Shia Muslims. It is a place of pilgrimage and devotion, where devotees seek blessings and offer prayers.

Mausoleum of Sayyid Muhammad, Balad, Samarra

The Mausoleum of Sayyid Muhammad in Balad, near Samarra, honors Sayyid Muhammad, the son of Imam Ali al-Hadi and brother of Imam Hasan al-Askari. It is a significant pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims, who respect his lineage and piety.

Mausoleums of 10th Imam Ali Alhadi and 11th Imam Hasan Alaskari, Samarra

The Mausoleums of Imam Ali al-Hadi and Imam Hasan al-Askari in Samarra are highly revered sites for Shia Muslims. These shrines house the tombs of the tenth and eleventh Shia Imams. The Al-Askari Mosque, with its golden dome, is a central hub of Shia devotion.

Mausoleums of Muslim bin Aqil, Hani bin Urwa and Almukhtar, Kufa Mosque, Najaf

These Mausoleums, located within the Kufa Mosque in Najaf, honor Muslim bin Aqil, Hani bin Urwa, and Al-Mukhtar al-Thaqafi. These figures played significant roles in the events surrounding the martyrdom of Imam Hussein. Their tombs are places of pilgrimage and remembrance.

Monastery of Mar Behnam, Iraq

The Monastery of Mar Behnam is an ancient Assyrian Christian monastery located near Mosul. It is a significant site for Assyrian Christians, who have maintained a continuous presence in the region. The monastery is a place of prayer and reflection, reflecting the long history of Christianity in Iraq.

Residence of the 12th Imam Muhammad Almahdi, Sahla Mosque, Najaf

The Sahla Mosque in Kufa, near Najaf, is believed by Shia Muslims to be the residence of the twelfth Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, during his reappearance. It is a place of prayer and anticipation, where devotees await the Imam's return.

Sahlah Mosque, Kufa

The Sahlah Mosque in Kufa is one of the oldest and most revered mosques in Islam. It is believed to have been a place of prayer for several prophets and Imams. The mosque holds a special place in Shia tradition, associated with the twelfth Imam.

Shrine of Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Gilani, Akre, Kurdistan, Iraq

The Shrine of Sheikh Abdul Aziz al-Gilani in Akre, Kurdistan, is a revered site for Sufi Muslims. He was a prominent Sufi saint, and his shrine is a place of pilgrimage and spiritual reflection, attracting devotees who seek his blessings and guidance.

St. Matthew’s Monastery, Mosul, Kurdistan, Iraq

St. Matthew’s Monastery, located near Mosul in Iraqi Kurdistan, is one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the world. It is a significant site for Assyrian Christians, who have maintained a continuous presence in the region. The monastery is a place of prayer and reflection, reflecting the long history of Christianity in Iraq.

The Ziggurat of Ur, Nasiriyah

The Ziggurat of Ur, located near Nasiriyah, is an ancient Sumerian temple complex. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the oldest and most well-preserved ziggurats in Mesopotamia. The site is a testament to the region's rich history and architectural achievements.

Yazidi shrine of Sheikh Adi bin Musafir, Lalish

The Yazidi shrine of Sheikh Adi bin Musafir in Lalish is the central pilgrimage site for Yazidis. It houses the tomb of Sheikh Adi, a pivotal figure in their religion. The shrine, set within the picturesque Lalish valley, is a sacred space where Yazidis perform religious rituals and gather for important festivals. Its unique architecture and spiritual atmosphere are integral to Yazidi identity.

For excellent assistance in arranging escorted visits to the sacred sites of Iraq contact Adam Jebrin at Alwaseilah Tours, with offices in both the United Kingdom and Iraq. Visit www.alwaseilahtours.com or contact Adam at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..