IRAQ ZIYARAT FACTS
The following items are recommended to take with you if you are very particular, although these
goods are not necessary as most of it is available. I will mark n/a in the list of items not
available.
1. Pillows and Sleeping bags- Useful only at the border and airport if you are spending nights.
2. Long Jones or internal clothes only during winter season. Very Important
3. Rubber or room slippers/ sandals,( mainly for use of going to Harams.)
4. Milk for tea if you do not like fresh milk. (n/a)
5. For infants you must carry the entire foodstuff.
6. Shampoo, soap and shaving kit.
7. Chilly sauce, achaar and tomato ketchup, as you will find the food light. (n/a)
8. Mini trolley can be handy for outside ziyarats.
9. Sweaters and Jackets only during winter seasons. Leather jackets are available
in Iraq for very good value. If you have the need you must buy from Iraq.
For US $ 30 to 50 you can buy excellent leather jackets. This is a good value
for zawwars coming from the west.
10.Use mineral water only, which is available locally.
11.Dua/Ziyarat books. (n/a)
Distances to Iraq and inside Iraq:
Tehran to Kermanshah flight 50 Mins
Kermanshah to Qasre Shireen by road 4 Hours 300 kms
Qasre Shireen to Najaf by road 4 Hours 350 kms
Najaf to Kufa by road 20 mins
Najaf to Kerbala by road 1 Hour 70 kms
Kebala to Kazmain by road 2 Hours 120 kms
Kazmain to Samarra by road 3 Hours 250 kms
ZIYARATS IN IRAQ
KERBALA:
1. Haram of Haz. Imam Hussein A.S. ( Sayyedush - Shohada)
- Within Imam Hussein's zarih (towards the leg side) are the graves of his two sons Haz. Ali
Akber and Haz. Ali Asger.
- Nearby there is a big zarih for Ganj-e-Shahidan where almost all shahids of Kerbala are buried.
- In Rawaq (passage-way) there is a zarih of Habib ibne Mazaher Asadi.
- Qatlagah- The place where Imam Hussein was actually martyred
- Zarih of Ibrahim Mujaab (son of 7th Imam A.S.)
All the above are located inside the shrine and are visible from few steps. After reciting Izne
Dukhul a total of 6 ziyarats are to be recited, Imam Hussein, Haz.Ali Akber, Haz. Ali Asger, Ganje Shahidan, Habib Ibne Mazaher and Ibrahim Mujab. After ziyarats two rakaat namaaz for each
should be recited.
2. Haram of Hazrat Abul Fazlil Abbas A.S.- This is visible from the Haram of Imam Hussein A.S.
and is about 5 minutes walk.
The following are the recommended a'maal for most of the Harams:
Ghusl- ziyarats- 2 rakaat namaaz of hadiye masjid, 2 rakaat namaaz for each ziyarat, Ziyarate
Ashura, Ziyarate Waritha, Ziyarate Mutlaqah, Dua e Alqamah, Namaaz e JaffereTayyar, Namaaze
Shab, Recite as many namaaz as you can as for each rakaat the sawaab is multiplied number of
times, recitation of the holy Quran, Dua e Komail, Ziyarate Jamia Sagheer and Kabeer and most
important of all is the tasbih of Bibi Fatemah (SAW)
Sajdagah's are available in all the harams and most of the outside ziyarats.
3. The following are the ziyarats of different spots in the battlefield. All these spots are at walking
distances from the Haram of Imam Hussein A.S. Allow at least 2 hours to complete all these
ziyarats, which is normally done walking. You will have a picture of the entire battle field, where
the Bani Hashim camped, and the grave of Imam Hussein. To make the following ziyarats (A to
K) comfortable you may carry some water for drinking or performing wuzu.
A. TILLA E ZAINABIYYA- Place where Janabe Zainab A.S. climbed to see Imam Hussein A.S.
when he fell from the horse during the battle and was martyred. Maqam has been built on this
spot where zawars recite 2 rakaat namaaz.
B. KHAIMAGAH: Place where the tents of Imam Hussein A.S. were located. A permanent
structure is built in this spot and 2 rakaat namaaz is recited here.
C. Two different spots where Haz. Abbas A.S. arms were severed.
D. Spot where Imam Hussein A.S. spoke to Umar e Sa'ad ( L)
E. Maqame Haz. Ali Akber- where he fell from the horse
F. Maqame Haz. Ali Asger- where he was martyred by the arrow of Hurmala (L)
G. Maqame Haz. Ali A.S. - where Imam Ali A.S. met Janabe Zainab A.S.
H. Maqame Janabe Fizza
I. Maqame Jaffer-e- Jinn - place where he offered help to Imam Hussein A.S.
J. Maqame Sahibuz- Zamaan A.S. (near river Furat) - It is prominently believed that this is the
place where the horse of Imam Hussein A.S. stopped when he entered Kerbala. It is also
believed that Imam Zamana comes to this spot where a mosque has been built, he offers his
prayers here before going to the Zarih of Imam Hussein. River Furat has now become a touristic
and beauty spot in Kerbala. The water flowing is quite clean. We performed wuzu with that water
and some zawwars take a sip too.
K. Maqam of Imam Jaffar e Sadiq A.S. - A bridge is built on the river Furat, which has to be
crossed to reach this spot which is about 5 mins further walk. There is a small ziyarat to be
recited and two rakaat namaaz is recommended. The caretakers of this area usually provide
special Arabic bread and dates at a small sum. I also had the opportunity to see the room of
Imam Jaffer e Sadiq, which is located on the left of the main entrance, the passage way is
blocked as the caretakers live here. This place is also sometimes known as Bagh e Imam Jafar e
Sadiq A.S. and is famous for its dates.
4. Rauza of Janabe Hurr- This is about 3 miles from the Haram.
5. Rauza of Janabe Awn bin Ali- This is about 7 miles from the Haram
6. Musayyab- This is a town 8 miles from the Haram, the 2 sons of Haz. Muslim bin
Aqeel (Tiflan e Muslim), namely Haz. Mohamed and Haz. Ibrahim are buried here.
The two sons of Haz. Muslim bin Aqeel were killed by Harris(L) after seeking shelter
at his house.
Before leaving Kerbala it is recommended to buy sajdagha's (turbat of Khaqe Kerbala)
You may also purchase Tasbih of Khaaq, Kafans and rings, however the rings can be
purchased from Najaf as Durre Najaf stone is available cheaper in Najaf. I found
a better selection of Aqeeq, Firoza and Hadeed e Theen rings in Kerbala. The other
items you can buy in Kerbala are Musallas, plaques or picture frames with ayaats
or pictures.
Do not forget Ziyarate Wida for all the Harams. Specific Wida ziyarats are mentioned
in Mafatih.
It is very important to note that you have to recite qasr namaaz in all the locations of
Iraq if your stay is less than 10 days at one location, however in Masjide Kufa one
must recite full namaaz and not qasr.
NAJAF-E-ASHRAF
1. Haram of Hazrat Amirul Mo'mineen Imam Ali bin Abi Talib A.S. In the zarih of Imam Ali A.S.
there are also the graves of Haz. Adam and Haz Nuh A.S.
Ziyarat of the above 3 are recited and 2 rakaat namaaz for each should be performed. Other
a'maals and ziyarat as mentioned before for all the Harams.
2. Allama Hilli, Allama Ardabeli are buried within the Haram. Allama Isfahani is buried in the
sahan area. On one side of the Haram Sayed Khui is buried, this access is now blocked. Outside
the Haram (from Bab e Qibla) there is Masjid e Hind where Sayed Mohsin Hakim is buried.
3. Wadius-Salaam ( this is a huge graveyard):
The following graves can be located here. It is every momin's wish to be buried in this Graveyard
as this is one of the best places to be buried in. Zawars usually make a small mark inside this
graveyard and make a copy of their own graves.
a. Mazaar of Haz. Hood A.S.
b. Mazaar of Haz. Saleh A.S.
c. Makame Haz. Imam Zainul Abedin A.S.
d. Makame Haz Hujjat Sahebuz Zamaan A.S.
4. Masjide Sa'asa ibne Sauhan and Masjide Zayd.:It is highly recommended to perform ziyarat of
this mosque as Haz Ali A.S. himself has prayed in this mosque.
5. Masjide Hannana - This mosque is located between Najaf and Kufa. The pillars of this mosque
bowed down when Imam Ali's janaza passed near it on its way from Kufa to Najaf for burial. It is
also believed that after the events of Kerbala, the 4th Imam, the ladies and children were made
to wait at this mosque before entering Kufa. In the middle of the mosque is a small zarih where
the skin of Imam Hussein's face is buried after it was peeled by Khuli,(L) who was one of the
Yazid's(L) soldiers who used to carry Imam's head on the spear.
6. Rauza of Janabe Kumail (whom Imam Ali A.S. taught Dua-e-Kumail). This is rauza is located
between Najaf and Kufa. Komail was one of the ashaabsOf Imam Ali A.S., recommended to
recite ziyarat, 2 rakaat namaaz and Dua e Komail.
KUFA
1. Masjide Kufa- This is a very revered mosque with plenty of historic spots of various Prophets
and Imams. Refer Mafatih for special a'maals and duas for this mosque.
a- Mehrab e Ibadat- where Imam Ali A.S. was martyred
b- Courtroom of Imam Ali A.S. (Dakkatul Qazaa)
c- Rauza of Muslim bin Aqeel bin Abutalib
d- Rauza of Mukhtar e Thaqafi
e- Rauza of Hani bin Urwa (the host of Muslim bin Aqeel)
f- Maqam (Musallas) of several prophets.
g- Tanoor from where Tufaan e Nooh started (in the center of compound)
It is highly recommended to recite jamaat namaaz in this mosque. There is a great sawaab to
recite as many namaaz as one can in this mosque. Do not miss the opportunity to recite nafelah
namaaz, do not forget to recite the tasbih of Bibi Fatemah here and at all the other ziyarats. It is
recommended when you go for ziyarats you must have a tasbih in your hands and continuously
recite any zikr of Allah. Do not forget marhooms, you may recite 2 rakaat namaaz for all
marhoomins, 2 rakaat namaaz of shukr, 2 rakaat namaaz of hajat that you should get another
opportunity to visit this sacred mosque. Repeat similar a'maals for Masjid e Sahla. These two are
very important ziyarats. Please note, full namaaz has to be recited in Masjide Kufa (not qasr)
2. Rauza of Janabe Khadijatul Sugra binte Imam Ali- Opposite of Masjide Kufa She is the sister of
Haz Abbas.
3. House of Imam Ali A.S. where he was also given Ghusl and Kafan. Inside the house there is a
water-well which Imam Ali had dug.
One is allowed to go inside this house, do not forget to take your cameras, this is a sad but an
eventful site. There are separate rooms of the Imam Ali's A.S. family including a well within the
house. You may drink or perform wuzu with this water. Some zawwars buy a small plastic
container and collect the water from this well. Plastic containers are available outside.
4. Rauza of Maytham e Tammar- The companion of Imam Ali whose tongue, hands and legs
were cut followed by hanging, when he achieved martyrdom.
5. Masjide Sahla- This is a very revered mosque with plenty of historical spots of various
Prophets and Imams. Very similar to Masjid e Kufa. Again refer the Mafatih for special a'maals
and duas for different places. Some important spots are Maqam of 4th, 6th and 12th Imam.
Maqam of H. Ibrahim, H.Idris H.Khizr and Maqame Saleh. It is higly recommended to perform
a'maals on Tuesday night, Jamaat Namaaz is usually performed here. We were lucky enough to
recite maghrib prayers which was led by the grand son of Ayatollah Mohsin Hakeem.
6. Maqam of Haz. Yunus- near river Furat where he came out of the fish belly.
HILLA
This is a small town between Kufa and Najaf. The following 6 ziyarats can be performed.
1. Mazar of Janab Hamza - grandson of Hazrat Abbas
2. Mazar of Janab Zaid e Shahid - son of 4th Imam
3. Mazar of Janab Qasim - son of 7th Imam
4. Mazar of Prophet Ayyub, Danyal and Dhulkifl
5. Maqam of Sahebuz Zamaan A.S.
6. Masjide Raddush shams - where Imam Ali made the sun return as his namaaz
was getting kazaa
KAZMAIN AND BAGHDAD
It is highly recommended to perform ziyarat of 7th and 9th imam here in Kazmain. The sawaab
for performing ziyarat is equivalent to the ziyarat
in Madina and other Imams ziyarat. Refer to Haram a'maal mentioned before and follow the
same procedure. Refer Mafatih for specific ziyarats in Kazmain.
1. Rauza of 7th and 9th Imam in Kazmain. Both the imams are nearby.
2. Mazar of Sh. Mufid and Sh. Toosi. (inside the Haram in Kazmain)
3. Mazar of Sy. Murtaza and Sy. Razi (Outside Haram - 2/3 mins walk)
4. Masjide Buraathaa- Between Kazmain and Baghdad (several Prophets have recited namaaz in
this mosque, including Imam Ali A.S.)
5. Mazar of Uthman Bin Saeed- 1st Naeb of 12th Imam. (In Baghdad near Postoffice)
6. Mazar of Mohamed Bin Uthman- 2nd Naeb of 12th Imam. (In Baghdad in Babush Shaikh.
7. Mazar of Ali bin Mohamed Samary- 4th Naeb of 12th Imam (In Baghdad in Suq ul Harraj)
8. Mazar of Hussein Bin Rawh - 3rd Naeb of 12th Imam ( In Baghdad in Suq ul Atateer)
9. Mazar of Qamber - servant of Imam Ali A.S. This is in Baghdad in Bazaar e Qamber.
10. The wall in which Haroon Rashid (L)buried many Sadaat alive.
This is in Baghdad on the north of bridge on the corner of river Dajla
MADAEN
1. Rauza of Salman e Farsi (Close companion of Imam Ali A.S)
2. Mazar of Huzaifa e Yamaani
3. Mazar of Jabir ibne Abdullah Ansaari
4. Taak e Kisra- This is the palace of Nausherwan. On the birth of Prophet Mohamed (SAW) in
Mecca this huge palace developed cracks on its
walls. Also the "holy fire" they used to worship, which was lit for centuries went off.
SAMARRAH
It is highly recommended to perform ziyarats of 10th an 11th Imam here. There is great sawaab
to perform a'maal inside the Haram. Follow the same procedure for a'maal of Haram. Refer
Mafatih for specific ziyarats of Samarrah for 10th and 11th Imams respectively.
1. Rauza - e - Askariyyan: The Rauza of 10th Imam, 11th Imam, Bibi Halima
Khatoon (sister of 11th Imam) and Bibi Nargis Khatoon (mother of 12th Imam)
2. Sardaab (cellar) where 12th Imam went into Ghaibat (Occultation)
3. The palace of Mo'tamid (L) where 10th and 11th Imam were imprisoned.
One must see the prison to imagine the torture that Imams endured.
4. The spiral mosque- huge mosque built during the time of Mo'atamid (L)
5. Rauza of Sayed Mohamed - son of 10th Imam in Balad ( On the way from
Kazmain to Samarrah.
For any suggestion, proposal, errors or comments, please contact,
Hasnain Khimji
Box 5741 Dubai
UAE
Tel: Off : +9714 8814786 Cell: +97150 6253025
Fax: +9714 8812786
Email: hasnain@modestcompany.com