Destinations Guide
A Pilgrim's Guide to the Holy Cities of Iraq & Iran
Understanding the spiritual and historical significance of each city enriches the Ziyarat experience. Here is a detailed guide to every destination covered in our packages.
Republic of Iraq
The Holy Cities of Iraq
The Land of Imam Hussain (A.S.)
Karbala
Karbala is the city where Imam Hussain (A.S.), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.W.), was martyred along with 72 companions on the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH. The twin shrines of Imam Hussain (A.S.) and his brother Hazrat Abbas (A.S.) are among the most visited pilgrimage sites in the world.
Key Ziyarat Sites
- Holy Shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S.)
- Holy Shrine of Hazrat Abbas (A.S.)
- Khaimgah (site of the tent camp)
- Tal-e-Zainabiyya
- Maqam of Imam Mahdi (A.T.F.S.)
- Shrine of Hazrat Hur ibn Yazid
The City of Imam Ali (A.S.)
Najaf
Najaf is one of the holiest cities in Shia Islam, home to the magnificent shrine of Imam Ali (A.S.), the first Shia Imam. It is also a major centre of Islamic scholarship, housing the Hawza Ilmiyya (seminary) and the world's largest cemetery, Wadi-us-Salaam.
Key Ziyarat Sites
- Holy Shrine of Imam Ali (A.S.)
- Masjid-e-Kufa (where Imam Ali A.S. was struck)
- Masjid-e-Sahla
- Wadi-us-Salaam cemetery
- Masjid-e-Hanana
- House of Imam Ali (A.S.) in Kufa
The Shrine of Two Imams
Kazmain
Located in Baghdad, Kazmain houses the shrines of the 7th Imam, Musa al-Kadhim (A.S.), and the 9th Imam, Muhammad al-Jawad (A.S.). The golden dome of the Kazmain shrine is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Baghdad.
City of the Askari Shrine
Samarra
Samarra contains the shrines of the 10th Imam, Ali al-Hadi (A.S.), and the 11th Imam, Hasan al-Askari (A.S.). It is also the site of the sardab (cellar) associated with the occultation of the 12th Imam, Imam Mahdi (A.T.F.S.). The city also features the famous spiral minaret of the Great Mosque.
Islamic Republic of Iran
The Holy Cities of Iran
City of Imam Reza (A.S.)
Mashhad
Mashhad is the most visited city in Iran, drawing over 20 million pilgrims annually. The Shrine of Imam Reza (A.S.), the 8th Imam, is a vast complex featuring the golden dome, Goharshad Mosque, a museum, a library, and beautiful courtyards. The atmosphere is one of profound devotion and spiritual healing.
City of Hazrat Masuma (S.A.)
Qom
Qom is the religious capital of Iran and home to the Shrine of Hazrat Fatima al-Masuma (S.A.), sister of Imam Reza (A.S.). The city is also renowned for its Islamic seminaries (hawza) and the nearby Masjid-e-Jamkaran, believed to be a site of special significance for Imam Mahdi (A.T.F.S.).
City of Shah Cheragh
Shiraz
Shiraz is a city of poets, gardens, and sacred shrines. The Shah Cheragh shrine, resting place of Ahmad and Muhammad (sons of Imam Musa al-Kadhim A.S.), is famous for its stunning mirror-mosaic interior that creates an effect described as a hall of diamonds. Shiraz also offers the Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, Eram Garden, and the tombs of poets Hafez and Saadi.
Which City Is Calling You?
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