Holy Shrine of Imam Husayn (Sayyid ash-Shuhada)
Holy Shrine of Imam Husayn (Sayyid ash-Shuhada)
Ahl al-Bayt SilsilaEst. 680 CE (7th Century CE (1st Century AH))100% Scholarly Verified
العتبة الحسينية المقدسة - كربلاء المشرفةروضۂ اقدس سید الشہداء حضرت امام حسین علیہ السلام

Holy Shrine of Imam Husayn (Sayyid ash-Shuhada)

Sayyid ash-Shuhada • Aba Abdillah • Rayhanat al-Rasool

Between the Two Holy Shrines (Bayn al-Haramayn), Karbala, Karbala, Iraq

Historical Overview & Significance

The sacred burial place of Imam Husayn ibn Ali (RA), grandson of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who stood steadfast against tyranny at the Battle of Karbala in 61 AH (680 CE).

Detailed Historical Chronicle & Foundations

Imam Husayn was martyred on 10th Muharram (Ashura) 61 AH on the plains of Karbala along with 72 faithful companions and family members. His sacrifice remains the universal symbol of moral courage and resistance against injustice across all Islamic schools of thought. The shrine has been rebuilt across successive eras, notably under the Buwayhids, Safavids, and modern Waqf authorities.
Architectural Style: Mesopotamian-Safavid Imperial Sanctuary with Twin Gold Minarets and Inlaid Mirror Halls

Associated Saints, Masters & Scholars

Imam Husayn ibn Ali

الإمام الحسين بن علي بن أبي طالبحضرت امام حسین علیہ السلام

Sayyid ash-ShuhadaAba AbdillahSibt al-Rasool
Passed: 61 AH (680 CE)
Master: Prophet Muhammad Mustapha ﷺ

Beloved grandson of the Holy Prophet ﷺ of whom the Messenger said: "Husayn is from me and I am from Husayn; may Allah love whoever loves Husayn." (Sunan at-Tirmidhi 3775).

Distinguished Disciples: Imam Ali Zayn al-Abidin • Sayyidah Zaynab bint Ali • Abbas ibn Ali

Primary Classical Chronicles & Source Citations

Zero Inventions
Classical WorkAuthor / CompilerLanguageVerification Standard
Al-Kamil fi al-TarikhVolume 4, pp. 40-95Ibn al-Athir al-JazariArabicPrimary Classical Chronicle
Annual Urs Mubarak20-20 Safar

Ashura & Arbaeen Pilgrimage Commemorations

The largest annual peaceful human gathering on earth (Arbaeen Walk), where over 20 million pilgrims walk on foot from Najaf to Karbala receiving free hospitality from roadside Mawkibs.

Season: Autumn
Annual Attendance: 21,000,000+ pilgrims

Visiting Guidelines & Adab

Visiting HoursOpen 24 Hours continuously every day
Best Time to VisitEarly dawn hours and late evening
Dress Code RequirementsChador strictly required for female visitors; conservative attire for men.
Langar & Niaz (Free Food)Shrine dining halls and the surrounding Bayn al-Haramayn serve free hot meals to hundreds of thousands round the clock.

Sacred Etiquette:

  • Walk through Bayn al-Haramayn connecting the shrines of Imam Husayn and Hazrat Abbas with solemn dignity.
  • Recite the classical Ziyarat Warith with deep contemplation upon entering.
  • Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas and send blessings upon the Ahl al-Bayt and martyrs.

Geographic Specifications

Latitude: 32.6160°N
Longitude: 44.0324°E
Altitude: 30 meters ASL
Airport: Al Najaf International Airport (NJF) - 80 km