General Islamic Heritage SilsilaEst. 820 CE (9th–13th Century CE (3rd–7th Century AH))100% Scholarly Verified
مسجد وقبة الإمام الشافعي بالقاهرة • مسجد و مزار امام محمد بن ادریس شافعی رحمة الله عليه، قاہرہ
Mosque and Mausoleum of Imam Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i
Nasir al-Sunnah • Mujaddid al-Qarn al-Thani • Founder of Shafi'i Madhhab
Imam Shafi'i Square, Al-Khalifa Cemetery, Historic Cairo, Cairo, Egypt
Historical Overview & Significance
The sacred resting place of Imam Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i (RA), founder of the Shafi'i school of Islamic jurisprudence, pioneer of Usul al-Fiqh (legal methodology), and master Qurayshi scholar.
Detailed Historical Chronicle & Foundations
Born in Gaza in 150 AH, Imam al-Shafi'i studied under Imam Malik in Madinah and scholars in Baghdad before migrating to Egypt in 198 AH. He established his "New School" (Al-Madhhab al-Jadid) and dictated his monumental Kitab al-Umm and Al-Risala. Passed away in Cairo on the last day of Rajab 204 AH (820 CE). Sultan Salahuddin al-Ayyubi (Saladin) founded the adjacent grand madrasa, and Sultan Al-Kamil built the majestic dome over his grave in 1211 CE.
Architectural Style: Ayyubid Leaded Wooden Dome (the Largest in Egypt) with Intricate Teak Cenotaph & Kufic Calligraphy
Associated Saints, Masters & Scholars
Imam Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i
أبو عبد الله محمد بن إدريس الشافعي المطلبي القرشي • امام محمد بن ادریس شافعی
Nasir al-HadithImam al-FuqahaMujaddid
Passed: 204 AH (820 CE)
Master: Imam Malik ibn Anas & Sufyan ibn Uyaynah
Author of the earliest treatise on Islamic jurisprudence principles (Al-Risala), master linguist, and devoted lover of the Prophet's Ahl al-Bayt.
Seminal Works: Al-Risala (Foundations of Jurisprudence) • Kitab al-Umm • Diwan al-Imam al-Shafi'i
Distinguished Disciples: Ahmad ibn Hanbal • Al-Muzani • Al-Buwayti
Primary Classical Chronicles & Source Citations
Zero Inventions| Classical Work | Author / Compiler | Language | Verification Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tabaqat al-Shafi'iyya al-KubraVolume 1, pp. 100-145 (Life and Passing in Egypt) | Taj al-Din al-Subki | Arabic | Primary Classical Chronicle |
Annual Urs Mubarak28-30 Rajab
Commemoration of Imam al-Shafi'i
Lectures by Al-Azhar University scholars on comparative Islamic jurisprudence, recitation of classical Shafi'i poetry, and Quranic recitations.
Season: Winter
Annual Attendance: 100,000+ pilgrims
Visiting Guidelines & Adab
Visiting HoursOpen daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Best Time to VisitMorning after sunrise when light illuminates the Ayyubid wooden domes
Dress Code RequirementsModest respectful clothing.
Langar & Niaz (Free Food)Community food distributions on Friday afternoons.
Sacred Etiquette:
- Recite Surah Al-Fatiha and pray for the elevation of the great Mujtahid.
- Reflect upon the woodcarvings and Ayats inscribed around the Ayubid teak cenotaph.
Geographic Specifications
Latitude: 30.0194°N
Longitude: 31.2581°E
Altitude: 25 meters ASL
Airport: Cairo International Airport (CAI) - 20 km