Ahl al-Bayt SilsilaEst. 682 CE (7th Century CE (1st Century AH))100% Scholarly Verified
مسجد ومقام السيدة زينب رضي الله عنها بالقاهرة • مسجد و مزار سیدہ زینب بنت علی قاہرہ مصر
Mosque and Shrine of Sayyidah Zaynab (RA)
Umm Hashim • Aqilat Bani Hashim (The Wise Woman of Banu Hashim)
Midan Sayyida Zeinab, Al-Sayeda Zeinab District, Cairo, Egypt
Historical Overview & Significance
The venerated sanctuary in historic Cairo commemorating Sayyidah Zaynab, daughter of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib and Sayyidatuna Fatima al-Zahra, and granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Detailed Historical Chronicle & Foundations
Sayyidah Zaynab was the heroic witness of the Tragedy of Karbala, renowned for her eloquence before Yazid in Damascus, defending the family of the Prophet. According to classical Egyptian historical tradition recorded by Al-Ubaydli and Ibn Tulun, she relocated to Egypt upon invitation of its governor Masrur ibn Abd al-Aziz and lived in the palace that now forms the site of her grand mosque in Cairo, passing away in 62 AH. The mosque was magnificently restored during the Ottoman era and expanded under modern Egyptian architectural auspices.
Architectural Style: Mamluk & Ottoman Revival Architecture with Intricate Brass and Silver Maqsurah
Associated Saints, Masters & Scholars
Sayyidah Zaynab bint Ali
السيدة زينب بنت علي بن أبي طالب رضي الله عنهما • سیدہ زینب بنت علی علیہ السلام
Aqilat Bani HashimUmm HashimSahibat al-Diwan
Passed: 62 AH (682 CE)
Master: Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib
Daughter of Hazrat Ali and Sayyida Fatima, granddaughter of the Prophet ﷺ, lioness of Karbala and beloved patroness of Egypt.
Primary Classical Chronicles & Source Citations
Zero Inventions| Classical Work | Author / Compiler | Language | Verification Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Akhbar al-Zaynabatpp. 12-45 | Al-Ubaydli al-Aqiqi | Arabic | Primary Classical Chronicle |
| Al-Khitat al-Tawfiqiyya al-JadidaVol. 5, Account of Mashhad Sayyida Zaynab | Ali Pasha Mubarak | Arabic | Primary Classical Chronicle |
Annual Urs Mubarak15-22 Rajab
Mawlid of Sayyidah Zaynab
Nightly Inshad (devotional chanting) by legendary munshidin, communal meals (Mawa’id al-Rahman), Sufi Dhikr circles, and spiritual parades.
Season: Winter / Spring
Annual Attendance: 1,000,000+ Egyptian and international pilgrims
Visiting Guidelines & Adab
Visiting HoursOpen daily from 4:30 AM (Fajr) to 11:00 PM
Best Time to VisitEarly morning or between Maghrib and Isha
Dress Code RequirementsStrict Islamic dress code; abayas and head coverings available at entrance.
Langar & Niaz (Free Food)Daily free food distribution by charitable waqfs across the neighborhood.
Sacred Etiquette:
- Complete reverence for the noble Ahl al-Bayt.
- Proper Islamic hijab for women and modest attire for men.
- Shoe check-in at the entrance.
Geographic Specifications
Latitude: 30.0305°N
Longitude: 31.2394°E
Altitude: 28 meters ASL
Airport: Cairo International Airport (CAI) - 20 km