Imam Husayn Shrine

Overview

The Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala, Iraq, contains the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. The shrine is one of the holiest sites in Islam and the destination of the Arbaeen (Arabic for "forty") pilgrimage, during which millions walk from Najaf to Karbala over several days. In 2025, over 22 million pilgrims were recorded entering Karbala during the Arbaeen period.

Present

The shrine is administered by its General Secretariat, which oversees religious services, maintenance, and pilgrimage logistics. Daily prayers, religious lectures, and Quranic recitations take place throughout the year.

The shrine receives the most pilgrims during Muharram and Safar (the first two months of the Islamic calendar, a period of mourning and remembrance in Islam). The two main commemorations are Ashura (the 10th of Muharram, the anniversary of Husayn's death) and Arbaeen (40 days later), which marks the end of the mourning period. During Arbaeen, millions of pilgrims walk the 80 kilometres from Najaf to Karbala, supported by thousands of volunteer stations providing food, water, and shelter along the route.

Nearby is the Shrine of Abbas, the half-brother of Husayn who died alongside him. The two shrines are connected by a wide avenue and are typically visited together.

Religious Significance

Husayn ibn Ali was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the son of Ali ibn Abi Talib, whose tomb in nearby Najaf is one of Islam's holiest sites. In 680 CE, Husayn was killed at Karbala during a dispute over the leadership of the Muslim community. His death became one of the most significant events in Islamic history.

Pilgrims visit the shrine to pay respects at Husayn's tomb, perform prayers, and participate in mourning rituals. The annual Arbaeen walk from Najaf to Karbala is an expression of devotion to Husayn and is considered to be one of the largest annual religious gatherings in the world.

History & Structure

In 680 CE, Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, travelled to Karbala with a small group of followers during a dispute over the leadership of the Muslim community. On 10 October, he and most of his companions were killed. A mosque was first built over his grave in 684 CE. The site was destroyed and rebuilt repeatedly over the centuries as successive rulers alternately supported and suppressed pilgrimage to Karbala.

The current structure dates to the 19th century. The golden dome rises 27 metres and the shrine has two minarets. The complex contains the tomb chamber, a large courtyard, and rooms used for study and gathering. The shrine also contains the graves of Husayn's two sons and 72 companions who died alongside him.

Resources

• Wikipedia: Imam Husayn Shrine
• Book: After the Prophet by Lesley Hazleton (2009)