Baghdad, Iraq There was once a time when no other city in the world conjured up such an exotic vision of the Islamic world as Baghdad. Dominating the heart of the Tigris-Euphrates Valley at the crossroads of Arabia, Persia, the Holy Land and Turkish Asia, Baghdad was the most magnificent city in the world during its golden age in the 9th and 10th centuries. Baghdad has also … [Read more...]
IMAM HUSSAYN MOSQUE (MASJID IMAM HUSSAYN) & ABBAS MOSQUE (MASJID ABBAS)
Karbala, Iraq The holy sites of the city of Karbala in Iraq are closely tied to those of Najaf, geographically, religiously and historically. Located about halfway between Najaf and Baghdad in Iraq’s Shi’ite corridor, its two great mosques contain the tombs of Hussayn, the third Imam, and his brother Abbas. Because of its close proximity and relationship to the Masjid Imam … [Read more...]
IMAM ALI MOSQUE (MASJID IMAM ALI)
Najaf, Iraq Depending on who you ask, Ali ibn Abu Talib was either the 4th Caliph of Sunni Islam or the 1st Imam of Shi’ite Islam. Either way, he was the last man to rule over the Islamic Caliphate in its entirety. Ali was both a cousin and son-in-law of Mohammed, and a member of the Prophet’s inner circle of followers. His tomb is revered among Shiites, which regard it as … [Read more...]
MAQBARAT AL-BAQI CEMETERY
Medina, Saudi Arabia The Maqbarat Al-Baqi Cemetery in Medina is, along with the Jannatul Mualla Cemetery in Mecca, the most important and famous cemetery in the Islamic world. Also known as the Garden of Heaven, it is home to the gravesites of literally dozens of major personages associated with the early days of Islam. In addition to the many members of the Prophet … [Read more...]
