About
The Imam Ali Holy Shrine stands in Najaf, Iraq, on Al-Rasool Street, in the city's Najaf Governorate. It is also known as the Haram of Imam Ali or the Najaf Shrine. The shrine holds the tomb of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, regarded in Shia Islam as its first Imam, and it is among the holiest sites in the faith.
Why people come
For Shia Muslims, the shrine is a place of pilgrimage, and it draws millions of visitors each year. Many come to pray at the tomb, to mark religious occasions, or simply to spend time in a setting that matters deeply to them. Visitors who are not Muslim may also come to see the site as a major centre of Shia religious life, but should keep in mind that it is first and foremost a place of worship.
Planning a visit
- Location: Al-Rasool Street, Najaf, Iraq.
- Contact: +964 33 334455.
- Atmosphere: a devotional place, so quiet, modest dress and respectful behaviour are expected.
- Crowds: the shrine is busiest during pilgrimage periods, when large numbers of visitors arrive.
Because the shrine is so central to the city, a visit fits naturally into a wider look at Najaf, whose streets and religious life grow up around it. Checking with the contact number before travelling is sensible, especially for current arrangements and any restrictions on access.
