Iraq Ziyarat: A Sacred Pilgrimage to the Heart of Shia Islam

Iraq is the spiritual heartland of Shia Islam, a land sanctified by the footsteps, sacrifices, and legacies of the Ahlul Bayt (the family of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ). For Shia pilgrims, the journey of Iraq Ziyarat is not just a visit—it’s a profound act of devotion, remembrance, and renewal of faith. As one steps onto Iraqi soil, a sacred atmosphere envelops the soul: the call of the Adhan echoing through ancient cities, the scent of oud and rosewater near the shrines, and the sight of millions of hearts beating in unison with love for the Imams. This is a journey that awakens spiritual longing and connects pilgrims with centuries of faith, martyrdom, and resistance.

The holiest sites for Shia pilgrims in Iraq include the majestic shrines of Imam Ali (عليه السلام) in Najaf, Imam Husayn (عليه السلام) and Hazrat Abbas (عليه السلام) in Karbala, and the twin Imams Musa al-Kadhim (عليه السلام) and Muhammad al-Jawad (عليه السلام) in Kadhimiya. Pilgrims flock to Samarra as well, home to the sacred shrine of Imam Ali al-Hadi (عليه السلام) and Imam Hasan al-Askari (عليه السلام), along with the cellar associated with the occultation of Imam Mahdi (عجل الله تعالى فرجه الشريف). Each shrine is a beacon of light, a sanctuary where prayers ascend, tears flow, and hearts seek nearness to Allah through the love of His chosen ones.

To walk between Najaf and Karbala during the Arbaeen pilgrimage is among the most humbling and spiritually charged experiences a believer can have. Millions of pilgrims, from all corners of the globe, march together in honor of Imam Husayn’s ultimate sacrifice, chanting “Labbayk Ya Husayn” with every step. Along the way, they are embraced by the extraordinary generosity of the Iraqi people, who serve the Zuwar with selfless love, offering food, shelter, and heartfelt prayers.

Beyond the grand shrines, Iraq Ziyarat also includes visits to the graves of companions, scholars, and martyrs, such as Salman al-Farsi, Maytham al-Tammar, and Hani ibn Urwah, each holding a story that deepens the pilgrim’s understanding of loyalty, piety, and steadfastness in faith. The cities themselves—Najaf, Karbala, Kadhimiya, and Samarra—carry centuries of Islamic knowledge, poetry, and resistance.

From the silent prayers whispered at Imam Ali’s tomb to the powerful emotions stirred in Karbala’s sands, Iraq Ziyarat is a transformative journey. It strengthens identity, renews one’s commitment to justice and truth, and leaves a lasting imprint on the soul—a pilgrimage not only to sacred places, but into the very core of one’s spiritual being.