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Meshed Ali

Imam Ali Shrine, also known as Meshed Ali, is one of the holiest sites for the Sufi Muslims, located in Najaf, Iraq. This monument is a center of religious significance and attracts millions of visitors each year, particularly during important Islamic events like Maula Ali Urs (the anniversary of his Wisal) and his birthday (Yaum e Ali), which is marked by a major pilgrimage. 

Etymologyedit

The Imam Ali Shrine is also referred to by several other names due to its historical and religious significance. Some alternative names include Maula Ali Shrine, Imam Ali Mosque, Quba' al-Ali—a name that emphasizes the shrine's status as a sacred place, Roza of Imam Ali, Maqbara Ali—meaning the tomb of Ali, and Meshed Ali, along with other names.

History of Imam Ali Shrine

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After Imam Ali's Wisal, his followers secretly transported his body to a remote location in Najaf, where he was buried. The exact location of his grave remained hidden for a time due to political tensions and the danger of his enemies discovering the site. There are different traditions regarding the discovery of the burial site of Imam Ali; one such is an oral Sufi discourse, “Jawamiul Kalim.” Chishti Sufi saint Hazrat Syed Muhammad Banda Nawaz Gesu Daraz RA is reported to have said, The burial site (Madfan) of Hazrat Imam Ali RA is not the place of his martyrdom (Maqtal). He was not martyred where he is buried today. For Mashhad is far from Koofa, where he attained martyrdom. After the Imam was martyred, both of his noble sons, Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain, performed his Ghusl and Namaz e Janaza. They kept his holy dead body in a hidden place at home out of fear from his enemies (who may have desecrated the body). Late at night, they took the body out of the city and buried him in an unknown area. For years, nobody knew where his grave actually was. Later it was noted that Imam Ja’afar Sadiq RA, during the nights, would go to the desert and sit in a place where he used to talk to some people (souls). When the government came to know of it, it ordered the unearthing of the exact site. As the ground was dug up, three shrines were discovered: the first belonged to Hazrat Adam AS, the second to Hazrat Nooh AS, and the third to Hazrat Ali AS. Thereafter, a tomb was erected over the grave of Imam Ali AS, and thus the place called “Mashhad e Ali” came into existence.[1]

In another famous tradition, according to Islamic scholar Syed Aminul Qadri, out of fear of the enemies, his Jism e athar (body) was taken to a forest outside Kufa in the darkness of the night and buried. The soil was leveled, contrary to what is usually done in a grave, like a camel's hump, which is slightly raised. Nothing was done to identify his grave to the enemies except an undisclosed identification known only to the family members of Imam Ali, fearing if the enemies found out, they would desecrate the sacred body of Imam Ali. The family members used to go there for Ziyarat (pilgrimage). Then for many days, this continued. Finally, the time of Harun Rashid came; during his reign, Hazrat Imam Musa Kazim (may Allah be pleased with him) used to visit there. It is said that during the time of Harun ul Rashid, when he reached near the concealed grave of Imam Ali while chasing a deer for hunting, he saw that there was a smell of musk. When Deer ran forward near the grave, it stopped without being afraid of killing, and Harun's heart was moved by the hunt, meaning he no longer had the desire to hunt. An elderly man was sitting there, so he asked, "Baba, what is the special thing about this forest that the prey are not afraid of the hunter and the hunter does not hunt?" The elderly man said, "Here is the shrine of Muaula Ali. The forest has this atmosphere because of the blessings of this shrine." Harun said, "Can you tell me about that shrine?" He said, "I will tell you, but you will have to sacrifice a hundred camels." Harun promised, so the elderly man informed him about the location of the shrine. Harun said, "People will ask me, 'Who told me about this shrine?' I don't know you. I don't know your name. So who are you?' He said, "I am Khidr (peace be upon him)." And then the Imam Ali Shrine appeared in this way. Later, Imam Musa Kazim was also inquired about it. He confirmed it, saying, "Yes, the shrine of Imam Ali is here, and it was a family tradition to carry on this secret from generation to generation." There is a consensus of scholars that the shrine of Muaula Ali Mushkil Kusha is in the holy city of Najaf-e-Ashraf.[2] So the mazar was discovered in 791. It was rebuilt by Mohamed Al Da’ai, who added a dome in 896. Abi Al Hayjaa Al Hamadani had expanded it for the first time in 929. Adhed Al Dawla Al Dulaimy renovated and expanded it. In the early Islamic period, the site was modest, but it gradually grew in significance, especially after the establishment of the Safavid dynasty in Persia (1501–1736). The Safavids, who were Shia Muslims, took significant steps to enhance and expand the shrine. It is the current architecture that was built by the order of Safi Shah in 1637. In 1743, Nader Shah had ordered gilding the dome and minarets of the shrine. [3]

Interior of Imam Ali Shrineedit

The shrine complex includes a large mosque, courtyards, and numerous buildings surrounding the burial site. The tomb of Imam Ali is located under a golden dome. The zarih is a massive silver lattice that surrounds Imam Ali's tomb, forming the heart of the shrine. It features splendid embellishments with gold and silver, including beautiful writing, arabesques, and floral designs. Pilgrims often touch it with their hands and foreheads as they pray and seek intercession. Over the years, the zarih has been carefully repaired and updated to maintain its beauty and precision, reflecting each era's artistic styles.

Inside the shrine, glass mosaics are arranged to reflect light in every direction. Tiny mirrored tiles form complex geometric patterns covering the walls and ceilings, a traditional Persian art known as "Ayeneh-kari." The architecture is further enhanced with tiles showing Quranic verses and sayings from Imam Ali.

The shrine contains vast prayer halls, adorned with exquisite Persian carpets and brightly lit by grand chandeliers. These halls are capable of hosting thousands of worshippers, especially during significant occasions like the birth and martyrdom anniversaries of Imam Ali. The ceilings are high and intricately decorated.

Around the main sanctuary are open courtyards and porticos where pilgrims are welcomed to rest, recite prayers, or meditate in tranquility. These areas are designed to be both functional and supportive of a spiritual atmosphere. Many visitors spend hours engaging in meditation and seeking spiritual connection within the serene environment of the shrine.

Attacks on the Imam Ali Shrineedit

There were multiple instances of attacks on Maula Ali Shrine. In 2004, a bombing targeted the Imam Ali shrine. The attack was carried out by a suicide bomber who detonated explosives in the vicinity of the shrine, causing significant damage and casualties. [4] The attack occurred during the height of the Iraq War, a period of intense sectarian violence and instability. It was part of a larger wave of attacks that targeted Shia religious sites, particularly during the years following the 2003 invasion of Iraq. On August 10, 2006, bombings near the Imam Ali shrine killed 35 people and injured 90 more, making it one of the deadliest attacks. The Jamaat Jund al-Sahaba (Soldiers of the Prophet's Companions) group, the Wahabi terrorist organization, had claimed its responsibility. [5] These attacks were often attributed to extremist Wahabi groups aiming to incite sectarian conflict between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

Celebrationsedit

The major celebrations at Imam Ali shrines are Yaum e Wiladat e Ali (birthday of Imam Ali), Eid Al Ghadir, and Maula Ali Urs (anniversary of Imam Ali's martyrdom).[6] Apart from it, the ceremony of lightening (Roshni) is also seen daily before Maghrib prayers. Thousands of couples from Syria, Lebanon, India, Pakistan and Iran get married throughout the year (except in the Islamic months of Muharram and Safar) at this shrine to get the blessings of Imam Ali.[7] Floral decorations of the shrine are also seen during the birthday of Imam Hassan (A.S). [8]

Maula Ali Ursedit

Maula Ali Urs refers to the annual commemoration of the Wisal of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib.[9] The Urs is celebrated with special Nawafil prayers,[10] and remembrance of his life and martyrdom. The commemoration of his Wisal is a celebration of his legacy as a leader who stood for Haq (truth).

The Urs of Maula Ali typically falls on the 21st of Ramadan. Muslim communities gather in mosques, shrines, and homes to recite special prayers, including Ziyarat (pilgrimage) to the grave of Imam Ali in Najaf, Iraq. Many Islamic scholars often deliver sermons that highlight Imam Ali’s virtues, his contributions to Islam, and his philosophy of justice. These sermons also focus on his bravery, his role as a spiritual guide, and his teachings on how to live a righteous life (Taqwa). Many people engage in acts of charity and community service during this time, following Imam Ali’s example of giving and helping the less fortunate.

In places where Shia communities are concentrated, such as in Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Lebanon, large processions (juloos) and gatherings (Majlis) are held. These Shia gatherings involve singing hymns (e.g., Noha or Marsiya) commemorating Imam Ali’s martyrdom.

While Najaf hosts the largest and most significant commemoration of the Urs, Muslims around the world also participate in the occasion. In India, the Maula Ali Urs celebration at Koh-e-Maula attracts devotees (aqeedatmand) from different parts of the country.[11]

Philosophyedit

The philosophy behind the celebration of Urs of Maula Ali is to signify the (Fazail) of Maula Ali as mentioned by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) on multiple occasions, like at Ghadir Khumm, where he said, "Whomsoever I am his master, Ali is his master." In Sahih Muslim it is also mentioned that the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) said, My Nisbat to Ali is just like the Nisbat of Musa with Haroon, but after me no prophet will be sent to this Ummah. [12] In Sufism, Ali is considered the intermediary to divine knowledge and mercy of Allah. In Sufism most of the Sufi orders trace back to the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) through the great grandmaster Ali. So Sufis consider Ali as the intermediary source of the divine knowledge and receive Faizan through him. There are other Hadith that mention Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu alaihi wasallam) as the city of knowledge, whereas Ali is its door. This special status of Ali in Islam led to various celebrations relevant to Ali. The fact that Shia Muslims consider Ali as their first Khalifa also contributed to the shaping of these festivals.

Special food (Niyaz)edit

During the Urs of Maula Ali, various foods are prepared and distributed as part of the religious observance. It is known as Niyaz of Maulana Ali. These foods are usually shared as a form of charity (Sadaqah) or tabarruk to honor Maula Ali's memory. Some of the commonly prepared foods include biryani, Nihari, and Chapli Kebab (a popular spicy minced meat kebab). Samosas and pakoras and other fried snacks filled with spiced vegetables or meat are commonly prepared for serving to the devotees. Rooh Afza, sherbet, and other sweet-flavored drinks are often served to keep people refreshed, especially during the summer months. Various types of halwa, such as carrot (gajar ka halwa), semolina (suji ka halwa), or lentil-based (moong ki dal ka halwa), are often prepared and served to the devotees. Sheer Khurma and kheer are also freely offered as Tabarruk.

Referencesedit

  1. ↑ Jawamiul Kalim, collection of oral discourses by Hazrat Syed Muhammad Banda Nawaz Gesu Daraz RA, compiled by Hazrat Syed Muhammad Akbar Hussaini, translated with a commentary by Kaptan Wahid Bakhsh Sayyal Chishti Sabiri, and published by Syed Shah Kazim Muhammad Muhammad Al-Hussaini, Hyderabad, India.
  2. ↑ Video lecture by Sayyed Aminul Qadri available at https://youtu.be/yw74zhbD7Hs
  3. ↑ Falah, Shubber (2020-07-01) IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering. 888 (1): 012028. doi:10.1088/1757-899x/888/1/012028. ISSN 1757-8981
  4. ↑ "Iraqi Islamic shrine damaged in attack". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2025-04-30
  5. ↑ "CHRONOLOGY-The deadliest bomb attacks in Iraq". Reuters. Retrieved 1 May, 2025
  6. ↑ "Annual festival for the birth anniversary of Imam Ali (A.S) – International Shia News Agency". 2019-03-21. Retrieved 2025-05-01.
  7. ↑ hassanhadihaddad (2025-04-13). "10,000 marriages recorded at Imam Ali Shrine in 2024". Shia Waves. Retrieved 2025-05-01
  8. ↑ iqna.ir (۲۰۲۵/۰۳/۱۷ - ۰۸:۴۷). "Imam Ali Shrine Hosts Iftar Feast, Floral Decorations for Imam Hassan's Birth Anniversary". en. Retrieved 2025-05-01.
  9. ↑ Nanisetti, Serish (2023-01-31). "Days before Maula Ali Urs, the approach road is work-in-progress". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2025-04-07.
  10. ↑ Nawafil prayers are common at the Shab (Night) of 21st Ramadan as it is also an odd day considered to be a Laylatul Qadr
  11. ↑ "Moulage Ali set for Urs celebrations | Moula Ali set for Urs celebrations". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 2025-04-30
  12. ↑ Hadith No. 6217, Sahih Muslim. According to international numbering system