Kazmain is one of the five holy cities present in Iraq. Millions of Zayireen visit the city every year and pay tribute to the two imams resting there. This small city is known mainly for the shrine of the seventh infallible imam, Hazrat Musa Al-Kazim (a.s) and his grandson, the ninth imam, Hazrat Taqi Al-Jawwad (a.s). Continuing with our blog series, here’s a list of all the Ziyarat sites at Kazmain to help you prepare for your trip beforehand!
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Imam Kazmain – Holy Shrine:
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The Shrine of Imam Musa Kazim and Imam Al Jawwad has stood strongly through multiple catastrophes. After being destroyed many times, it was built and rebuilt by the devotees of the Imams. Present right in the city center, the shrine draws a beautiful picture for the Zayireen who walk towards it with tear-filled eyes. With two tombs and four minarets, it covers an area of twenty-eight kilometers welcoming all the visitors.
Imam Reza has narrated many Ahadith regarding the importance of visiting the holy shrine in Kazmain. The eighth Imam said,
“One who performs the Ziyarat of the grave of my father (a.s) in Baghdad is like one performed the Ziyarat of Allah’s Messenger and that of Amirul Momineen (a.s), except that Allah’s Messenger and Amirul Momineen (a.s) have their own specific ranks.”
Other Graves in the Holy Shrine:
Known to have authored more than 200 books, Sheikh Mufid rests within the holy shrine of Kazmain as well. Kitab Al-Irshad, which is said to be the most complete and authentic book on the history of the twelve Imams, was also written by Sheikh Mufid.
-Sheikh Al- Mufid:
When Sheikh passed away, such was his honor, that the last Imam grieved for him and said a marsiya’ in his honor and also wrote a letter of condolence to Sheikh’s son.
Many renowned scholars have been graced with the honor of being buried within the Kazmain shrine. Following is the list of all other important locations within the shrine.
-Khuwaja Nasiruddin Tusi:
Dua e Tawassul is said to be the dua recited by those in need, through which they ask Allah to bless them and grant their wishes by the waseelah of the Ahlulbayt. This prestigious dua was narrated to Khawaja Nasiruddin Tusi by the twelfth Imam, in his dream.
-Syed Murtaza:
He was the great grandson of Imam Musa Kazim and his name was Ali bin Husayn bin Ebrahim bin Musa Kazim (a.s). Syed Murtaza was given the title of ‘The Flag of Guidance’ by Maula Ali (a.s) and is known to have authored many brilliant books. Syed was the student of Sheikh Mufid and the teacher of Sheikh Tusi.
-Syed Razi:
The last person graced to be buried inside the Shrine of Imam Al-Kazimayn was Syed Razi. Syed Razi was the brother of Syed Murtaza and hence, also the great grandson of the seventh Imam. Also the student of Sheikh Mufid, Syed Razi is the compiler of the brilliant book of Imam Ali’s sermons – Nahj-ul-Balagha (the peak of eloquence).
Buratha Mosque:
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Tradition narrates that Buratha Mosque, an old and famous mosque in Kazimaiyn, was once a Christian shrine. The priest of that shrine travelled to Kufa with Imam Ali (a.s) and converted to Islam. After the battle of Naherwan in 37 AH, Imam Ali passed by the Mosque again.
He stayed for four days with Imam Hasan (a.s) and Imam Hussain (a.s) and a thousand other companions. Imam Ali (a.s) struck his hand on a rock and well sprang out of him, providing water for everyone. The water gushes out of the well till date and this location is now known as ‘Bir Ali’ (Ali’s well) and ‘Sang e Ali’ (Ali’s stone).
Allah’s countless blessings are bestowed upon the Zayireen at each step that they take towards the Holy city of Kazimaiyn. It is indeed an honor to walk this pure land. May Allah bless those who haven’t been to Kazimaiyn, with its Ziyaarat. Illahi Ameen!
