Jannat al-Baqi Madinah History, Significance, and Who is Buried There

Jannat al-Baqi, also known as Al-Baqi al-Gharqad (بَقِيْع الْغَرْقَد‎), is one of the most significant and revered cemeteries in the Islamic world. Situated in the holy city of Madinah, adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi), it holds a unique place in the hearts of Muslims. Its very name, Jannat al-Baqi, translates to “Garden of Paradise”, symbolizing the honor and sanctity of those buried within its grounds.

For more than 1,400 years, Jannat al-Baqi has been the final resting place of some of the most influential figures in Islamic history. It contains the graves of many members of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s family (Ahl al-Bayt), his wives (Ummahat al-Mu’minin), his close companions (Sahaba), and thousands of early Muslims who lived and died in Madinah. For Muslims across the world, it is not simply a cemetery—it is a sacred site deeply connected to their faith, history, and identity.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself frequently visited Al-Baqi and offered prayers for those interred there. Numerous Hadiths narrate that he prayed for forgiveness and mercy upon the people of Al-Baqi, elevating the cemetery’s spiritual status. This has led to the belief that those buried in Jannat al-Baqi are especially honored, and for centuries Muslims have desired to be laid to rest there.

Geographically, the cemetery lies to the southeast of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi. Its location has meant that pilgrims visiting Madinah—especially during Hajj and Umrah—almost always make a stop at Jannat al-Baqi. Even though the graves are today unmarked and simple, visitors gather along its edges to recite prayers, remembering the sacrifices of the Prophet’s family and companions who rest within.

Over the centuries, Jannat al-Baqi has witnessed phases of expansion, architectural development, destruction, and controversy. In earlier Islamic periods, domes and mausoleums were constructed over some of the most important graves, serving as markers and shrines. However, in the modern era, these structures were demolished, leaving the cemetery in a plain form. Despite this, the cemetery’s historical and spiritual significance remains as powerful as ever.

Writing about Jannat al-Baqi is not merely documenting a cemetery—it is telling the story of Islam’s earliest generations, their struggles, their faith, and their eternal place in Muslim consciousness.

Table of Contents

Historical Background of Jannat al-Baqi

The Founding of Jannat al-Baqi

Jannat al-Baqi was established during the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Madinah. Before the Prophet’s migration (Hijrah), people of Madinah (then Yathrib) used smaller burial grounds scattered across the oasis. However, after the arrival of Islam, there was a need for a unified and sanctified cemetery close to the city’s heart.

The first person to be buried in Jannat al-Baqi was Uthman ibn Maz‘un (RA), one of the earliest companions of the Prophet ﷺ and among the first Muhajirun (migrants) from Makkah to Madinah. His burial marked the beginning of Al-Baqi as the central cemetery for the Muslim community. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ himself led the funeral prayer and placed a stone at the head of Uthman’s grave as a marker. This act set the precedent for many others, and soon Al-Baqi became the honored place for the burial of Madinah’s faithful.

Early Expansion During the Prophet’s Era

As Madinah grew under the leadership of the Prophet ﷺ, more of his companions and family members passed away. Many of them were buried in Al-Baqi. The cemetery became both a physical and spiritual landmark of the Muslim community. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was reported to have frequently visited the site, making supplications for the dead, which further increased its sanctity in the eyes of Muslims.

Development During the Caliphates

After the passing of the Prophet ﷺ, Al-Baqi continued to serve as the main cemetery of Madinah. Several notable figures from the Rashidun Caliphate period were buried there, including members of the Prophet’s household and prominent companions.

During the Umayyad and Abbasid eras, Madinah remained a key religious center, though the political capital shifted elsewhere. Al-Baqi saw expansion as more people desired burial near the Prophet’s Mosque. The cemetery became a repository of early Islamic history, holding graves of scholars, companions, and their descendants.

2.4 The Ottoman Period

The Ottoman Empire, which ruled over the Hijaz for centuries, placed great importance on preserving Islamic heritage. During their reign, Jannat al-Baqi was expanded and beautified. Mausoleums, domes, and decorative structures were erected over the graves of key figures, particularly members of the Prophet’s family (Ahl al-Bayt) and his wives. These structures served both as markers for identification and as places of visitation for pilgrims.

Travelers’ accounts from the 17th and 18th centuries describe Jannat al-Baqi as a vast and well-kept cemetery filled with domed shrines, stone markers, and pathways. It became a prominent destination for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims who sought to connect with the earliest generations of Islam.

The Modern Era and Demolition (1925)

In 1925, after the conquest of Hijaz by King Abdulaziz ibn Saud, the cemetery underwent a dramatic transformation. Following the religious interpretations of Wahhabism, which rejected the building of shrines or domes over graves, all mausoleums and structures in Jannat al-Baqi were demolished.

The demolition was met with sorrow and protest across the Muslim world, particularly from communities who valued the architectural and cultural heritage of the cemetery. Historical markers and ornate structures were replaced by a plain layout, with simple unmarked graves.

Present-Day Layout

Today, Jannat al-Baqi remains an enclosed cemetery adjacent to the Prophet’s Mosque. It contains thousands of graves, though most are unmarked and indistinguishable. Pilgrims and visitors are not allowed to enter the graveyard freely, but designated times are provided for men to enter and offer prayers. Women traditionally are not allowed inside but may stand outside to recite prayers and supplications.

Despite its simplicity, Jannat al-Baqi continues to be one of the most visited and emotionally significant sites in Madinah. It represents the deep connection between Muslims and their earliest generations, embodying history, sacrifice, and devotion.

Pilgrims who visit Madinah often continue their journey to Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, the holiest site in Islam and home to the Kaaba, the focal point of Muslim prayer.

Religious and Spiritual Significance of Jannat al-Baqi

A Sacred Resting Place

For Muslims across the world, Jannat al-Baqi is not merely a burial ground but a sacred space. Its sanctity comes from the fact that it is the resting place of thousands of the earliest Muslims, including many of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ’s family members and companions. The Prophet ﷺ himself visited Al-Baqi regularly, making supplications for those interred there. His prayers elevated the cemetery’s status, and from that time onward, being buried in Jannat al-Baqi has been considered an immense honor.

The Prophet ﷺ is reported to have said:

“Peace be upon you, O inhabitants of the graves, believers and Muslims. Indeed we will join you, if Allah wills. We ask Allah for well-being for us and for you.”
(Sahih Muslim)

This greeting, taught by the Prophet ﷺ, continues to be recited by visitors to Jannat al-Baqi to this day.

Why It Is Called “Jannat al-Baqi”

The name Jannat al-Baqi literally means “Garden of Paradise.” Early Muslims gave it this title due to the Prophet ﷺ’s blessings and the belief that those buried there enjoy a special connection to Paradise. The association with Paradise symbolizes mercy, forgiveness, and eternal rest for the faithful who lie within its soil.

The cemetery thus serves as a reminder of the afterlife, mortality, and the fleeting nature of worldly life. For visitors, walking near its walls often becomes a deeply spiritual experience — one that inspires humility and reflection on the reality of death.

Hadith References and Supplications

Several authentic narrations highlight the spiritual value of Jannat al-Baqi:

  • The Prophet ﷺ visited Al-Baqi at night, prayed for the dead, and asked Allah to forgive them.

  • He taught his companions how to greet the people of the graves and seek blessings for them.

  • According to narrations, the Prophet ﷺ foretold that many of his family members would be buried in Al-Baqi.

These hadiths make Al-Baqi not only a historical site but also a place of worship and remembrance, where supplications are accepted.

Connection to Hajj and Umrah

Pilgrims visiting Madinah during Hajj or Umrah often make a point to stop at Jannat al-Baqi. While the primary objective of visiting Madinah is to pray at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and send blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ, visiting Al-Baqi is seen as an extension of honoring his family and companions.

For many pilgrims, standing at the cemetery’s edge brings a sense of closeness to Islamic history. It connects them with the struggles and sacrifices of the earliest Muslims who established the faith.

Spiritual Reflections for Visitors

The cemetery is a place of reflection where visitors are reminded of life’s temporary nature. The sight of unmarked graves—where rulers, scholars, and ordinary believers alike rest—serves as a powerful lesson in humility and equality. In death, worldly status disappears, leaving only faith and deeds.

Scholars often emphasize that visiting Jannat al-Baqi should not be done as tourism but with sincerity, respect, and humility. Visitors are encouraged to:

  • Recite dua for the deceased.

  • Reflect on mortality and the Day of Judgment.

  • Avoid practices that are discouraged in Islamic law, such as exaggerated mourning.

Unity and Reverence Across the Muslim World

Despite sectarian differences, Jannat al-Baqi unites Muslims in reverence. Both Sunni and Shia Muslims consider it a site of immense importance. For Shia Muslims in particular, the graves of Imams buried there hold profound spiritual meaning, while Sunni Muslims emphasize its general sanctity as a place blessed by the Prophet ﷺ.

Across the centuries, poets, historians, and scholars have described Jannat al-Baqi as a site that embodies the faith, sacrifice, and eternal hope of Muslims.

Notable Personalities Buried in Jannat al-Baqi

Family of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Ahl al-Bayt)

The most significant aspect of Jannat al-Baqi is that it houses the graves of several members of the Prophet’s family.

  • Wives of the Prophet ﷺ (Mothers of the Believers): Most of the Prophet’s wives are buried here, except Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA), who rests in Makkah, and Maymunah bint al-Harith (RA), buried in Sarif near Makkah. This includes Aisha (RA), Hafsa (RA), Umm Salamah (RA), and others. Their resting place makes Al-Baqi a central site of remembrance for Muslim women’s contributions to Islam.

  • Daughters of the Prophet ﷺ:

    • Fatimah al-Zahra (RA): Widely believed to be buried in Al-Baqi, though her exact grave remains unmarked. She is one of the most revered figures in Islam, daughter of the Prophet ﷺ, wife of Imam Ali (RA), and mother of Hasan and Husayn (RA).

    • Ruqayyah (RA), Umm Kulthum (RA), and Zaynab (RA): The Prophet’s other daughters are also buried in Al-Baqi.

  • Grandchildren:

    • Imam Hasan ibn Ali (RA): The second Caliph of Islam according to Shia belief, and the grandson of the Prophet ﷺ. His grave is among the most significant in Al-Baqi.

    • Zain al-Abidin (Ali ibn Husayn, RA): The fourth Shia Imam, remembered for his deep piety and for Sahifa Sajjadiya (a collection of supplications).

    • Muhammad al-Baqir (RA): The fifth Shia Imam, renowned for his scholarship and teachings.

    • Jafar al-Sadiq (RA): The sixth Shia Imam, a figure respected across Sunni and Shia traditions for his vast knowledge in Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and science.

Together, these figures form a spiritual nucleus that draws Muslims from around the world to Al-Baqi.

Prominent Companions of the Prophet ﷺ

Numerous Sahabah (companions) rest in Al-Baqi, making it one of the richest repositories of early Islamic history.

  • Uthman ibn Maz‘un (RA): The first person buried in Al-Baqi and among the earliest emigrants to Madinah.

  • Ibrahim ibn Muhammad (RA): The Prophet’s infant son, who passed away at a young age, lies in Al-Baqi.

  • Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib (RA): The Prophet’s uncle and a respected elder of Quraysh.

  • Sa‘d ibn Abi Waqqas (RA): A commander known for his role in the Battle of Qadisiyyah and the conquest of Persia.

  • Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf (RA): One of the ten promised Paradise (al-‘Ashara al-Mubashsharun).

  • Uthman ibn Affan (RA): The third Caliph of Islam was initially buried outside Al-Baqi due to political turmoil, but later his grave was included within the extended boundary of the cemetery.

These names reflect how closely Jannat al-Baqi is tied to the Prophet’s mission and the spread of Islam.

Scholars and Early Islamic Figures

Beyond the Prophet’s family and companions, many early scholars and leaders are also buried here:

  • Imam Malik ibn Anas (RA): Founder of the Maliki school of Islamic jurisprudence, one of the four major Sunni madhhabs. His grave in Al-Baqi is a place of respect for students of Islamic law.

  • Nafi‘ Mawla Ibn Umar (RA): A famous transmitter of hadith and teacher to many scholars.

  • Other jurists, Qur’an reciters, and transmitters of Hadith: Over the centuries, the cemetery has become home to countless unnamed scholars who shaped Islamic thought.

Martyrs and Lesser-Known Figures

Many Muslims from across Madinah’s history, including martyrs from battles and ordinary believers, lie in Al-Baqi. Though their names may not be recorded in history, their presence adds to the collective sanctity of the site. Al-Baqi became known as the cemetery of the faithful, where rulers and commoners rest side by side in humility.

Why Their Presence Matters

The gathering of these personalities makes Jannat al-Baqi a unique place of reverence:

  • It is a direct link to the Prophet ﷺ and the formative years of Islam.

  • It embodies the sacrifices of early Muslims who spread and preserved the faith.

  • For many, visiting Jannat al-Baqi feels like standing amidst the pages of Islamic history.

Just steps away from Jannat al-Baqi lies Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque, which is the second holiest site in Islam and a must-visit for every pilgrim

Architectural Evolution and the Demolition of Structures

Early Simplicity in the Prophet’s Time

During the time of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Al-Baqi was a simple burial ground. Graves were marked with stones, and the Prophet himself placed markers for companions such as Uthman ibn Maz‘un (RA). There were no elaborate constructions or mausoleums. This simplicity reflected the Prophet’s teachings about humility in death.

Expansion in the Umayyad and Abbasid Eras

As Islam spread and Madinah became a focal point of pilgrimage, Al-Baqi expanded. Successive rulers, especially during the Umayyad (661–750 CE) and Abbasid (750–1258 CE) periods, made efforts to improve access, preserve graves, and add structures for identification.

  • Domes were built over the graves of the Prophet’s family members and notable companions.

  • Small mosques and shaded areas were established for visitors to sit, pray, and recite Qur’an.

  • Pathways and walls were added to organize the cemetery as it grew.

These enhancements reflected both reverence and the cultural norms of the era, where tomb architecture was seen as a way to honor saints and scholars.

The Ottoman Period: Flourishing Architecture

The Ottomans, who ruled the Hijaz for centuries, were known for their attention to sacred sites. Under their governance:

  • Magnificent domes and shrines were constructed over the graves of Ahl al-Bayt (Prophet’s family) and wives.

  • Distinctive Ottoman calligraphy adorned gravestones and mausoleums.

  • Visitors described Jannat al-Baqi as a “city of domes” where pilgrims could identify graves easily.

European travelers, Arab chroniclers, and pilgrims recorded detailed descriptions of Al-Baqi during this time. It was not only a cemetery but also a center of Islamic heritage and devotion.

The Demolition of 1925

In 1925, after the Saudi-Wahhabi forces captured Madinah under King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, the cemetery was transformed. The Wahhabi interpretation of Islam strongly opposed the construction of domes or shrines over graves, viewing them as potential forms of shirk (associating partners with Allah).

  • All mausoleums, domes, and shrines were demolished.

  • Gravestones were removed, leaving only simple unmarked mounds of earth.

  • The cemetery was enclosed with walls, and visitation practices were strictly regulated.

This demolition sparked widespread grief and outrage across the Muslim world, particularly among Shia communities and those who saw the structures as part of Islamic cultural history. In cities like Lucknow, Hyderabad, and Tehran, protests and mourning ceremonies were held to mark the loss.

Reactions Across the Muslim World

The destruction of the shrines in Al-Baqi became a deeply emotional subject:

  • Sunni Perspective: Many Sunnis accepted the Saudi justification, emphasizing a return to the simplicity of early Islam and avoidance of innovations in religious practice.

  • Shia Perspective: For Shia Muslims, the demolition was seen as an erasure of heritage and a dishonoring of the Prophet’s family. Al-Baqi remains a focal point of Shia grief, with annual commemorations (Youm al-Gham) marking the event.

  • Global Sentiment: Scholars, historians, and travelers lamented the loss of centuries-old structures, describing it as the disappearance of Islamic art and architecture.

The Present-Day Layout

Today, Jannat al-Baqi is characterized by stark simplicity:

  • No domes, shrines, or gravestones exist.

  • Visitors enter at designated times, usually after Fajr and Asr prayers.

  • Only men are allowed entry; women stand outside its boundaries to pray.

  • Inside, the graves appear as small, unmarked mounds, except for a few with low stone markers used by caretakers for basic identification.

The simplicity emphasizes equality in death, yet it contrasts sharply with its rich architectural past, which continues to live on in historical records, photographs, and the memories of pilgrims.

Beyond the Arabian Peninsula, one of Islam’s earliest and most revered sites is the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, which holds immense historical and spiritual significance.

Cultural, Emotional, and Contemporary Significance of Jannat al-Baqi

A Living Symbol of Islamic History

Though Jannat al-Baqi is a cemetery, it functions as a living chronicle of Islamic history. Each grave represents a connection to the earliest years of Islam, the struggles of the Prophet ﷺ, and the sacrifices of his companions and family. For Muslims, visiting Al-Baqi is akin to stepping into a sacred museum of faith, one that inspires reverence and continuity with the past.

Emotional Resonance Among Muslims

Al-Baqi holds immense emotional weight for Muslims worldwide:

  • For Sunni Muslims, it is cherished as the resting place of the Prophet’s wives, companions, and many of the righteous.

  • For Shia Muslims, it carries deep sorrow because several Imams from the Prophet’s household are buried there. The absence of marked graves is viewed as a painful loss of identity and heritage.

Every year, Shia communities mark the demolition of Al-Baqi’s shrines (1925) with mourning ceremonies, speeches, and processions. This day, known as Youm al-Gham (“Day of Sorrow”), highlights the enduring grief tied to the site.

Pilgrimage Experience in Modern Times

Pilgrims who visit Madinah during Hajj or Umrah often dedicate time to Al-Baqi. Although women are restricted from entering, men are allowed to visit after Fajr and Asr prayers. The visit is usually short, solemn, and guided by security staff.

Visitors commonly describe a mix of feelings:

  • Awe at being so close to the companions and family of the Prophet ﷺ.

  • Sadness at the absence of gravestones or domes that once identified key figures.

  • Spiritual reflection on mortality, humility, and equality in death.

For many pilgrims, simply standing by its walls and offering supplications is one of the most profound moments of their journey.

Cultural Memory and Literature

Over the centuries, Jannat al-Baqi has been referenced in Islamic poetry, travelogues, and historical chronicles:

  • Poets described it as a “garden of light” filled with the stars of early Islam.

  • Historians documented its evolving architecture and the prominent figures buried there.

  • Travelers recorded their emotional reactions to walking among the shrines (before 1925) or witnessing its starkness (after demolition).

This literary memory keeps Al-Baqi alive beyond its physical form, embedding it in Muslim imagination and culture.

Heritage Debates in the Muslim World

Jannat al-Baqi is also at the center of a broader debate about heritage and preservation:

  • Supporters of the current simplicity argue it reflects the Prophet’s teachings on humility and avoids practices that could lead to religious innovation.

  • Critics of the demolition argue that Islamic heritage and identity were erased, depriving Muslims of tangible markers that connected them to their past.

In an age when cultural preservation is celebrated worldwide, Jannat al-Baqi remains a unique case where religious interpretation and heritage protection appear to collide.

Modern Calls for Restoration

There are ongoing appeals from many Muslim groups for the restoration of at least some markers or memorials in Al-Baqi:

  • Shia organizations often lead campaigns urging the rebuilding of shrines over the Imams’ graves.

  • Sunni heritage advocates call for informative plaques or museums to preserve the cemetery’s memory for future generations.

  • Social media movements under hashtags like #RebuildAlBaqi regularly trend during the anniversary of the demolition.

Although these appeals have not been realized, they highlight the enduring desire to balance reverence, history, and faith.

A Shared Space of Identity

Despite differences, Jannat al-Baqi unites Muslims in recognizing the sacrifices of those buried within. It represents:

  • Faith: A reminder of life’s temporality and the value of righteous deeds.

  • Unity: A site that links all branches of Islam to their shared origins.

  • Heritage: A place that embodies 1,400 years of Islamic culture, devotion, and memory.

The cemetery thus continues to shape how Muslims understand their past and how they relate to their faith in the present.

Islamic architecture reached great heights with landmarks such as the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, which stands as one of the oldest and most magnificent mosques in the world.

Conclusion

Jannat al-Baqi is not simply a cemetery — it is a silent witness to the history of Islam. Within its walls lie the wives, children, companions, and descendants of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, along with countless early Muslims who gave their lives to preserve and spread the faith. For over 1,400 years, it has been the resting place of believers, a center of devotion, and a spiritual landmark for pilgrims from every corner of the world.

From its humble beginnings in the Prophet’s time to the flourishing domes and shrines of the Ottoman period, and finally to its present-day simplicity after the demolition of 1925, Jannat al-Baqi’s journey mirrors the wider story of Islamic civilization — one of faith, sacrifice, growth, loss, and renewal.

For Muslims today, the cemetery holds multiple layers of meaning:

  • Faith and Reflection: It reminds every visitor of mortality and the eternal life to come.

  • Unity and Heritage: Despite sectarian differences, Al-Baqi unites Muslims in reverence for those buried within.

  • Cultural Memory: Even stripped of its architectural grandeur, it remains embedded in the poetry, history, and spiritual imagination of the Muslim world.

Pilgrims who walk its paths or stand by its walls feel both grief and gratitude — grief for the loss of heritage and unmarked graves, and gratitude for the chance to be near the earliest generations of Islam.

In the end, Jannat al-Baqi continues to serve as a bridge between past and present. It reminds believers that worldly power fades, but faith and righteous deeds endure. It is a place where history, devotion, and spirituality converge, ensuring its legacy will remain alive in the hearts of Muslims for generations to come.

In North Africa, the Great Mosque of Kairouan remains a symbol of Islamic learning and history, reflecting centuries of devotion and scholarship.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Jannat al-Baqi

1. What is Jannat al-Baqi?

Jannat al-Baqi is the oldest and most important cemetery in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. It is the resting place of many family members and companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, as well as early Muslims.


2. Who is buried in Jannat al-Baqi?

Thousands of Muslims are buried in Al-Baqi. Notable figures include:

  • Wives of the Prophet ﷺ (Mothers of the Believers)

  • His daughters Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah al-Zahra (RA)

  • His grandsons Hasan ibn Ali, Zain al-Abidin, Muhammad al-Baqir, and Jafar al-Sadiq (RA)

  • Companions like Uthman ibn Maz‘un, Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib, and many more


3. Why is Jannat al-Baqi important to Muslims?

It is significant because it connects believers to the earliest generations of Islam. The Prophet ﷺ frequently visited the cemetery and prayed for its inhabitants, and many revered figures are buried there.


4. Can women visit Jannat al-Baqi?

Women are not permitted to enter the cemetery itself. However, they may stand outside the walls to offer prayers and supplications for those buried inside.


5. Why were the domes and shrines of Jannat al-Baqi demolished?

In 1925, Saudi authorities demolished the shrines and domes based on the Wahhabi interpretation of Islam, which discourages building structures over graves to prevent practices they consider innovations.


6. What does Jannat al-Baqi look like today?

The cemetery is very simple, with unmarked mounds of sand instead of ornate gravestones or domes. It is enclosed by walls, with controlled visiting hours.


7. When can pilgrims visit Jannat al-Baqi?

Visitors are generally allowed entry twice daily: after Fajr (dawn) prayer until shortly after sunrise, and after Asr (afternoon) prayer until shortly before Maghrib.


8. Is Jannat al-Baqi the same as Jannat al-Mu‘alla?

No. Jannat al-Baqi is in Madinah, while Jannat al-Mu‘alla is in Makkah. Both are historic cemeteries connected to early Islam.


9. Is photography allowed in Jannat al-Baqi?

Photography is generally prohibited inside the cemetery. Visitors are expected to maintain respect, avoid distractions, and focus on supplication and reflection.


10. Why do Shia Muslims commemorate the demolition of Jannat al-Baqi?

For Shia Muslims, Al-Baqi is especially sacred because several Imams from the Prophet’s family are buried there. The destruction of their shrines in 1925 is remembered with grief and mourning, often referred to as Youm al-Gham (Day of Sorrow).

During Hajj, millions gather at Mount Arafat, a sacred site where Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered his Farewell Sermon.