Karbala (Imam Husayn's City)

Karbala (Arabic: كربلاء) is a sacred city in central Iraq, approximately 100 km southwest of Baghdad. It is home to the shrine of Imam Husayn ibn Ali (peace be upon him) and is one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in the world. Karbala is inseparably connected with the most central event in Shia Islam: Imam Husayn's martyrdom on the 10th of Muharram 61 Hijri (680 CE).

In the context of prayer, Karbala holds a unique status. The turbah (clay tablet) that Shia Muslims use during sujud is ideally made from Karbala soil. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) said, according to Shia narrations: "Karbala is sacred and blessed" (Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 98). Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: "Sujud on Husayn's (peace be upon him) soil penetrates the seven layers of heaven" (Kamil al-Ziyarat by Ibn Qulawayh).

The shrine of Imam Husayn (Haram) in Karbala is an architectural masterpiece with its characteristic golden dome and minarets. Millions of pilgrims visit it annually, and it is the center for Ashura and Arba'een commemorations. Prayer at Imam Husayn's shrine is considered especially meritorious — narrations mention that a prayer there can equal thousands of prayers elsewhere.

Imam al-Sadiq said: "Visit Husayn, and do not neglect this visit. Indeed, Husayn is the lord of Paradise youth and the witness of God over His creation" (Kamil al-Ziyarat). For Shia Muslims worldwide, Karbala is a spiritual center — even though they may be physically far away, they feel connected through daily recitation of Ziyarat Ashura, use of the Karbala turbah in prayer, and the deep respect and love for Imam Husayn that permeates their worship.