Al-Abbas Shrine

Abbas ibn Ali was the half-brother and standard-bearer of Husayn and was killed with him at Karbala in 680, and his shrine stands a few hundred metres from Husayn's across an open paved space known as Bayn al-Haramayn, between the two sanctuaries, which fills with pilgrims moving from one to the other. The building follows the same pattern: a gold dome and minarets, a courtyard of iwans, mirrorwork inside and a silver grille around the tomb. Abbas is venerated particularly for loyalty and for having tried to bring water to the besieged camp, which is why water and thirst run through the imagery and ritual associated with him. The two shrines together form the centre of Karbala and of its pilgrimage.

History

Abbas ibn Ali, half-brother and flag-bearer of Husayn, was killed near the Alqamah Canal at Karbala while trying, on Husayn's instructions, to bring water from the Euphrates to the camp, and because he fell apart from both the battlefield and the camp he was buried where he died. Over the centuries the Euphrates changed course and now flows around the shrine (Wikipedia, Al-Abbas Shrine).

Highlights

• The gold dome - gilded dome and minarets above the tomb chamber.
• Bayn al-Haramayn - the paved space between the two shrines.
• Mirrorwork - faceted glass covering the interior surfaces.
• Water symbolism - the imagery tied to Abbas and the siege.

When to go

November to March for the weather. Ashura and Arbaeen bring enormous crowds. Evenings are cooler and the shrines are lit, which is when many pilgrims come.

Practical notes

Modest dress is required and enforced, with women covered. Cameras and phones are often restricted at the gates. Non-Muslim access varies by area and by day. The square between the shrines is dense with people at almost all hours.

Nearby

The Imam Husayn shrine faces it; Najaf lies south.

Key facts