10 Things to Do in Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya (حرم سيدة رقية) An Najaf al Ashraf Iraq
The Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya (حرم سيدة رقية) in An Najaf al Ashraf, Iraq is one of the most important religious sites in the world. It is the burial place of Sayyida Ruqayya, the daughter of the seventh Imam of the Shi’a Muslims, Imam Musa al-Kazim. The Shrine is a place of pilgrimage for Shi’a Muslims from all over the world, and it is a place of great spiritual significance. Here are 10 things to do when visiting the Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya:
1. Pay Your Respects: When visiting the Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya, the most important thing to do is to pay your respects. You can do this by standing in front of the shrine and reciting the traditional prayer: “Peace be upon you, O daughter of the seventh Imam and the beloved of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).”
2. Visit the Golden Dome: The Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya is topped with a golden dome, which is a symbol of the spiritual power of the site. Visitors can go inside the dome and admire the beautiful mosaics and artwork that adorn the walls.
3. Attend a Religious Ceremony: The Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya is a place of religious ceremonies and events. Visitors can attend one of the many religious ceremonies that take place throughout the year, such as the annual mourning ceremony for Imam Musa al-Kazim.
4. Explore the Courtyard: The courtyard of the Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya is a beautiful place to explore. Visitors can wander through the lush gardens and admire the many statues and monuments that adorn the grounds.
5. Visit the Museum: The Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya also houses a museum, which contains artifacts and documents related to the history and culture of the Shi’a Muslims. Visitors can learn about the history and culture of the Shi’a Muslims by visiting the museum.
6. Shop for Souvenirs: The Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya has many souvenir shops, where visitors can purchase traditional Shi’a items such as prayer beads, books, and clothing.
7. Learn About the Architecture: The Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya is a beautiful example of traditional Islamic architecture. Visitors can learn about the architecture of the Shrine by taking a guided tour.
8. Enjoy a Meal: There are several restaurants and cafes located near the Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya, where visitors can enjoy a traditional meal.
9. Pray: The Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya is a place of prayer for Shi’a Muslims. Visitors can join in the prayers or simply take a moment to reflect in the peaceful atmosphere.
10. Admire the Views: The Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya is located on a hill, which provides visitors with stunning views of the city of An Najaf al Ashraf. Visitors can take in the views while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the Shrine.
Visiting the Shrine of Sayyida Ruqayya is an unforgettable experience. By following these 10 things to do, visitors can make the most of their visit and gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual significance of the Shrine.