Holiest Sites In Islam - Wikipedia

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All branches of Islam (Sunni, Shia and Ibadi) agree on three holiest sites being, in descending order: the Masjid al-Haram (including the Kaaba) in Mecca, the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.[1][2][3][4][5][6] After the consensus on the three sites, there is a divergence on other holy sites. Even within each branch, there are disputes over other sacred sites beyond the aforementioned three.

In Shia Islam, sites associated with the Imamah hold a extremely high level of significance, including Karbala, Najaf, Mashhad and Qom. Some of the Shia Imams’ shrines, including those of Ali, Husayn, and Reza, are also revered by Sunnis for various reasons, such as the figures being prominent members of Muhammad’s family or their significance in Islamic history. In Ibadi Islam, there is no doctrine of holy places beyond the three universally sacred sites.

Hejaz

[edit] Main article: Hejaz

Hejaz is the region in the Arabian Peninsula where Mecca and Medina are located. It is where the Islamic prophet Muhammad was born and raised.[7]

The two holy cities of Islam, Mecca and Medina, are traditionally known as the Ḥaramayn, which is the dual form of ḥaram, thus meaning "The Two Sanctuaries".[8] They should not be confused with Jerusalem and Hebron, which were also called Haramain during the Mamluk period.[8] Another appellation of the Two Noble Sanctuaries is Ḥaramayn Ṭayyibayn.

Mecca

[edit] Main articles: Mecca and Kaaba

Mecca is considered the holiest city in Islam, as it is home to Islam's holiest site Kaaba in Al-Masjid Al-Ḥaram (The Sacred Mosque).[9][10] Only Muslims are allowed to enter this site.[11]

The Kaaba or Masjid al-Haram in Mecca, is the most sacred holy place of Islam and a Qibla of the Muslims, contains al-Bayt ul-Ma'mur spiritually above the Kaaba, contains the Maqam Ibrahim, Hateem, and the Al-Hajar-ul-Aswad which belonged in Jannah to Adam and Eve (Adam and Hawa). According to the Islamic tradition it was first built by the first prophet Adam, after Noah's Flood the flood of the prophet Nūḥ (Noah), it was then rebuilt by Abraham (ʾIbrāhīm) and his son Ishmael (Ismāʿīl), it has been rebuilt several times.

The area of Mecca, which includes Mount Arafah,[12] Mina and Muzdalifah, is important for the Ḥajj ('Pilgrimage'). As one of the Five Pillars of Islam,[13] every adult Muslim who is capable must perform the Hajj at least once in their lifetime.[14] Hajj is one of the largest annual Muslim gatherings in the world, second only to pilgrimages to the mosques of Husayn ibn Ali and his half-brother Abbas in Karbala, Iraq, with attendance reaching three million in 2012.[15]

Medina

[edit]

Main article: Medina

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is located in Medina, making the city the second-holiest site in Islam, after Mecca. Medina is the final place-of-residence of Muhammad, and where his qabr (grave) is located.[9] In addition to the Prophet's Mosque, the city has the mosques of Qubāʾ[16] and al-Qiblatayn ("The Two Qiblahs").[17]

The Prophet's Mosque in Medina contains the grave of Muhammad. The two companions Abu Bakr and Umar are also buried with Muhammad; the grave of Uthman is located in al-Baqi Cemetery, located to the southeast of the Prophet's Mosque, while the grave of Ali is in Najaf. The grave of Hasan ibn Ali is also in Al-Baqi', while Husayn ibn Ali is buried in Karbala.

Levant

[edit] Main article: Syria (region)

Ash-Shaam[1] or the Levant[18] is a historical region that includes the cities of Jerusalem and Damascus.[1][19][20]

Jerusalem

[edit] See also: Islamization of Jerusalem and Religious significance of Jerusalem

Jerusalem's Temple Mount, called Masjid al-Aqṣā, was the first qibla of the Muslims before the Kaaba. According to tradition, Muhammad on the occasion of Isra' and Mi'raj led all the prophets and angels at the site, the site of the mosque built by Sulaymān, son of Dāwūd and king of the Israelites.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound (Al-Masjid al-Aqsa) in Jerusalem is the third-holiest site in Islam. The compound is held in esteem by the entire Muslim community due to its history as a place of worship by many prophets such as Abraham),[10] David), Solomon), Elijah) and Jesus). The mosque has the capacity to accommodate approximately 400,000 worshippers.[2]

According to Islamic tradition, the Temple Mount served as the first qibla (direction of prayer) for Muhammad and the Ummah, before the Kaaba in Mecca. Muslims believe that in 610, over the night of the Isra' and Mi'raj, Muhammad was taken from the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to visit masjid al-Aqsa "the Furthest Mosque", where he led the prayer among the Prophets, and was then taken to the heavens from the Foundation Stone[21] (today part of the Dome of the Rock.[3]

The Qur'an mentions the "Furthest Moque" only once, in verse 1 of surat al-Isra',[22][23]

Damascus

[edit] Main articles: Damascus and Umayyad Mosque

The Umayyad Mosque in Damascus is often considered the fourth holiest site in Islam.[24][25] The head of John the Baptist, revered in Islam as the prophet Yahya, is believed to be in a shrine inside the mosque, which also houses one of only four authorized original copies of the Quran. The Umayyad Mosque is also the place where Muslims believe the prophet Isa (Jesus) will return at the end of times, atop the "Minaret of Isa" of the mosque, during the time of a Fajr prayer. It is believed that prayers in the Umayyad mosque are considered to be equal to those offered in Jerusalem.[26]

The mosque also holds special importance to Shia Muslims since it contains shrines commemorating Husayn ibn Ali and the Ahl al-Bayt, made to walk there from Iraq, after the Battle of Karbala.[27] Furthermore, it was the place where they were imprisoned for 60 days.[28]

Hebron

[edit]

In Islam, Hebron was where Abraham settled. Within the city lies the Cave of the Patriarchs, the traditional burial site of the biblical Patriarchs and Matriarchs in both Islam and Judaism, and the Ibrahimi Mosque, built on top of the tomb to honor Abraham, is also often considered to be the fourth holiest in Islam.[29][30][31] Muslims believe that Muhammad visited Hebron on his nocturnal journey from Mecca to Jerusalem to stop by the tomb and pay his respects.[29] In the mosque in a small niche there is a left footprint, believed to be from Muhammad.[32][33]

Sinai Peninsula

[edit] See also: Sinai Peninsula and Mount Sinai (Bible)

The Sinai Peninsula is associated with the prophets Harun (Aaron) and Musa (Moses).[34] In particular, numerous references to Mount Sinai exist in the Quran,[35][36] where it is called Ṭūr Saināʾ,[37] Ṭūr Sīnīn,[38] and aṭ-Ṭūr[39][40] and al-Jabal (both meaning "the Mount").[41] As for the adjacent Wād Ṭuwā (Valley of Tuwa), it is considered as being muqaddas[42][43] (sacred),[44][45] and a part of it is called Al-Buqʿah Al-Mubārakah ("The Blessed Place").[40]

Sunni Islam

[edit] Main article: Holiest sites in Sunni Islam

All sites mentioned in the Hadith are holy in Sunni Islam. The Kaaba is the holiest site, followed by the Prophet's Mosque, al-Aqsa, and other sites mentioned in the Hadith, as well as the Umayyad Mosque and Ibrahimi Mosque. Various other sites and mosques across the Islamic world are claimed to be the fourth-holiest site in Islam or among the holiest:

• Some consider the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus to be the fourth holiest site in Islam.[46][47]
• The city of Hebron in Palestine, which contains the Ibrahimi Mosque, is also considered by some to be the fourth holiest site in Islam.[48]
• Some consider the city of Harar, Ethiopia, the "City of the Saints", to be the fourth holiest city in Islam.[49][50][51]
• The city of Kairouan, Tunisia, is considered by some to be the fourth holiest city in Islam after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem.[52][53][54][55] Local tradition holds that seven pilgrimages to the Great Mosque of Kairouan equals one pilgrimage to Mecca.[56][57][58]
• The city of Bukhara in Uzbekistan, which is associated with Muhammad al-Bukhari is considered a holy city,[59][60] also claimed by some to be the fourth holiest city in Islam.[61]
• The town of Chinguetti in Mauritania, whose libraries contain many ancient manuscripts, is claimed by some to be the seventh holiest city in Islam.[62][63]

Shia Islam

[edit] Main article: Holiest sites in Shia Islam

The holiest sites in Shia Islam are Mecca, Medina, and then Al Aqsa. After these sites, sites associated with the Imamah hold a high level of significance.

Imam Ali Mosque

[edit]

Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf, Iraq, is the holiest site for Shia Muslims after the three above. It contains the tomb of Ali, the Imam who was also Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law. According to Shia belief, the tomb also contains the remains of Adam and Noah.[64]

The shrine's significance in Shia Islam is profound. All Muslims revere Imam Ali, but the Shia in particular, as a paragon of justice, knowledge, and piety. His burial site has thus become a symbol of Shia identity and faith. Every year, the shrine is visited by millions of pilgrims, with attendance peaking during Arba'in, when estimates suggest more than 20 million visitors.[65]

Historical background

[edit]

The Imam Ali Mosque has a rich history that dates back to the 7th century. Ali was buried in Najaf following the Assassination of Ali on 28 January 66. However, the location of his grave remained a closely-guarded secret for many years due to political tensions. It wasn't until the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid reportedly discovered the grave during a hunting expedition in the 8th century that a shrine was built at the site.[66]

Over the centuries, the shrine has undergone numerous renovations and expansions. In the 10th century, the Buyid dynasty made significant contributions by building a large dome over the grave and by adding other structures.[67] The Safavid Empire in the 16th century also played a crucial role in further developing the site, adding ornate decorations, and expanding the mosque complex.[68]

Architecture and structure

[edit]

The Imam Ali Mosque is an architectural masterpiece. The shrine is distinguished by its golden dome and minarets, which are covered with approximately 7,777 gold tiles. The complex also includes courtyards, prayer halls, and a museum. The central hall, where the tomb is located, is adorned with intricate mirror work, mosaics, and calligraphy.[69]

The mosque features a large courtyard, known as the Sahan, which is surrounded by arched colonnades. The main entrance, Bab al-Qibla, is an impressive gateway that leads directly to the inner sanctum. The interior is lavishly decorated with Persian carpets, chandeliers, and intricate stucco work, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of the region.[70]

Burials at the shrine

[edit]

In addition to Imam Ali, the shrine complex is the final resting place for several notable figures. Among them are many revered Shia scholars, jurists, and theologians. Some of the prominent figures buried here include:

• Murtada Ansari, a leading Shia jurist of the 19th century.[71]
• Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr, a renowned Iraqi Shia cleric and philosopher.[72]
• Abu al-Qasim al-Khoei, one of the most influential Shia marjas of the 20th century.[73]

The shrine is also surrounded by the world's largest cemetery, Wadi al-Salam. It is believed that being buried near Imam Ali brings spiritual benefits, and many Shia Muslims request to be interred in this sacred ground.[74]

Pilgrimage and religious significance

[edit]

The shrine is a focal point for Shia pilgrimage. Every year, millions of devotees travel to Najaf to pay their respects, particularly during significant religious occasions, including the anniversaries of Ali's birth and martyrdom, as well as the Arba'in. This pilgrimage marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein, Ali's son, who was martyred at the Battle of Karbala.[75]

During Arba'in, the number of visitors can exceed 20 million, making it one of the largest peaceful gatherings in the world. Pilgrims often travel on foot from various parts of Iraq and even from neighboring countries to participate in the commemorations.[76]

Imam Husayn Shrine

[edit]

Imam Husayn Shrine in Karbala, Iraq, contains the tomb of Husayn ibn Ali. The mosque stands on the site of the grave of Husayn ibn Ali, where he was martyred during the Battle of Karbala in 680.[77][78] Up to 20 million pilgrims visit the city for the anniversary of Hussein ibn Ali's death.[79] There are many Shia traditions which narrate the status of Karbala.

The Imam Husayn Shrine is a site of immense religious significance for Shia Muslims. It commemorates the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the Battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram in the year 680 AD. This event is one of the most tragic and pivotal moments in Islamic history, especially for Shia Muslims, as it symbolizes the struggle against tyranny and injustice.

Historical background

[edit]

The Battle of Karbala was a defining moment in Islamic history. Husayn ibn Ali, along with his family and companions, was martyred by the forces of the Umayyad caliph Yazid I. The battle took place on the plains of Karbala, and Husayn’s stand against Yazid’s oppressive regime has since been revered as a symbol of resistance and martyrdom in Shia Islam.[80]

Following the martyrdom, the site of Husayn's grave became a place of pilgrimage. The first structure over his grave was constructed by the order of Mukhtar al-Thaqafi in the late 7th century.[81] Throughout the centuries, the shrine has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. Major renovations were carried out by various Islamic dynasties, including the Abbasids, Buyids, and Safavids.[73]

Architecture and structure

[edit]

The Imam Husayn Shrine is renowned for its stunning architecture and intricate decorations. The shrine complex includes a golden dome, several minarets, and expansive courtyards. The central dome is adorned with gold-plated tiles, and the interior features elaborate mirror work, mosaics, and calligraphy that depict verses from the Quran and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Imams.[82]

The main courtyard, known as the Sahan, is surrounded by arched porticos and serves as a gathering place for pilgrims to offer prayers and recite elegies. The shrine also includes a museum that houses artifacts related to Husayn ibn Ali and the Battle of Karbala, as well as a library with a vast collection of Islamic manuscripts and texts.

Pilgrimage and religious significance

[edit]

The Imam Husayn Shrine is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Shia Muslims worldwide. The annual Arba'in pilgrimage, which marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for Husayn ibn Ali, draws millions of visitors from around the world. During Arba'in, pilgrims often walk long distances, sometimes covering hundreds of miles, to reach Karbala. This pilgrimage is considered an act of devotion and solidarity with the sacrifices made by Husayn and his companions.[75]

In addition to Arba'in, other significant occasions that draw large crowds to the shrine include Ashura, which is the commemmoration date of Husayn's martyrdom, and the birthdays and martyrdom anniversaries of other Shia Imams. The shrine also plays a central role in commemorating various religious events and serves as a hub for religious learning and scholarship.

Modern developments

[edit]

In recent years, the shrine has undergone extensive renovations and expansions to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. These developments include the construction of new facilities for pilgrims, improved infrastructure, and enhanced security measures. Efforts have also been made to preserve the shrine's historical and architectural heritage while ensuring that it can meet the needs of contemporary visitors.[83]

Imam Reza Shrine

[edit]

The Imam Reza Shrine is the mausoleum of Ali al-Rida, the eighth Imam in Shia Islam, located in Mashhad, the province of Razavi Khorasan, Iran. As one of the holiest sites in Shia Islam, nearly 30 million Muslims making pilgrimages to the shrine every year,[85][86][87] the most visited site in Islam.[88][89][90]

Imam Reza was a great-grandson of Muhammad, known for his piety and learning. He is also part of the chain of mystical authority and asceticism in Sunni Sufism, making him widely respected in Sunni Islam as well. The Uyoun Akhbar Al-Ridha recorded miracles which have occurred at the shrine.

The shrine covers an area of 1,200,000 square meters, making it the world's third largest mosque, after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and the Prophet's Mosque in Medina. The complex is also on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also buried within the shrine are the members of the Timurid, Safavid and Qajar family members, alongside the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid, polymath Baha al-Din al-Amili, crown prince Abbas Mirza, and many other notable political figures, scholars, and clerics.

Historical background

[edit]

Ali al-Ridha was the eighth Imam in Shia Islam and a direct descendant of Muhammad through Ali and Fatima. In the early 9th century, the Abbasid caliph al-Ma'mun invited Reza from Medina to Khorasan and appointed him as his heir apparent, a move widely interpreted as an attempt to legitimize Abbasid rule and contain Shia influence. Imam Reza died in 818 CE in the city of Tus, poisoned by al-Ma'mun.

The site of his grave became a major destination for pilgrimage, and the surrounding settlement gradually developed around his tomb, creating a new city called Mashhad, meaning “place of martyrdom.” The earliest structures around the shrine date back to the 9th century, with significant patronage and expansion carried out during various periods, including by the Samanid, Seljuk, Ilkhanid, Timurid, Afsharid, Safavid, and Qajar Empires.

Architecture and structure

[edit]

The shrine is renowned for its vast scale, architectural grandeur, artistic richness, and spiritual atmosphere. The architecture of the shrine represents a blend of Persian and Islamic traditions. The complex features a prominent golden dome, multiple minarets, and numerous courtyards (sahn), prayer halls (riwaq). The central sanctuary houses the Imam's grave beneath the gilded dome. The interior of the shrine is richly decorated with mirror work, tile mosaics, stucco carvings, and intricate calligraphy featuring Quranic verses and religious inscriptions.

Pilgrimage and religious significance

[edit]

The shrine is an unmistakable landmark in Iran and Shia history, with the city of Mashhad regarded as the country's spiritual capital. The Goharshad Mosque, built by Timurid Empress Goharshad in 1418 CE, is also located at the shrine. The Astan Quds Razavi Central Museum, a library, four seminaries, a cemetery, and the Razavi University of Islamic Sciences, are contained within the complex as well. The shrine also serves as a major center for religious ceremonies, gatherings, and educational activities, attracting scholars and students from across the Islamic world.

Several hadiths from the Shia Imams and from Muhammad highlight the importance of pilgrimage to his shrine. A hadith from Muhammad says: "One of my own flesh and blood will be buried in the land of Khorasan. God the Highest will surely remove the sorrows of any sorrowful person who goes on pilgrimage to his shrine. God will surely forgive the sins of any sinful person who goes on pilgrimage to his shrine." [91]

Modern developments

[edit]

In modern times, the shrine has undergone continuous expansion to accommodate the growing number of pilgrims. Large-scale construction projects have added new courtyards, prayer halls, underground facilities, and improved transportation access. Significant efforts have also been made to preserve the shrine’s historical structures while integrating contemporary architectural and safety standards.

Al-Abbas Shrine

[edit]

Al-Abbas Shrine in Karbala, Iraq, is the mausoleum of Abbas ibn Ali, who was the half-brother of Husayn ibn Ali and a key figure in the Battle of Karbala. Abbas is revered for his loyalty and bravery, and his shrine is one of the holiest sites for Shia Muslims, attracting millions of pilgrims, especially during the annual commemoration of Arba'een.[92]

Historical background

[edit]

Abbas ibn Ali, also known as Abu al-Fadl, was a son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and a respected warrior known for his unwavering support of his brother Husayn. He played a crucial role in the Battle of Karbala, where he was martyred while attempting to fetch water for the thirsty children and companions of Husayn. His sacrifice is deeply commemorated in Shia tradition, and his shrine stands as a symbol of devotion and courage.[93]

The construction of the shrine began in the early Islamic period, with significant contributions from various Islamic rulers. The earliest recorded construction was during the Abbasid Caliphate, with later renovations and expansions by the Safavid and Qajar dynasties.[80] The shrine has been rebuilt and restored multiple times due to natural disasters and political upheavals.

Architecture and structure

[edit]

The Abbas Ibn Ali Shrine is an architectural marvel, featuring a grand golden dome and two towering minarets, which are visible from miles away. The shrine complex includes several courtyards, prayer halls, and a museum. The central hall, where the tomb is located, is lavishly decorated with intricate tile work, mirror mosaics, and Arabic calligraphy depicting verses from the Quran and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and the Imams.[94]

The shrine is surrounded by spacious courtyards that can accommodate the influx of pilgrims during major religious events. The main entrance, known as Bab al-Qibla, is an ornate gateway that leads to the inner sanctum. Inside, the walls are adorned with elaborate stucco and mirror work, reflecting the rich artistic heritage of the region.

Religious significance

[edit]

The Abbas Ibn Ali Shrine holds immense religious significance for Shia Muslims. Abbas ibn Ali is revered not only for his familial connection to Husayn but also for his virtues of loyalty, courage, and self-sacrifice. His shrine is a focal point of pilgrimage, particularly during the annual Arba'in commemoration, which marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for Husayn ibn Ali.[75]

Pilgrims from around the world visit the shrine to pay their respects and seek intercession. The rituals performed at the shrine include recitations of elegies, lamentations, and the reenactment of the events of Karbala. These practices are deeply ingrained in Shia cultural and religious identity, symbolizing the eternal struggle against oppression and injustice.[95]

Modern developments

[edit]

In recent years, the shrine has seen extensive renovations and expansions. These efforts aim to preserve the historical and architectural integrity of the site while accommodating the increasing number of pilgrims. Modern amenities, improved infrastructure, and enhanced security measures have been introduced to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors.[96]

The Abbas Ibn Ali Shrine remains a beacon of faith and a testament to the enduring legacy of Abbas ibn Ali. It stands as a symbol of loyalty, bravery, and the eternal struggle for justice, drawing millions of devotees who seek solace and inspiration from his exemplary life.

Jannat al-Baqi

[edit]

Jannat al-Baqi in Medina, Saudi Arabia, is a cemetery founded by Muhammad that holds the graves of several of his family members and companions. Among them are the four Shia Imams: Hasan ibn Ali, Ali ibn Husayn, Muhammad al-Baqir, and Jafar al-Sadiq. The cemetery was demolished under the Emirate of Diriyah in 1806. After their reconstruction, they were again demolished in 1926 under the Sultanate of Nejd, in accordance with their Wahhabi interpretation of Islamic law regarding idolatry. These demolitions were condemned across the Islamic world, but the Saudi government has rejected calls for reconstruction.

Great Mosque of Kufa

[edit]

Masjid al-Kufa, located in the Iraqi city of Kufa, is one of the oldest and holiest mosques in the world. It holds great significance for Shia Muslims due to its historical and religious importance.

Historical significance

[edit]

Masjid al-Kufa is believed to have been built in the 7th century. It is one of the four major mosques that Shia Muslims consider to be significant. According to Shi/i tradition, the mosque was constructed by Adam, with subsequent renovations by Noah, Abraham, and Ishmael.

Religious importance

[edit]

Masjid al-Kufa holds immense religious significance for Shia Muslims. It was the place where Ali, the first Shia Imam, and the fourth caliph in Sunni Islam, used to lead prayers and deliver sermons. The mosque is also the site where he was struck with a fatal blow by Abd al-Rahman ibn Muljam during the month of Ramadan in 661 CE.[97]

Key locations within the mosque

[edit]

• Mihrab of Imam Ali: The mihrab marks the spot where Imam Ali was fatally struck while praying.
• Maqam of Ibrahim: It is believed that this is the place where Prophet Ibrahim prayed.
• Maqam of Muslim ibn Aqil: This spot commemorates Muslim ibn Aqil, the cousin of Imam Husayn, who was sent to Kufa by Husayn as his emissary and was martyred here.
• Maqam of Mukhtar al-Thaqafi : Supporter of Imam Hussayn who took revenge, avenging him and killing all his enemies.
• Maqam of Hani ibn Urwa: Hani ibn Urwa was a supporter of Muslim ibn Aqil and was martyred alongside him.
• House of Imam Ali: Adjacent to the mosque is the house of Imam Ali, which is now a site of pilgrimage.

Pilgrimage

[edit]

The mosque is a significant pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims, especially during the anniversary of Imam Ali's death and other important Islamic events. Pilgrims visit the mosque to pay their respects, pray, and reflect on its historical and spiritual significance.[98][99]

Fatima Masumeh Shrine

[edit]

The Fatima Masumeh Shrine in Qom, Iran, is considered to be the most sacred city in Shia Islam after Karbala, Najaf, and Mashhad. Fatima Masumeh was the sister of the eighth Shia Imam Reza, and the daughter of the seventh Imam Musa al-Kazim.

Religious significance

[edit]

In Shia Islam, women are often revered as saints if they are close relatives to one of the Imams. Fatima Masumeh is therefore honored as a saint, and her shrine in Qom is one of the most significant Shia shrines.

Pilgrimage

[edit]

Every year, millions travel to Qom to honor Fatima Masumeh and seek her intercession with God.Also buried within the shrine are three daughters of the ninth Imam Muhammad al-Taqi, Persian poet Parvin Etesami, six members of the Safavid family, eleven members of the Qajar family, and many other notable political figures, scholars, and clerics. The shrine has attracted dozens of seminaries and religious schools.

Other shrines

[edit] Main article: Twelver Shi'ism

• Al-Askari Shrine in Samarrah, Iraq, contains the tombs of the tenth and eleventh Imams, Ali al-Hadi and Hasan al-Askari.
• Shah Abdol-Azim Shrine in Ray, Iran, contains the tomb of Abd al-Azim al-Hasani, a descendant of Hasan and a companion of Muhammad al-Taqi.
• Al-Kazimiyya Mosque in Baghdad, Iraq, houses the tombs of the seventh and ninth Imams, Musa al-Kazim and Muhammad al-Jawad as well as multiple notable scholars from Shia History. It is an important pilgrimage site, and the surrounding area, Kadhimayn, is named after these Imams.
• Shāh Cherāgh in Shiraz, Iran, houses the mausoleums of the two sons of the seventh Imam Musa al-Kazim.
• Jamkaran Mosque in Qom, Iran, is a popular pilgrimage site for Shia Muslims. Local belief holds that the 12th Imam—the promised Mahdi—once appeared and offered prayers at Jamkaran.
• Mada'in in Iraq holds the tomb of Muhammad's Iranian companion, Salman the Persian. The site attracts many pilgrims annually.
• Balad, Iraq, is home to the Sayyid Muhammad Shrine, dedicated to Muhammad ibn Ali al-Hadi, the son of the tenth Imam Ali al-Hadi. It is an important pilgrimage site, particularly for those visiting the Samarrah shrines.
• Bibi Shahrbanu Shrine in Rey, southern Tehran, is the alleged tomb of Shahrbanu, who was the wife of Husayn and the mother of the Ali al-Sajjad.
• Masjid Hanana in Najaf, Iraq, is believed to be the site where Husayn's head rested en route to Kufa after the Battle of Karbala. It is a site of reverence and pilgrimage for Shia Muslims.
• Masjid Sahla in Kufa, Iraq, is an ancient mosque believed to have been built on the site where several prophets, including Enoch, Abraham, and Khidr, prayed. It is also associated with the future return of Mahdi.

Ibadi Islam

[edit] Main article: Ibadism

In Ibadi Islam, there is no formal doctrine of sacred shrines or saint-centered holy sites. Ibadis place strong emphasis on monotheism (tawḥīd). Like all Muslims, they recognize Mecca, Medina and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem as holy. Beyond these universally sacred sites, Ibadism does not promote pilgrimage to shrines or mosques.

As a result, mosques in Ibadi communities—such as those in Oman, Libya, Tanzania, Tunisia, Dominican Republic, and Algeria—are valued primarily as centers of communal worship, learning, and governance rather than as sacred places.

Some prominent Ibadi mosques, such as the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque in Muscat, serve as important cultural and educational centers, but they are not regarded as sites of pilgrimage.

See also

[edit]

• Ḥ-R-M
  • Haram (site)
• Lists of mosques
  • List of largest mosques
  • List of mosques
• Middle East
• Near East

References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c Mustafa Abu Sway. "The Holy Land, Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Qur'an, Sunnah and other Islamic Literary Source" (PDF). Central Conference of American Rabbis. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-07-28.
2. ^ a b National Geographic Society (U.S.); de Blij, H.J.; Downs, R.; John Wiley & Sons (2007). Wiley/National Geographic College Atlas of the World. Wiley. p. 49. ISBN 978-0-471-74117-6. Retrieved 2022-06-15. Al 'Aqsa is the second oldest mosque in Islam after the Kaaba in Mecca and is third in holiness after the mosques in Mecca and Medina. It holds up to 400,000 worshippers at one time.
3. ^ a b The Encyclopaedia of Islam. Vol. 7 (New ed. 2006 ed.). Brill. 2006. pp. 97–105.
4. ^ Quran 9:25–129
5. ^ Quran 33:09–73
6. ^ Quran 48:22–29
7. ^ Hopkins, Daniel J.; 편집부 (2001). Merriam-Webster's Geographical Dictionary. Merriam-Webster. p. 479. ISBN 0-87779-546-0. Retrieved 2013-03-17.
8. ^ a b Haramayn at MadainProject.com. Accessed 19 Nov. 2022.
9. ^ a b Trofimov, Yaroslav (2008), The Siege of Mecca: The 1979 Uprising at Islam's Holiest Shrine, New York, p. 79, ISBN 978-0-307-47290-8{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
10. ^ a b Michigan Consortium for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (1986). Goss, V. P.; Bornstein, C. V. (eds.). The Meeting of Two Dads: Cultural Exchange Between East and West During the Period of the Crusades. Vol. 21. Medieval Institute Publications, Western Michigan University. p. 208. ISBN 0918720583.
11. ^ Tucker & Roberts 2008, p. 673.
12. ^ Quran 2:124–217
13. ^ Musharraf 2012, p. 195.
14. ^ Peters 1994, p. 22.
15. ^ Blatt 2015, p. 27.
16. ^ Description of the new mosque and architectural documents at archnet.org Archived January 8, 2009, at the Wayback Machine
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18. ^ Shaam
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20. ^ Salibi, K. S. (2003). A House of Many Mansions: The History of Lebanon Reconsidered. I. B. Tauris. pp. 61–62. ISBN 978-1-86064-912-7. To the Arabs, this same territory, which the Romans considered Arabian, formed part of what they called Bilad al-Sham, which was their own name for Syria. From the classical perspective however Syria, including Palestine, formed no more than the western fringes of what was reckoned to be Arabia between the first line of cities and the coast. Since there is no clear dividing line between what are called today the Syrian and Arabian deserts, which actually form one stretch of arid tableland, the classical concept of what actually constituted Syria had more to its credit geographically than the vaguer Arab concept of Syria as Bilad al-Sham. Under the Romans, there was actually a province of Syria, with its capital at Antioch, which carried the name of the territory. Otherwise, down the centuries, Syria like Arabia and Mesopotamia was no more than a geographic expression. In Islamic times, the Arab geographers used the name arabicized as Suriyah, to denote one special region of Bilad al-Sham, which was the middle section of the valley of the Orontes river, in the vicinity of the towns of Homs and Hama. They also noted that it was an old name for the whole of Bilad al-Sham which had gone out of use. As a geographic expression, however, the name Syria survived in its original classical sense in Byzantine and Western European usage, and also in the Syriac literature of some of the Eastern Christian churches, from which it occasionally found its way into Christian Arabic usage. It was only in the nineteenth century that the use of the name was revived in its modern Arabic form, frequently as Suriyya rather than the older Suriyah, to denote the whole of Bilad al-Sham: first of all in the Christian Arabic literature of the period, and under the influence of Western Europe. By the end of that century it had already replaced the name of Bilad al-Sham even in Muslim Arabic usage.
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23. ^ Quran 17:1–7
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25. ^ Birke, Sarah. "Damascus: What's Left | Sarah Birke". The New York Review of Books. Retrieved 2022-05-19.
26. ^ Janet L. Abu-Lughod (2007). "Damascus". In Dumper, Michael R. T.; Stanley, Bruce E. (eds.). Cities of the Middle East and North Africa: A Historical Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. pp. 119–126. ISBN 978-1-5760-7919-5.
27. ^ Qummi, Shaykh Abbas (2005). Nafasul Mahmoom. Qum: Ansariyan Publications. p. 362.
28. ^ Nafasul Mahmoom. p. 368.
29. ^ a b Vitullo, Anita (2003). "People Tied to Place: Strengthening Cultural Identity in Hebron's Old City". Journal of Palestine Studies. 33: 68–83. doi:10.1525/jps.2003.33.1.68. quote: From earliest Islam, the sanctuaries of Hebron and Jerusalem [al-Haram al-Ibrahimi and al-Haram al-Sharif] were holy places outranked only by Mecca and Medina; the Ibrahimi Mosque was originally regarded by some Muslims as Islam's fourth holiest site. Muslims believe that the Hebron sanctuary was visited by the Prophet Muhammad on his mystical nocturnal journey from Mecca to Jerusalem.🗿🗿🗿🗿
30. ^ Aksan & Goffman 2007, p. 97: 'Suleyman considered himself the ruler of the four holy cities of Islam, and, along with Mecca and Medina, included Hebron and Jerusalem in his rather lengthy list of official titles.'
31. ^ Honigmann 1993, p. 886
32. ^ Janet L. Abu-Lughod (2007). "Damascus". In Dumper, Michael R. T.; Stanley, Bruce E. (eds.). Cities of the Middle East and North Africa: A Historical Encyclopedia. ABC-CLIO. pp. 166–167. ISBN 978-1-5760-7919-5.
33. ^ "Hebron: The city of Abraham, the Beloved". 2005-04-26.
34. ^ Jewish Encyclopedia
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36. ^ Abbas, K. A. (1984). The World is My Village: A Novel with an Index. Ajanta Publications.
37. ^ Quran 23:20 (Translated by Yusuf Ali)
38. ^ Quran 95:2 (Translated by Yusuf Ali)
39. ^ Quran 2:63–93
40. ^ a b Quran 28:3–86
41. ^ Quran 7:103–156
42. ^ Quran 20:9–99
43. ^ Quran 79:15–25
44. ^ Ibn Kathir (2013-01-01). Dr Mohammad Hilmi Al-Ahmad (ed.). Stories of the Prophets: [قصص الأنبياء [انكليزي. Dar Al Kotob Al Ilmiyah (Arabic: دَار الْـكُـتُـب الْـعِـلْـمِـيَّـة). ISBN 978-2745151360.
45. ^ Elhadary, Osman (2016-02-08). "11, 15". Moses in the Holy Scriptures of Judaism, Christianity and Islam: A Call for Peace. BookBaby. ISBN 978-1483563039.[permanent dead link]
46. ^ Toueir, Kassem (2018). "Muhammad as Prophet and Mayor: City Planning from the Perspective of the Qur'an, Hadith, and Islamic Law Case Study: Damascus". In Stager, Lawrence E.; Greene, Joseph A.; Coogan, Michael D. (eds.). The Archaeology of Jordan and Beyond: Essays in Memory of James A. Sauer. Brill. p. 501. ISBN 978-90-04-36980-1.
47. ^ Darrow, William R. (2011). "Holy Places". Islamic Beliefs, Practices, and Cultures. Marshall Cavendish. pp. 180–182. ISBN 978-0-7614-9964-0.
48. ^ Lecoquierre, Marion (2019). "Hebron: A nested division of sacred spaces". In Dumper, Michael (ed.). Contested Holy Cities: The Urban Dimension of Religious Conflicts. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-429-67384-9. Hebron is often presented as the fourth holy city of Islam after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem
49. ^ Santelli, Serge (2008). "Harar: The Fourth Holy City of Islam". In Jayyusi, Salma K.; Holod, Renata; Petruccioli, Attilio; Raymond, André (eds.). The City in the Islamic World. Brill. p. 631. ISBN 978-90-04-16240-2. Harar, which is known as being the fourth Holy city of Islam (...)
50. ^ Polk, William Roe (2018). Crusade and Jihad: The Thousand-year War Between the Muslim World and the Global North. Yale University Press. p. 453. ISBN 978-0-300-22290-6.
51. ^ Shinn, David H.; Ofcansky, Thomas P. (2013). Historical Dictionary of Ethiopia. Scarecrow Press. p. 207. ISBN 978-0-8108-7457-2.
52. ^ Brockman, Norbert (2011). Encyclopedia of Sacred Places. ABC-CLIO. p. 267. ISBN 978-1-59884-654-6.
53. ^ Dodds, Jerrilynn D. (1993). The Art of Medieval Spain, A.D. 500-1200. Metropolitan Museum of Art. p. 104. ISBN 978-0-8109-6433-4.
54. ^ Ring, Trudy; Watson, Noelle; Schellinger, Paul (2014). Middle East and Africa: International Dictionary of Historic Places. Routledge. p. 388. ISBN 978-1-134-25993-9.
55. ^ Prah, Kwesi (11–12 May 2004), Towards a Strategic Geopolitic Vision of Afro-Arab Relations, AU Headquarters, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, archived from the original on 2007-09-28, By 670, the Arabs had taken Tunisia, and by 675, they had completed construction of Kairouan, the city that would become the premier Arab base in North Africa. Kairouan was later to become the third holiest city in Islam in the medieval period, after Mecca and Medina, because of its importance as the centre of the Islamic faith in the Maghrib.{{citation}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
56. ^ The Middle East and North Africa. Europa Publications Limited. 2003. p. 150. ISBN 978-1-85743-184-1.
57. ^ Dr. Ray Harris; Khalid Koser (2004). Continuity and change in the Tunisian sahel. Ashgate. p. 108. ISBN 978-0-7546-3373-0.
58. ^ Robert D. Kaplan (2004). Mediterranean Winter: The Pleasures of History and Landscape in Tunisia, Sicily, Dalmatia, and Greece. Random House. p. 66. ISBN 978-0-375-50804-2. With eighty nine mosques it is the fourth holiest city in Sunni Islam, after Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. A tradition holds that seven pilgrimages to Kairouan exempt the faithful from having to journey to Mecca
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Bibliography

[edit]

• Aksan, Virginia H.; Goffman, Daniel (2007). The early modern Ottomans: remapping the Empire. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-81764-6. Retrieved 13 October 2010.
• Peters, Francis (1994). The Hajj: The Muslim Pilgrimage to Mecca and the Holy Places. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press. ISBN 9780691026190.
• Musharraf, Hussain (2012). The Five Pillars of Islam: Laying the Foundations of Divine Love and Service to Humanity. Leicestershire, UK: Kube Publishing. ISBN 9781847740236.
• Blatt, Amy (2015). Health, Science, and Place: A New Model. Cham, Switzerland: Springer. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-12003-4. ISBN 978-3319120027. S2CID 183074116.
• Tucker, Spencer; Roberts, Priscilla (2008). The encyclopedia of the Arab-Israeli conflict : a political, social, and military history. Santa Barbara, California: ABC-CLIO. ISBN 978-1851098415.
• Honigmann, Ernst (1993) [1927]. "Hebron". In Houtsma, M. T. (ed.). E.J. Brill's first encyclopedia of Islam, 1913–1936. Vol. IV. BRILL. pp. 886–888. ISBN 978-90-04-09790-2.

External links

[edit]

• Jerusalem in the Qur'an
• Al Quds fil Quran (in Arabic Language)
• Charting the holy cities of Islam – the world’s most evasive list

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Implied Irmiyā (Jeremiah) Ṣamūʾīl (Samuel) Yūshaʿ ibn Nūn (Joshua, companion and successor of Moses) People of Prophets Good ones Adam's immediate relatives Martyred son Wife Believer of Ya-Sin Family of Noah Father Lamech Mother Shamkhah bint Anush or Betenos Luqman's son People of Abraham Mother Abiona or Amtelai the daughter of Karnebo Ishmael's mother Isaac's mother People of Jesus Disciples (including Peter) Mary's mother Zechariah's wife People of Solomon Mother Queen of Sheba Vizier Zayd (Muhammad's adopted son) People of Joseph Brothers (including Binyāmin (Benjamin) and Simeon) Egyptians ʿAzīz (Potiphar, Qatafir or Qittin) Malik (King Ar-Rayyān ibn Al-Walīd)) Wife of ʿAzīz (Zulaykhah) Mother People of Aaron and Moses Egyptians Believer (Hizbil or Hizqil ibn Sabura) Imraʾat Firʿawn (Āsiyá bint Muzāḥim the Wife of Pharaoh, who adopted Moses) Magicians of the Pharaoh Wise, pious man Moses' wife Moses' sister-in-law Mother Sister Evil ones Āzar (possibly Terah) Firʿawn (Pharaoh of Moses' time) Hāmān Jālūt (Goliath) Qārūn (Korah, cousin of Moses) As-Sāmirī Abū Lahab Slayers of Ṣāliḥ's she-camel (Qaddar ibn Salif and Musda' ibn Dahr) Implied ornot specified Abraha Abu Bakr Bal'am/Balaam Barṣīṣā Caleb or Kaleb the companion of Joshua Luqman's son Nebuchadnezzar II Nimrod Rahmah the wife of Ayyub Shaddad Groups Mentioned Aṣḥāb al-Jannah People of Paradise People of the Burnt Garden Aṣḥāb as-Sabt (Companions of the Sabbath) Jesus' apostles Ḥawāriyyūn (Disciples of Jesus) Companions of Noah's Ark Aṣḥāb al-Kahf war-Raqīm (Companions of the Cave and Al-Raqaim? Companions of the Elephant People of al-Ukhdūd People of a township in Surah Ya-Sin People of Yathrib or Medina Qawm Lūṭ (People of Sodom and Gomorrah) Nation of Noah Tribes, ethnicitiesor families ‘Ajam Ar-Rūm (literally 'The Romans') Banī Isrāʾīl (Children of Israel) Muʾtafikāt (Sodom and Gomorrah) People of Ibrahim People of Ilyas People of Nuh People of Shuaib Ahl Madyan People of Madyan) Aṣḥāb al-Aykah ('Companions of the Wood') Qawm Yūnus (People of Jonah) Ya'juj and Ma'juj/Gog and Magog People of Fir'aun Current Ummah of Islam (Ummah of Muhammad) Aṣḥāb Muḥammad (Companions of Muhammad) Anṣār (literally 'Helpers') Muhajirun (Emigrants from Mecca to Medina) People of Mecca Wife of Abu Lahab Children of Ayyub Sons of Adam Wife of Nuh Wife of Lut Yaʾjūj wa Maʾjūj (Gog and Magog) Son of Nuh Aʿrāb (Arabs or Bedouins) ʿĀd (people of Hud) Companions of the Rass Qawm Tubbaʿ (People of Tubba) People of Sabaʾ or Sheba Quraysh Thamūd (people of Ṣāliḥ) Aṣḥāb al-Ḥijr ('Companions of the Stoneland') Ahl al-Bayt ('People of the Household') Household of Abraham Brothers of Yūsuf Lot's daughters Progeny of Imran Household of Moses Household of Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Abdul-Muttalib ibn Hashim Daughters of Muhammad Muhammad's wives Household of Salih Implicitlymentioned Amalek Ahl as-Suffa (People of the Verandah) Banu Nadir Banu Qaynuqa Banu Qurayza Iranian people Umayyad Dynasty Aus and Khazraj People of Quba Religious groups Ahl al-Dhimmah Kāfirūn disbelievers Majūs Zoroastrians Munāfiqūn (Hypocrites) Muslims Believers Ahl al-Kitāb (People of the Book) Naṣārā (Christian(s) or People of the Injil) Ruhban (Christian monks) Qissis (Christian priest) Yahūd (Jews) Ahbār (Jewish scholars) Rabbani/Rabbi Sabians Polytheists Meccan polytheists at the time of Muhammad Mesopotamian polytheists at the time of Abraham and Lot
Locations Mentioned Al-Arḍ Al-Muqaddasah ('The Holy Land') 'Blessed' Land' Al-Jannah (Paradise, literally 'The Garden') Jahannam (Hell) Door of Hittah Madyan (Midian) Majmaʿ al-Baḥrayn Miṣr (Mainland Egypt) Salsabīl (A river in Paradise) In the Arabian Peninsula (excluding Madyan) Al-Aḥqāf ('The Sandy Plains,' or 'the Wind-curved Sand-hills') Iram dhāt al-ʿImād (Iram of the Pillars) Al-Madīnah (formerly Yathrib) ʿArafāt and Al-Mashʿar Al-Ḥarām (Muzdalifah) Al-Ḥijr (Hegra) Badr Ḥunayn Makkah (Mecca) Bakkah Ḥaraman Āminan ('Sanctuary (which is) Secure') Kaʿbah (Kaaba) Maqām Ibrāhīm (Station of Abraham) Safa and Marwa Sabaʾ (Sheba) ʿArim Sabaʾ (Dam of Sheba) Rass Sinai Region or Tīh Desert Al-Wād Al-Muqaddas Ṭuwan (The Holy Valley of Tuwa) Al-Wādil-Ayman (The valley on the 'righthand' side of the Valley of Tuwa and Mount Sinai) Al-Buqʿah Al-Mubārakah ('The Blessed Place') Mount Sinai or Mount Tabor In Mesopotamia Al-Jūdiyy Munzalanm-Mubārakan ('Place-of-Landing Blessed') Bābil (Babylon) Qaryat Yūnus ('Township of Jonah,' that is Nineveh) Religious locations Bayʿa (Church) Miḥrāb Monastery Masjid (Mosque, literally 'Place of Prostration') Al-Mashʿar Al-Ḥarām ('The Sacred Grove') Al-Masjid Al-Aqṣā (Al-Aqsa, literally 'The Farthest Place-of-Prostration') Al-Masjid Al-Ḥarām (The Sacred Mosque of Mecca) Masjid al-Dirar A Mosque in the area of Medina, possibly: Masjid Qubāʾ (Quba Mosque) The Prophet's Mosque Salat (Synagogue) Implied Antioch Antakya Arabia Al-Ḥijāz (literally 'The Barrier') Al-Ḥajar al-Aswad (Black Stone) & Al-Hijr of Isma'il Cave of Hira Ghār ath-Thawr (Cave of the Bull) Hudaybiyyah Ta'if Ayla Barrier of Dhul-Qarnayn Bayt al-Muqaddas & 'Ariha Bilād ar-Rāfidayn (Mesopotamia) Canaan Cave of Seven Sleepers Dār an-Nadwa Jordan River Nile River Palestine River Paradise of Shaddad
Events, incidents, occasions or times Incident of Ifk Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree) Event of Mubahala Sayl al-ʿArim (Flood of the Great Dam of Ma'rib in Sheba) The Farewell Pilgrimage Treaty of Hudaybiyyah Battles ormilitary expeditions Battle of al-Aḥzāb ('the Confederates') Battle of Badr Battle of Hunayn Battle of Khaybar Battle of Uhud Expedition of Tabuk Conquest of Mecca Days Al-Jumuʿah (The Friday) As-Sabt (The Sabbath or Saturday) Days of battles Days of Hajj Doomsday Months of theIslamic calendar 12 months: Four holy months Ash-Shahr Al-Ḥarām (The Sacred or Forbidden Month) Ramaḍān Pilgrimages Al-Ḥajj (literally 'The Pilgrimage', the Greater Pilgrimage) Al-ʿUmrah (The Lesser Pilgrimage) Times for prayeror remembrance Times for Duʿāʾ ('Invocation'), Ṣalāh and Dhikr ('Remembrance', including Taḥmīd ('Praising'), Takbīr and Tasbīḥ): Al-ʿAshiyy (The Afternoon or the Night) Al-Ghuduww ('The Mornings') Al-Bukrah ('The Morning') Aṣ-Ṣabāḥ ('The Morning') Al-Layl ('The Night') Al-ʿIshāʾ ('The Late-Night') Aẓ-Ẓuhr ('The Noon') Dulūk ash-Shams ('Decline of the Sun') Al-Masāʾ ('The Evening') Qabl al-Ghurūb ('Before the Setting (of the Sun)') Al-Aṣīl ('The Afternoon') Al-ʿAṣr ('The Afternoon') Qabl ṭulūʿ ash-Shams ('Before the rising of the Sun') Al-Fajr ('The Dawn') Implied Ghadir Khumm Laylat al-Mabit First Pilgrimage
Other Holy books Al-Injīl (The Gospel of Jesus) Al-Qurʾān (The Book of Muhammad) Ṣuḥuf-i Ibrāhīm (Scroll(s) of Abraham) At-Tawrāt (The Torah) Ṣuḥuf-i-Mūsā (Scroll(s) of Moses) Tablets of Stone Az-Zabūr (The Psalms of David) Umm al-Kitāb ('Mother of the Book(s)') Objects of peopleor beings Heavenly food of Jesus' apostles Noah's Ark Staff of Musa Tābūt as-Sakīnah (Casket of Shekhinah) Throne of Bilqis Trumpet of Israfil Mentioned idols(cult images) 'Ansāb Jibt and Ṭāghūt (False god) Of Israelites Baʿal The ʿijl (golden calf statue) of Israelites Of Noah's people Nasr Suwāʿ Wadd Yaghūth Yaʿūq Of Quraysh Al-Lāt Al-ʿUzzā Manāt Celestial bodies Maṣābīḥ (literally 'lamps'): Al-Qamar (The Moon) Kawākib (Planets) Al-Arḍ (The Earth) Nujūm (Stars) Ash-Shams (The Sun) Plant matter Baṣal (Onion) Fūm (Garlic or wheat) Shaṭʾ (Shoot) Sūq (Plant stem) Zarʿ (Seed) Fruits ʿAdas (Lentil) Baql (Herb) Qith-thāʾ (Cucumber) Rummān (Pomegranate) Tīn (Fig) Zaytūn (Olive) In Paradise Forbidden fruit of Adam Bushes, treesor plants Plants of Sheba Athl (Tamarisk) Sidr (Lote-tree) Līnah (Tender Palm tree) Nakhl (Date palm) Sidrat al-Muntahā Zaqqūm Liquids Māʾ (Water or fluid) Nahr (River) Yamm (River or sea) Sharāb (Drink)
Note: Names are sorted alphabetically. Standard form: Islamic name / Biblical name (title or relationship)