Brief History:

is one of the oldest and most important mosques in Iraq, located in the holy city of Najaf about 160 kilometers south of Baghdad. The mosque was built in 818 CE to commemorate Imam Ali bin Abi Talib, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him). The mosque is known for its unique architecture and is considered one of the oldest mosques in the world. The site houses the burial site of Imam Ali and has become an important pilgrimage destination for Shiites from around the world. It is one of the most famous mosque in Iraq which you must visit.

Architecture:

The Al-Sarafiya Mosque is one of the most iconic and important religious sites in Najaf, Iraq. It is a large mosque that stands at the city's center and is a symbol of the town’s religious and spiritual significance. It stands on the site of the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali, the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. The mosque was built between 1852 and 1858 CE under the Royal patronage of Sayyid Muhammad Ali of the Hashemite family. The architecture of the mosque is based on Ottoman-style. The mosque is a large rectangular shape with a dome in the middle and other smaller domes on the four corners of the building. The primary façade of the building faces West and consists of two minarets which stand tall on either side of the façade and have beautiful and intricate carvings and engravings on them. The exterior walls of the mosque are adorned with ornamental tiles and decorated with calligraphy from the Qur’an. Inside the mosque, there is a large open prayer hall which is surrounded by two distinct inner courts. The Mihrab which stands in the center of the prayer hall is the most important element. It is beautifully decorated and intricately decorated with colored marble and calligraphic texts from the Qur'an. There are also several other niche-animated niches that contain tombs of famous personalities from Najaf. The Al-Sarafiya Mosque is a prominent and spiritual structure that has a strong historical and religious connection with the people of Najaf. It stands in testament to the importance of religion and faith in the lives of the Najafians and is considered a symbol of love and respect for the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali. This is why, it is considered one of the most beautiful mosque in the world.

Visiting Hours:

The Al-Sarafiya Mosque in Najaf is generally open from dawn to dusk. Depending on the season, opening and closing times can vary. Prayer times are generally held five times daily and visitors are expected to abide by adequate age and clothing requirements when visiting the mosque. It should be noted that certain parts of the mosque are off-limits to visitors. best mosque in the world.

Travel Information:

Al-Sarafiya Mosque is located in the Iraqi city of Najaf, which lies about 160 kilometers south of Baghdad in the central region. The city is accessible from Baghdad and other major towns by air, road, and train. By Air: The nearest airport to Najaf is Najaf International Airport, which is located about 5 kilometers east of the city. There are regular domestic flights to Najaf from Baghdad and other Iraqi cities. By Road: There are several direct bus routes to and from Najaf from most major towns and cities in Iraq. The journey time is largely dependent on the route taken. By Train: Najaf can be reached by train from most major cities in Iraq. The travel time is around 6-7 hours depending on the route taken. beautiful masjid.