Overview:

The mausoleum of Imam al-Shafi'i in Cairo is home to the grave of one of the most famous Muslim scholars, Abu Abd Allah Muhammad ibn Idris al-Shafi'i. Located in the al-Husayni area of Cairo, the site consists of a mosque, three tombs, a museum, and a library. Imam al-Shafi'i's grave holds a special place among Muslims, as it is the resting place of the renowned Shafi'i jurist and scholar who is considered by many to be the founder of the Islamic legal system. The mausoleum is also a pilgrimage site for Sunni Muslims. Inside the courtyard, visitors can find a number of interesting artifacts and inscriptions which depict Imam al-Shafi'i's life. The museum and library offer a great source of information for scholars and researchers, as it houses a number of manuscripts and books that were written by Imam al-Shafi'i. The mausoleum is open year-round and is free of charge for all visitors. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Egypt
Prominent Features:

The Mausoleum of Imam al-Shafi'i in Cairo, Egypt, is a well-known religious site. It stands near the entrance of the famed al-Azhar Mosque, and more than 3 million pilgrims visit it each year. The mausoleum is home to the preserved remains of one of the most iconic legal scholars and theologians in Islamic history, Imam al-Shafi'i. His character is appreciated for his significant contributions to the field. He is remembered for his teachings about the foundation of Islamic jurisprudence and the direct relationship between faith and morality. His final resting place has become a significant place of worship for Shia Muslims and Sunni Muslims alike, due to his exemplary teachings. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Egypt.

History:

, the Mausoleum of al-Shafi’i, one of the four major Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence, is situated in Cairo’s Cairo Citadel, near the renowned Khan Al-Khalili marketplace. This architectural monument has been constructed by Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun in 1314 A.D. During its heyday, this celebrated mausoleum attracted scholars, students, visitors, and tourists from the distant lands to pay their respects to the pious Imam al-Shafi’i. Even though today, it may appear that this historic structure is in a sorry state, its lifetime spans over a millennium with its construction date coming after the establishment of the city of Cairo. Until the 14th century, it had been either a single dome building or a double-dome building until it was changed in 1836 A.D. by the then Mameluke ruler Ibrahim Basha, and the subsequent restorations during Qajarid rule in the 19th century changed the look of the mausoleum. This structure consists of the main dome and two side domes with a marble railing surrounding it where the burial chamber of Imam al-Shafi’i is located. In 508 A.H., al- Maqrizi mentions that Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun (one of the greatest Muslim rulers) was stopped from reconstructing al-Shafi’i mausoleum due to lack of funds. However, Muslim bazaars and mosques doneted money and the reconstruction of the tomb was completed in 1313 A.H. The Mameluke and Qajarid rulers have lavishly restored numerous historic sites throughout Cairo, such as the Citadel of Cairo, Moqattam, and al-Azhar university, as well as the mausoleum of various imams and religious scholars. While the mausoleum of Imam al-Shafi’i has long been a place of pious worship and contemplation for Muslims in the past centuries, it has also been a popular tourist destination. The mausoleum has maintained its charm and glory over the centuries despite several renovations. It continues to be a renowned and attractive site for local and international visitors alike. As it is situated in a renowned area of Cairo, the mausoleum of Imam al-Shafi’i serves as an eternal reminder of the importance of preserving Islamic legacies. Visit one of the famous monuments of Egypt with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Mausoleum of Imam al-Shafi'i was built in 1211 CE as a mausoleum for the Muslim scholar Imam al-Shafi'i. 2. Located in the historic area of Islamic Cairo, the mausoleum is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Egypt. 3. The complex consists of a mosque, a minaret, a library, and a courtyard, all surrounded by a painted and glazed stalactite-style woodwork. 4. The impressive Mosque of Al Shafi’i was built around the burial chamber of Imam al-Shafi’i, and the main prayer hall of the mosque is covered with intricate Quranic inscriptions, the earliest of which date to the 13th century. 5. At the mausoleum, students of the Shafi’i school of Islamic law have been studying for centuries, in a tradition that continues to this day. 6. Currently, the complex also contains the Munkar Library which contains over 4,400 Islamic manuscripts on poetics, logic, philosophy, theology, and Arabic literature. 7. Since its founding in 1211, the mausoleum has undergone several renovations to restore its original grandeur. It was renovated in the 1800s by the governor of Egypt largely in its present form, and a restoration process has been carried out in recent years. One of the historical monuments of Egypt, it tells the story of a bygone era