Najaf
Seminary by the Shrine
sacred site — dress code
Portrait
Ali, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, is buried here under a golden dome, which makes Najaf the holiest city in Shia Islam after Mecca and Medina; its hawza has taught for a thousand years and remains the most influential centre of Shia scholarship. The Wadi al-Salam cemetery beside it is among the largest in the world, with millions of graves over five square kilometres.
Restricted by faith Shrine access is restricted; the city itself is open.
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