Najaf النجف

Najaf grew around the tomb of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib and has been a centre of Shia religious scholarship for a thousand years. Its golden-domed shrine, old souqs and the vast Wadi al-Salam cemetery draw pilgrims from around the world.

Najaf grew around the tomb of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, and has been a centre of religious scholarship for about a thousand years. Its seminaries draw students from across the Muslim world, and millions of pilgrims visit the shrine every year.

Beyond the golden-domed Imam Ali Shrine, visitors can see the vast Wadi al-Salam cemetery, one of the largest in the world, and the Great Mosque of Kufa a few kilometres away, one of the earliest mosques in Islam. The old city around the shrine is full of bookshops, prayer-bead sellers and simple restaurants that serve the pilgrims.

Najaf has its own international airport (NJF), which makes it an easy starting point for Karbala, Kufa and Babylon.

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Travel tips

• Dress modestly. Women must wear an abaya and headscarf inside the shrine; abayas are usually lent at the entrance.
• Ask before taking photos inside the shrine. Some areas do not allow photography.
• Avoid the biggest pilgrimage dates unless you are travelling for the pilgrimage: crowds and road closures are very large.

Questions & answers

Can non-Muslims visit the Imam Ali Shrine?

Non-Muslim visitors are often welcomed into the courtyards with a guide and respectful dress, but access to inner areas can vary. Our team will advise you before your visit.

How far is Najaf from Karbala?

About 80 km, roughly an hour and a half by road. Many visitors see both cities in one or two days.

Map of Najaf

Pins show the sites in this guide. Locations are approximate.

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