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Head of Imam Hussain Burial Mosque - Cairo

Introduction

The head of Imam Husaain Burial Mosque in Cairo has zarih (tomb) of burial of Imam Hussain’s head is located next to Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. A small park is also in front of the mosque, known as the Medain Imam Hussain (Imam Hussain Square). The mosque of Imam Hussain in Cairo was built in 1154 but current building is from the 19th century. A small door inside the mosque gives access to the zarih where head of Imam Hussain is buried.

Exterior of The zarih (tomb) of burial of Imam Hussain's head
Exterior of The zarih (tomb) of burial of Imam Hussain's head
Imam Hussain (Imam Hussain Square) in front of the mosque
Imam Hussain (Imam Hussain Square) in front of the mosque
A hadith is written on the facade of the mosque which translates ' Hussain is from me and I am from Hussain'
Minaret of the head of Imam Hussain Burial Mosque Cairo
Minaret of the head of Imam Hussain Burial Mosque Cairo
Exterior of the mosque and details above entrance
Exterior of the mosque and details above entrance
Entrance of the mosque from the street
Entrance of the mosque from the street
Main prayer hall of the Imam Hussain Mosque
Prayer hall of the head of Imam Hussain Burial Mosque Cairo
Prayer hall of the head of Imam Hussain Burial Mosque Cairo
A wooden door of the mosque with hand made decorations on it
Lights inside the head of Imam Hussain Burial Mosque Cairo

History

It is said that Dawoodi Bohra Imam, Abu Mansoor Nizar al-Aziz Billah (d.386 AH/996), who traced the site of the head of Imam Hussain. One should know that the body of Imam Hussain is buried in Karbala (Iraq) but the burial of the head is open to debate. It is believed that the head of Imam Hussain was buried in Ashkelon (part of Palestine/Israel today) for 250 years.

Famous Muslim traveler Ibn Batuta wrote that the head of Imam Hussain was buried in the Umayyad Mosque of Damascus but later it was brought to Palestine for re-burial. Ibn Batuta went on to say that the head was brought to Cairo to save it from the Crusaders.

These golden grilled windows are inside the mosque but one can look into the zarih without going inside
These golden grilled windows are inside the mosque but one can look into the zarih without going inside
This small door inside the mosque gives access to the zarih where head of Imam Hussain is buried
This small door inside the mosque gives access to the zarih where head of Imam Hussain is buried
The zarih is encased with a beautiful steel case which has many grills for viewing
Zarih of head of Imam Hussain in Cairo
Zarih of head of Imam Hussain in Cairo
A Holy Koran inside the zarih
Body of Imam Hussain is buried in Karbala (Iraq)
Body of Imam Hussain is buried in Karbala (Iraq)
Ceiling above the zarih of head of Imam Hussain
Ceiling above the zarih of head of Imam Hussain
A small mehrab is beside the zarih in order to guide pilgrimage to the direction of Qibla (Mecca)
Arabic calligraphy and art on one of the walls of the zarih
Arabic calligraphy and art on one of the walls of the zarih
Cupola of the zarih
Cupola of the zarih

Reburial

On Sunday 8 Jumada al-Saani, 548Hijri (31 August 1153), this head arrived from Ashkelon to Cairo for reburial. The Head of Imam Hussain reached Cairo on Tuesday 10 Jumada al-Saani (2 September 1153). Famous historian Maqrizy added that, Prince Saif of the Tamim tribe presented the noble head of Imam Hussein.

Syedi Hasan bin Asadgives details of this event as follows : “When the Raas (head) al Imam al Husain was taken out of the casket, in Ashkelon, drops of the fresh blood were visible on the Raas al Imam al Husain and the fragrance of Musk spread all over. Former grand imam of Al-Azhar had written a book called Al-Ithaf (the Present), which is dedicated to affirm the existence of the head of Imam Hussein in its well-regarded location in Cairo.

Pilgrims praying beside the zarih
Pilgrims praying beside the zarih
Here, a pilgrim is seen kissing the steel ornament for blessing
Here, a pilgrim is seen kissing the steel ornament for blessing
This steel ornament was in one corner of the wooden railing and people were showing great affection to it
This steel ornament was in one corner of the wooden railings
Gold coloured windows and door of the zarih is visible in the background
Gold coloured windows and door of the zarih is visible in the background
Mehrab of the head of Imam Hussain Burial Mosque Cairo
Mehrab of the head of Imam Hussain Burial Mosque Cairo
Lower part of the mehrab
Upper section of the wooden minbar
Upper section of the wooden minbar
Wooden minbar in the Mosque of Imam Hussain
Wooden minbar in the Mosque of Imam Hussain
A chandelier inside the mosque
A chandelier inside the mosque
Mosque of Imam Hussain in Cairo
Mosque of Imam Hussain in Cairo