Famous Shia Mosques In World: Your Guide To Sacred Sites of Shia Faith

A beautifully decorated Shia mosque with intricate tilework, grand domes, and golden minarets.

Shia Mosques are special places where Shia Muslims pray and gather for important religious events. These mosques are important because they have a deep history and beautiful designs. Millions of people visit many Shia Mosques, especially during Muharram and Arbaeen. Some of them also have the graves of important religious leaders, like the Imam Ali Mosque in Iraq and the Imam Reza Shrine in Iran. These places are not just for prayer but also for learning about Shia history and culture. Visiting Shia Mosques gives people a strong feeling of faith and connection to their religion.

Top 10 Shia Mosques In The World

Here is a list of the top 10 Shia mosques in the world that every visitor should explore.

1. Imam Ali Mosque

The golden dome of Imam Ali Mosque, a sacred Shia mosque in Najaf, Iraq.

Photo: Goudarz.memar / Wikimedia Commons

The Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf, Iraq, is one of the holiest Shia Mosques in the world. It is the burial place of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. The mosque is famous for its large golden dome and beautiful tile designs. Millions of Shia Muslims visit annually, especially during Arbaeen, an important religious event. The mosque is a special place for prayers and gatherings. Many people go there to find peace and to pray. It is an important place for pilgrims who want to connect with their faith.

Location: Najaf, Iraq
Best Time To Visit: Muharram, Arbaeen, and Ramadan

2. Al-Askari Mosque

The golden domes of Al-Askari Mosque, a revered Shia mosque in Samarra, Iraq.

Photo: David Stanley / Wikimedia Commons

Al-Askari Mosque is in Samarra, Iraq, and is one of the most important Shia Mosques. It is the resting place of Imam Ali al-Hadi and Imam Hasan al-Askari, who Shia Muslims highly respect. The mosque is famous for its large golden dome and beautiful Islamic writing on the walls. In the past, it was damaged but has been carefully rebuilt. Today, it remains an important place for worship and visitors. Many people come to pray and see its stunning design. It is a special site for those who follow the Shia faith.

Location: Samarra, Iraq
Best Time To Visit: Arbaeen and Eid al-Ghadeer

3. Fatima Masumeh Shrine

The beautiful golden dome and minarets of Fatima Masumeh Shrine, a famous Shia mosque in Qom, Iran.

Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons

The Fatima Masumeh Shrine in Qom, Iran, is one of the most visited Shia Mosques. It is dedicated to Fatima Masumeh, the sister of Imam Reza. Many people visit this holy place every year to pray and seek blessings. The shrine has golden domes, colourful tiles, and a large, peaceful courtyard. The building shows the special style of Persian architecture. Visitors feel calm and spiritual when they come here. It is an important place for those who follow the Shia faith. People from different places come to show respect and offer their prayers.

Location: Qom, Iran
Best Time To Visit: Eid al-Ghadeer and Nowruz

4. Al-Kadhimiya Mosque

The grand entrance of Al-Kadhimiya Mosque, an important Shia mosque in Baghdad, Iraq.

Photo: Haley Black / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Al-Kadhimiya Mosque is in Baghdad, Iraq. It is an important place for Shia Muslims because it is the burial site of Imam Musa al-Kadhim and Imam Muhammad al-Jawad. This mosque is one of the most famous Shia Mosques. It has a beautiful golden dome and colourful tile designs. Many people visit it to pray and learn about their faith. The mosque is also a centre for religious and cultural activities. During special Islamic events, thousands of people gather there. It is a place of peace and worship where people come to show their love and respect for the Imams.

Location: Baghdad, Iraq
Best Time To Visit: Muharram and Ramadan

5. Jamkaran Mosque

The illuminated Jamkaran Mosque, a sacred Shia mosque in Qom, Iran.

Photo: Fabienkhan / Wikimedia Commons

Jamkaran Mosque is a well-known Shia Mosque in Qom, Iran. Many believe it is connected to the Mahdi, an important hidden leader in Shia Islam. Every Tuesday night, visitors come to pray and ask for blessings. The mosque has a beautiful design with blue-green domes and tall towers. It is a very special place for Shia Muslims. People visit it to feel close to their faith and seek peace. The mosque is one of Iran’s most important religious places and is visited by many pilgrims every year.

Location: Qom, Iran
Best Time To Visit: Tuesday nights and religious festivals

6. Sayyida Zainab Mosque

The Sayyida Zainab Mosque, a revered Shia mosque in Damascus, Syria.

Photo: James Gordon / Wikimedia Commons

The Sayyida Zainab Mosque in Damascus, Syria, is important for people who follow Islam. It is named after Sayyida Zainab, the granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad. Many visitors come from different countries to pray here. It is one of the most visited Shia Mosques in the world. The mosque is beautiful, with gold and blue decorations on its walls. People feel peaceful when they visit. They pray and think about their faith. The mosque is a special place for those who love Sayyida Zainab and want to honour her memory. It is a place of prayer and reflection.

Location: Damascus, Syria
Best Time To Visit: Muharram and Arbaeen

7. Imam Reza Shrine

The grand courtyard of Imam Reza Shrine, the largest Shia mosque in Mashhad, Iran.

Photo: Pixabay / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

The Shia Mosques of the world are important places for worship. The Imam Reza Shrine is in Mashhad, Iran, and is one of the biggest Shia Mosques. It is the resting place of Imam Reza, the eighth Shia Imam. The shrine has a large golden dome, tall minarets, and a huge courtyard. Many people visit this holy place every year to pray. The mosque is known for its beautiful design and peaceful feeling. Pilgrims come from different countries to show respect and find peace. The shrine is a special place for Shia Muslims and an important part of Islamic history.

Location: Mashhad, Iran
Best Time To Visit: Nowruz and Eid al-Ghadeer

8. Al-Sahla Mosque

The historic Al-Sahla Mosque, a spiritual Shia mosque in Kufa, Iraq

Photo: Farhan Khan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Al-Sahla Mosque in Kufa, Iraq, is one of the most important Shia Mosques. Many people believe that Imam Mahdi will return here one day. This mosque is very special for Shia Muslims. It has a simple design but feels very peaceful and holy. Many Shia visitors come from different countries to pray and feel close to their faith. People believe that this place has a deep connection to Imam Mahdi. The mosque is not very fancy, but it has a strong spiritual feeling. It is an important place for those who follow the Shia faith.

Location: Kufa, Iraq
Best Time To Visit: Thursday nights and religious occasions

9. Al-Baqi Cemetery and Mosque

The sacred Al-Baqi Cemetery and mosque, an important Shia mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Photo: Juan Camilo Guarin P / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only

Al-Baqi Mosque is an important Shia Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It is a special place because some family members of Prophet Muhammad are buried there, like Imam Hasan and Imam Zainul Abidin. A long time ago, the original mosque was destroyed, but many people still visit the place. It is an important site for Shia Mosque followers who come to pray and remember the people buried there. Many visitors believe this place is very holy. Even though the mosque is not the same as before, it remains a special and respected place for Shia Muslims.

Location: Medina, Saudi Arabia
Best Time To Visit: Hajj season and Arbaeen

10. Sayyida Ruqayya Mosque

The beautifully decorated Sayyida Ruqayya Mosque, a famous Shia mosque in Damascus, Syria.

Photo: Bernard Gagnon / Wikimedia Commons

The Sayyida Ruqayya Mosque in Damascus, Syria, is a special place for Muslims. It is dedicated to Sayyida Ruqayya, the daughter of Imam Husayn. This Shia mosque is famous for its beautiful design and shiny mirror work. Many people visit it because it reminds them of the sadness and suffering of Imam Husayn’s family after the Battle of Karbala. The inside of the mosque is very bright and decorated with glass and lights. Visitors feel deep emotions when they come here to pray and remember history. It is one of the most important religious places for Shia Muslims.

Location: Damascus, Syria
Best Time To Visit: Muharram and Arbaeen

Shia mosques are special places for prayer and show history, faith, and beautiful design. Many visit them to feel close to their religion and learn about Shia Islamic traditions. These mosques in Iraq, Iran, and other places are important for culture and worship. If you want to explore these amazing sites, plan your journey with TripXL for a meaningful and memorable experience.

Cover Photo: Mahdi Shakhesi / Unspalsh

Frequently Asked Questions

Shia mosques serve as centres of worship, religious gatherings, and commemorations, especially during Muharram and Arbaeen. Many also house the tombs of revered Imams and saints.
The Imam Ali Mosque in Najaf, Iraq, is considered one of the holiest Shia mosques, as it is the burial site of Imam Ali, the first Shia Imam.
Some Shia mosques, like the Imam Reza Shrine in Iran, allow non-Muslim visitors in certain areas, while others may have restrictions. It is best to check local guidelines.
Most Shia mosques feature intricate tile work, grand domes, minarets, and gold-plated structures. Many also have shrines with beautifully decorated tombs.
The best time to visit Shia mosques is during Islamic months like Muharram and Safar when major religious events like Ashura and Arbaeen take place.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month