Introduction
Iraq is one of the most important religious destinations in the Islamic world. It is home to the shrines of Prophets, Imams, Sahaba, Auliya Allah, and many historic Islamic landmarks.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims travel to Iraq for Ziarat. For many believers, this journey is not simply travel—it is a spiritual experience filled with faith, history, sacrifice, and devotion.
From Najaf and Karbala to Baghdad, Kadhimain, Samarra, Kufa, and Mosul, Iraq contains some of the most sacred places in Islamic history.
Najaf – The City of Imam Ali (A.S.)
Najaf is one of the holiest cities in Islam.
Shrine of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S.)
Imam Ali (A.S.) was:
- Cousin of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
- Son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
- First Imam for Shia Muslims
- Fourth Caliph of Islam
Millions of pilgrims visit Najaf every year to pay their respects and seek blessings.
Other Important Sites in Najaf
Wadi-us-Salam
- Largest cemetery in the world
- Millions of believers buried here
- Many pilgrims visit due to its religious importance
Prophet Nuh (A.S.) Associated Sites
- Historical locations connected to Hazrat Nuh (A.S.)
- Mentioned in various Islamic traditions
Imam Ali House Museum Area
- Historical places linked with Imam Ali (A.S.)
Karbala – The Land of Sacrifice
Karbala is among the most visited religious cities in the world.
Shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S.)
Imam Hussain (A.S.) was:
- Grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
- Son of Imam Ali (A.S.) and Lady Fatima (S.A.)
He was martyred in Karbala in 680 AD.
Millions visit his shrine every year.
Shrine of Hazrat Abbas (A.S.)
Hazrat Abbas (A.S.) was:
- Brother of Imam Hussain (A.S.)
- Symbol of loyalty, bravery and sacrifice
His shrine is located opposite Imam Hussain’s shrine.
Other Important Sites in Karbala
Bain-ul-Haramain
- Area between both holy shrines
Tal Al-Zainabiya
- Historic site associated with Lady Zainab (S.A.)
Maqam Imam Mahdi (A.J.)
Various Karbala Historical Sites
Kufa – The Ancient Islamic City
Kufa was one of the earliest Islamic centers.
Masjid-e-Kufa
One of the oldest and most important mosques in Islamic history.
Historical Importance
- Imam Ali (A.S.) ruled from Kufa
- Imam Ali (A.S.) was struck here
- Connected with several Prophets
Many pilgrims spend hours in worship inside the mosque.
Masjid-e-Sahla
One of Iraq’s most important religious sites.
Beliefs Associated with Masjid-e-Sahla
- Linked with Imam Mahdi (A.J.)
- Important place of worship
- Famous among pilgrims visiting Kufa
Shrine of Muslim ibn Aqeel (A.S.)
Muslim ibn Aqeel (A.S.) was:
- Cousin of Imam Hussain (A.S.)
- Ambassador sent to Kufa before Karbala
He was martyred before the arrival of Imam Hussain (A.S.).
Shrine of Hani ibn Urwah (R.A.)
Hani ibn Urwah (R.A.) was:
- Loyal supporter of Imam Hussain (A.S.)
- Gave protection to Muslim ibn Aqeel (A.S.)
He was martyred by the rulers of Kufa.
Shrine of Mukhtar Al-Thaqafi (R.A.)
Mukhtar Al-Thaqafi is famous for:
- Taking revenge against many killers of Imam Hussain (A.S.)
- Supporting Ahlul Bayt (A.S.)
His shrine is near Masjid-e-Kufa.
Baghdad – The Capital of Islamic Heritage
Baghdad is one of the most historic cities in the Muslim world.
For centuries it was a center of Islamic knowledge, culture and civilization.
Kadhimain (Kazmain)
Located in Baghdad.
Shrine of Imam Musa Al-Kadhim (A.S.)
- 7th Imam
Shrine of Imam Muhammad Al-Jawad (A.S.)
- 9th Imam
This shrine is among the most visited places in Iraq.
Shrine of Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A.)
One of Baghdad’s most famous religious landmarks.
Who Was Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (R.A.)?
- Known as Ghaus-e-Azam
- Great Islamic scholar
- Founder of Qadri Sufi Order
- Respected across the Muslim world
Visitors come from:
- Pakistan
- India
- Bangladesh
- Turkey
- Indonesia
- Middle East
- Africa
Thousands visit daily.
Shrine of Salman Al-Farsi (R.A.)
Who Was Salman Al-Farsi?
- Companion of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
- One of the most respected Sahaba
- First Persian companion to embrace Islam
His shrine is located in Madain near Baghdad.
Shrine of Hudhayfah ibn Al-Yaman (R.A.)
A respected companion of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Known for:
- Wisdom
- Knowledge
- Loyalty to Islam
Located near Madain.
Samarra – The City of the Imams
Samarra is one of the holiest cities in Iraq.
Shrine of Imam Ali Al-Hadi (A.S.)
10th Imam
Shrine of Imam Hasan Al-Askari (A.S.)
11th Imam
Both Imams are buried inside the famous Samarra Shrine.
Sardab-e-Ghaibat
One of the most visited sites in Samarra.
Associated with:
- Imam Mahdi (A.J.)
Pilgrims visit for prayers and spiritual reflection.
Mosul
Mosul is one of Iraq’s oldest cities.
Prophet Yunus (A.S.) Area
Historically associated with:
- Prophet Yunus (A.S.)
A highly respected site among Muslims.
Historical Islamic Heritage Sites
Mosul contains numerous historic mosques and Islamic landmarks.
Other Important Religious Places in Iraq
Maqam Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (A.S.)
Maqam Imam Jafar Al-Sadiq (A.S.) Related Sites
Historical Abbasid Landmarks
Ancient Islamic Libraries
Historic Mosques
Religious Schools (Hawzas)
Sacred Cemeteries
Heritage Sites Connected to Early Islam
Why Do People Travel to Iraq?
People visit Iraq for:
- Ziarat
- Religious Tourism
- Islamic Learning
- Spiritual Growth
- Visiting Holy Shrines
- Family Visits
- Historical Exploration
- Arbaeen Pilgrimage
- Ashura Gatherings
- Ramadan Visits
Which Cities in Pakistan Do Pilgrims Travel From?
Pilgrims travel from:
Sindh
- Karachi
- Hyderabad
- Sukkur
- Larkana
- Nawabshah
Punjab
- Lahore
- Islamabad
- Rawalpindi
- Faisalabad
- Multan
- Gujranwala
- Sialkot
- Bahawalpur
KPK
- Peshawar
- Mardan
- Abbottabad
- Kohat
Balochistan
- Quetta
Gilgit Baltistan
- Gilgit
- Skardu
Azad Kashmir
- Muzaffarabad
- Mirpur
How Many Pakistanis Visit Iraq?
Every year hundreds of thousands of Pakistani pilgrims visit Iraq.
The highest number of visitors travel during:
- Arbaeen
- Muharram
- Safar
- Ramadan
- Eid Holidays
- Special Islamic Occasions
The number continues to increase every year due to improved air connectivity and growing interest in religious travel.
Travel to Iraq with Iraqi Airways
Iraqi Airways connects travelers with some of the most important religious destinations in the Islamic world.
Whether you are traveling to:
- Najaf
- Karbala
- Baghdad
- Kadhimain
- Samarra
- Kufa
Iraqi Airways offers a comfortable and reliable travel experience for pilgrims and visitors traveling from Pakistan to Iraq.