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Wadi l-Salam Cemetery (Najaf): Difference between revisions
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[[File:قبرستان وادی الاسلام (15).jpg|400px|thumb|A view of Wadi l-Salam cemetery, [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]]]] | [[File:قبرستان وادی الاسلام (15).jpg|400px|thumb|A view of Wadi l-Salam cemetery, [[Najaf]], [[Iraq]]]] | ||
'''Wādī | '''Wādī l-Salām''' (Arabic: {{iarabic|وادي السلام}}) is an extensive historic cemetery, situated in [[Najaf]], a city of [[Iraq]]. It is of immense importance for [[Shi'a|shi'as]] due to many Hadiths regarding its significance. On the basis of some Hadiths, the cemetery is where some of the [[prophet|prophets (a)]] and great virtuous men return after their death (Raj'at), and any pious man's spirit who passes away in any spot of the world will come to this cemetery. Its location in Najaf has raised its importance because of [[Holy Shrine of Imam 'Ali (a)|Imam 'Ali's (a) holy shrine]] being there. Many pilgrims of [['Atabat al-'Aliyat]] (The holy shrine of Imams (a)) visit this area beside visiting other sacred places. Furthermore, a lot of religious, political, and social figures of shi'a have been buried there. | ||
== Why it has been named Wadi | == Why it has been named Wadi l-Salam? == | ||
* The word "wadi" means a narrow area of land, prone to torrent, between two mountains, where the flood goes through and dwindles gradually. The word "al-salam" is one of [[Allah]]'s name, denoting protection from inner and outer harms and dangers in Arabic language<ref>Raghib, 421</ref>. | * The word "wadi" means a narrow area of land, prone to torrent, between two mountains, where the flood goes through and dwindles gradually. The word "al-salam" is one of [[Allah]]'s name, denoting protection from inner and outer harms and dangers in Arabic language<ref>Raghib, 421</ref>. | ||
* Some references believe this name has been selected by the [[Prophet | * Some references believe this name has been selected by the [[Holy Prophet (s)]] or [[Gabriel]], meaning anyone entombed in this cemetery is exempt from the judgment and punishment of [['Alam al-Bardhakh]] (the world between this world and the future life).<ref>Al-Buraqi, P.243</ref> | ||
* [[Al-Kulayni]] (d. 328 AH/940) has narrated a Hadith about this cemetery, descended from [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] in which the phrase "Wadi | * [[Al-Kulayni]] (d. 328 AH/940) has narrated a Hadith about this cemetery, descended from [[Imam 'Ali (a)]] in which the phrase "Wadi l-Salam" is applied to suggest this cemetery<ref>Al-Kulayni, Vol.3, P.243</ref>. | ||
=== Wadi | === Wadi l-Salam in Hadiths === | ||
In some Hadiths, this cemetery is referred to by the term "beyond [[Kufa]]" (a city in Iraq), without mentioning the exact name "Wadi al-Salam". For instance, the Hadith narrated by [[al-Majlisi al-Thani]] (al-Majlisi II) from Ayyashi : "The first site on earth where God was worshiped was the back of Kufa. When God ordered the angels to prostrate for [[Adam (a)]], they obeyed behind Kufa"<ref>Al-Majlisi, Vol.22, P.37</ref>, said [[Imam 'Ali (a)]]. | In some Hadiths, this cemetery is referred to by the term "beyond [[Kufa]]" (a city in Iraq), without mentioning the exact name "Wadi al-Salam". For instance, the Hadith narrated by [[al-Majlisi al-Thani]] (al-Majlisi II) from Ayyashi : "The first site on earth where God was worshiped was the back of Kufa. When God ordered the angels to prostrate for [[Adam (a)]], they obeyed behind Kufa"<ref>Al-Majlisi, Vol.22, P.37</ref>, said [[Imam 'Ali (a)]]. | ||
== Geographical location and historical background == | == Geographical location and historical background == | ||
Wadi | Wadi l-Salam is located in [[Najaf]], a city of [[Iraq]]. [[Holy Shrine of Imam 'Ali (a)|Imam 'Ali's (a) holy shrine]] and a street named 'Ali b. Abi Talib are situated in the south of it. It meets the road between Najaf and [[Karbala]] from the East, Hay al-Muhandisin region from the North, and former sea of Najaf from the West. | ||
According to Hadiths, the background of this cemetery goes back to pre-Islamic era. There are not many historical proofs of its state before Islam; nevertheless, it appears that this place has been a cemetery since long time ago. Some Hadiths have extended its background to the time when the angels prostrated for [[Adam (a)]], as in a Hadith said to be from [[Imam 'Ali (a)]]<ref>Al-Majlisi, Vol.22, P.37</ref>. | According to Hadiths, the background of this cemetery goes back to pre-Islamic era. There are not many historical proofs of its state before Islam; nevertheless, it appears that this place has been a cemetery since long time ago. Some Hadiths have extended its background to the time when the angels prostrated for [[Adam (a)]], as in a Hadith said to be from [[Imam 'Ali (a)]]<ref>Al-Majlisi, Vol.22, P.37</ref>. | ||
On the basis of some Hadiths, some of the prophets have been buried in Wadi | On the basis of some Hadiths, some of the prophets have been buried in Wadi l-Salam. As [[Muhammad Baqir al-Majlisi|Al-Majlisi]] narrated from al-'Ayyashi, this spot has been a place for Adam's prayer and some of other prophet's coming after him.<ref>Al-Majlisi, Vol.18, P.384</ref> | ||
It has been a see-sight for pilgrim Iranian caravans; however, most of the caravans prohibit their members from visiting this cemetery, for [[Iraq|the country]] has been unsafe over the recent years. Being large and extensive and having tall tombs and old rooms, Wadi | It has been a see-sight for pilgrim Iranian caravans; however, most of the caravans prohibit their members from visiting this cemetery, for [[Iraq|the country]] has been unsafe over the recent years. Being large and extensive and having tall tombs and old rooms, Wadi l-Salam seems so insecure lately. | ||
== Significance and superiority == | == Significance and superiority == | ||
One of the reasons to the importance of this cemetery is its proximity to | One of the reasons to the importance of this cemetery is its proximity to Imam 'Ali's (a) holy shrine. In addition, it has been indicated and admired frequently in [[Shi'a]] references. It appears the earliest Hadith about it is one narrated by [[Al-Kulayni]] (255-329 AH/869-941 AD), said to be from [[Imam 'Ali (a)]]. Subsequent references have narrated this Hadith numerously. In this Hadith, Imam 'Ali (a), accompanied with one of his companions, goes to Wadi l-Salam and uttered: "No pious man passes away on any part of the earth unless his spirit is ordered to come to Wadi l-Salam. Here, is a part of [[Heaven]]."<ref>Al-Kulayni, Vol.3, P.243</ref> | ||
[[Al-Majlisi al-Thani]] (Al-Majlisi II) has narrated that the [[Prophet | [[Al-Majlisi al-Thani]] (Al-Majlisi II) has narrated that the [[Holy Prophet (s)]], along with [[Gabriel]], went to Wadi l-Salam and performed prayer in Ascension Night. According to this narration, Wadi l-Salam has been a place of prayer for [[Adam (a)]] and other prophets.<ref>Al-Majlisi, Vol.18, P.384</ref> | ||
Moreover, this is the first area of earth in which [[God]] was worshiped, as Hadiths witness<ref>Al-Majlisi, Vol.22, P.37</ref>. | Moreover, this is the first area of earth in which [[God]] was worshiped, as Hadiths witness<ref>Al-Majlisi, Vol.22, P.37</ref>. | ||
There are some Hadiths about Imam 'Ali's (a) interest in [[Najaf]] and Wadi | There are some Hadiths about Imam 'Ali's (a) interest in [[Najaf]] and Wadi l-Salam and his willingness to be buried in this city and in this cemetery. In particular, in a Hadith, Imam 'Ali (a) asks God to be buried in Wadi l-Salam cemetery.<ref>Daylami, Vol.2, P.238</ref> | ||
== Constructions inside the cemetery == | == Constructions inside the cemetery == | ||
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=== The tombs ascribed to Hud (a) and Salih (a) === | === The tombs ascribed to Hud (a) and Salih (a) === | ||
According to some Hadiths, two prophet's tombs, [[Hud (a)]] and [[Salih (a)]], are situated in Wadi | According to some Hadiths, two prophet's tombs, [[Hud (a)]] and [[Salih (a)]], are situated in Wadi l-Salam. In fact, there are two tombs said to belong to these two prophets. Initially, with [['Allama Bahr al-'Ulum]]'s attempt, a dome and a construction composed of chalk and stone, were built. The construction was renovated with the aid of an Iranian benefactor, and the dome was ornamented with beautiful tiles in 1337 AH/1919.<ref>Qa'idan, P.50</ref> | ||
=== Maqam al-Imam al-Mahdi (a), Imam al-Sadiq (a), and Imam al-Sajjad (a) === | === Maqam al-Imam al-Mahdi (a), Imam al-Sadiq (a), and Imam al-Sajjad (a) === | ||
At the north part of Wadi | At the north part of Wadi l-Salam, there is an area called Maqam [[al-Imam al-Mahdi (a)]] and Maqam [[al-Imam al-Sadiq (a)]]. There is an almost old construction there, along with two signs, pointing the place where Imam al-Sadiq (a) and Imam al-Mahdi (a) have recited prayer. A blue dome is right above it. Inside, one can see a well, so called as Bi'r al-Imam al-Mahdi (a), surrounded by a few tombs. It is said that Imam al-Mahdi (a) was seen there. | ||
The construction has been built thanks to [[Allama Bahr al-'Ulum]]'s efforts. A person by the name of Sayyid Muhammad Khan refurbished it in 1370 AH/1951, and it has maintained its state until today. He, also, made a dome with blue tiles above the construction. | The construction has been built thanks to [[Allama Bahr al-'Ulum]]'s efforts. A person by the name of Sayyid Muhammad Khan refurbished it in 1370 AH/1951, and it has maintained its state until today. He, also, made a dome with blue tiles above the construction. | ||
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At the time when [[Safavid dynasty]] ruled [[Iraq]], a construction was built in this area which still exists. Around the collapse of [[Ottoman Empire]], it was repaired and a nice stone was put inside the altar, on which Huruf al-muqatta'a (The initial letters of words representing a secret phrase or sentence) are carved. The meaning of these letters is not known to anybody.<ref>Qa'idan, PP.50-1</ref> | At the time when [[Safavid dynasty]] ruled [[Iraq]], a construction was built in this area which still exists. Around the collapse of [[Ottoman Empire]], it was repaired and a nice stone was put inside the altar, on which Huruf al-muqatta'a (The initial letters of words representing a secret phrase or sentence) are carved. The meaning of these letters is not known to anybody.<ref>Qa'idan, PP.50-1</ref> | ||
== Figures entombed in Wadi | == Figures entombed in Wadi l-salam == | ||
Many religious, political, and social figures of [[Shi'a]] have been buried in this cemetery by either their will or their relative's request. Seemingly, their purpose had been being adjacent to Imam 'Ali's (a) holy shrine. Some of shi'a figures entombed in this cemetery are: | Many religious, political, and social figures of [[Shi'a]] have been buried in this cemetery by either their will or their relative's request. Seemingly, their purpose had been being adjacent to Imam 'Ali's (a) holy shrine. Some of shi'a figures entombed in this cemetery are: | ||
* [[Sayyid Jamal al-din Gulpayigani]] | * [[Sayyid Jamal al-din Gulpayigani]] | ||
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== References == | == References == | ||
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* Al-Buraqi, Husayn. 2009. ''Tarikh al-Najaf al-ma'ruf bi al-yatimat al-gharawiyya wa al-tuhfat al-Najafiyya fi | * Al-Buraqi, Husayn. 2009. ''Tarikh al-Najaf al-ma'ruf bi al-yatimat al-gharawiyya wa al-tuhfat al-Najafiyya fi l-ard al-mubaraka al-zakiyya''. Beirut: Dar al-Muwarrikh al-'Arabi. | ||
* Daylami, Hasan b. Abi l-Hasan. 1412 AH. ''Irshad al-qulub''. Sharif al-Radi. | * Daylami, Hasan b. Abi l-Hasan. 1412 AH. ''Irshad al-qulub''. Sharif al-Radi. | ||
* Al-Kulayni. 1365 sh. ''Al-Kafi''. Tehran: Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyya. | * Al-Kulayni. 1365 sh. ''Al-Kafi''. Tehran: Dar al-Kutub al-Islamiyya. | ||
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[[fa:قبرستان وادیالسلام]] | [[fa:قبرستان وادیالسلام]] | ||
[[ar:مقبرة وادي السلام]] | [[ar:مقبرة وادي السلام]] | ||
[[Category:Holy places]] | |||