ziarat

Ziyarat, also written ziarat or ziyārah, is the Islamic practice of visiting sacred sites, especially tombs and shrines of prophets, saints, and revered figures. The term comes from Arabic ziyārah, meaning visitation. Ziyarat is undertaken as an act of devotion, remembrance, and seeking spiritual benefit.

Practices vary by tradition. In Shia Islam, pilgrimages to the shrines of the Imams and other holy sites in Karbala, Najaf, Mashhad, and Qom are central. In Sunni and Sufi contexts, visits to saints’ tombs and shrines are common as expressions of reverence and for blessings. Sites range from ancient mausoleums to modern mosques housing revered relics, and pilgrimages may be day trips or longer journeys.

Rituals commonly include travel to the shrine, purification, prayers and Qur’anic recitation, and sending blessings upon the Prophet. Worshippers may also seek intercession or blessings, depending on local belief. Etiquette emphasizes modest behavior, respect for the sacred space, and avoiding actions seen as superstitious or idolatrous by some scholars.

From a scholarly perspective, opinions differ. Many Muslims view ziyarat as a legitimate and meritorious practice when performed with proper intention and belief in the oneness of God. Others caution against practices perceived as shirk or dependence on the dead. Regardless, ziyarats have shaped devotional life, shrine architecture, and pilgrimage networks across large parts of the Muslim world.