Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque, Damascus Governorate, Syria - 1

Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque is a shrine located in Sayyidah Zaynab, Rif Dimashq Governorate, Syria, that contains the grave of Zaynab, daughter of ‘Alī and Fātimah and granddaughter of Muhammad. It is believed by Shī‘a Muslims that this mosque is the authentic burial place of Lady Zaynab, whereas the mosque in Cairo by the same name belongs to: Zaynab b. Yahya b. Zayd b. ‘Alī Zayn al-‘Ābidīn (i.e. the great grand-daughter of the Imam). The most authentic sources suggest that the grave is near Damascus. Fatimid /Dawoodi Bohra believe that this mosque is burial place of Zaynab-ul-Sugra, Umm Kulthum bint Ali, the younger daughter of Imam Ali. Lady Zaynab spent her last days in Cairo and her shrine is in Cairo. History narrated from noble ladies of Qahira/Cairo support the claims. Specifications The shrines' elaborate Iranian-style dome is made of gold panels. There is also a large mosque adjoining the shrine which can accommodate more than 1300 people. The grave of Zaynab is enclosed within a cage-like structure, beneath the golden dome. The doors of the shrine are made of gold with mirror works on the roof and walls. The shrine gives a touching look at first with its breath taking appearance. The two tall minarets of the shrine are an excellent example of the architecture. The shrine has a large market in front of it with many religious things readily available. The shrine is dominated by pilgrims until it is closed at 9 pm. The central management is Iranian with a few Arabs. The majority of the pilgrims are Iranians, Pakistanis and Bahraini, Lebanese, and Iraqi (Shia) Arabs.Sufis also visit the shrine. Prayers are led by Ayatullah Mujtaba Hussaini and Muslims from all ethnic backgrounds can be found praying there. Ali Shariati, the Iranian ideologue of the Islamic Revolution of 1979, had wished before his death, to be buried in the yard of his beloved Zainab bint Ali. His shrine is found within the compound of Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque and is regularly visited by mostly Iranian pilgrims. Recent history