Sayyid Talib village · al-Shafiʿiyya · al-Diwaniyya · Iraq
Shrine of Sayyid Muhammad al-Mukaffal (Sayyid Talib)
Abu Jaʿfar Muhammad, son of Ahmad (al-Mukhtafi), son of ʿIsa (Mu’tam al-Ashbal), son of Zayd al-Shahid, son of Imam ʿAli Zayn al-ʿAbidin, son of Imam al-Husayn, son of Imam ʿAli ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon them).
Who he was
In the books of genealogy he is titled al-Mukaffal. His father, Ahmad ibn ʿIsa (157–247 AH), was known as “the Jurist of the Family of Muhammad” and was one of the leading Alid scholars; Muhammad studied under him. The sources describe Muhammad as one of the scholars and martyrs of the Prophet’s Household.
Source: Books of genealogy (see the Arabic biography page)
Saʿid al-Hajib had him imprisoned during the ʿAbbasid period, and he died in prison.
Source: Maqatil al-Talibiyyin, Abu al-Faraj al-Isfahani (d. 356 AH)
Locally he is known as “Sayyid Talib”, and the village where his shrine stands carries this name. Local tradition holds that he was so called because he sought to avenge his forefather Imam al-Husayn (peace be upon him), and that he was pursued by the ruling authority until he was martyred in this area.
Source: Local tradition of Sayyid Talib village
Visiting the shrine
- The shrine is open at all times. It is sometimes closed at night for security, but night-time visitors can ask for it to be opened.
- On the al-Diwaniyya–al-Najaf road, about 7 km from the centre of al-Shafiʿiyya district, around 150 m from the main road.
- Prayer halls for men and women, and an open parking area.
- ʿAshura and the religious occasions are commemorated at the shrine, with mourning gatherings held on each occasion.