-Friday World March 28,2026
Jannat al-Baqi is one of the oldest and most important cemeteries in Islam. It is located adjacent to Masjid-e-Nabawi. It contains the graves of the holy wives of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) – the Azwaj-e-Mutahharat, members of the Ahl-e-Bait, prominent Sahaba (companions), and other great personalities of Islamic history.
For centuries, magnificent shrines with domes and markers stood here, where Muslims visited for Ziyarat (visitation) as a sign of respect and remembrance. However, under the influence of Wahhabi ideology, these shrines were destroyed, being labeled as “shirk” (polytheism) and “bid’ah” (innovation).
Today, the vast majority of Muslims — not only Shia Muslims but also a large section of Sunni Muslims— consider these shrines sacred and holy. They demand the reconstruction and restoration of the shrines. Only followers of the strict Wahhabi ideology justify the demolition. The rest of the Muslim world sees it as an insult to Islamic heritage and the destruction of historical religious sites.
Jannat al-Baqi: A Sacred Islamic Heritage
Jannat al-Baqi has been in use since the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is the final resting place of many revered figures, including:
- Azwaj-e-Mutahharat (the purified wives of the Prophet): Hazrat Aisha, Hazrat Umm Salama, Hazrat Zainab bint Jahsh, and others.
- Ahl-e-Bait: -Hajarat, Fatima zebra S,A
Imam Hasan ibn Ali (a.s.), Imam Zainul Abideen (a.s.), Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (a.s.), Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.), and others.
- Sahaba-e-Kiram: Hazrat Uthman (r.a.) and many other companions.
- Daughters of the Prophet and other family members.
Earlier, beautiful domes, minarets, and mausoleums adorned the site, making it a center of faith and spirituality for Muslims. Ziyarat was seen as an act of respect and love, not worship.
The Demolition Event: 8 Shawwal 1344 AH (21 April 1926)
In 1925-1926, following the conquest of Hijaz, King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud ordered the Ikhwan (Wahhabi religious militia) to demolish all the grand structures in Jannat al-Baqi. The same year, Jannat al-Mu’alla in Makkah (where the Prophet’s mother, grandfather, and other relatives are buried) was also destroyed.
This was the second major demolition. The first occurred in 1806 when the first Wahhabi-Saudi alliance captured Madinah and destroyed the shrines. The Ottomans later rebuilt them in the mid-19th century, but they were destroyed again in 1926 under Saudi control.
Reason: Wahhabi ideology, based on the teachings of Muhammad ibn Abdul Wahhab, emphasizes strict Tawhid (monotheism). It considers building domes or elaborate structures over graves as leading toward shirk. Ibn Saud obtained a fatwa from Qadi Abdullah ibn Bulayhid and carried out the action.
Even today, the Saudi government maintains this policy — keeping the graves flat with no prominent markers or domes allowed.
The Widespread Sentiment of Muslims: All Except Wahhabis Consider the Shrines Sacred
Shia Muslims regard Jannat al-Baqi as the blessed graves of the Ahl-e-Bait and observe 8 Shawwal with great sorrow every year. However, this is not only a Shia issue.
A significant number of Sunni Muslims — especially those following Sufi traditions and the Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanafi, and many Hanbali scholars — also respect the shrines. They view Ziyarat as a Sunnah and a means of seeking blessings. Many prominent Sunni scholars and intellectuals consider the demolition inappropriate and a loss to Islamic heritage.
Across the world (in India, Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, Indonesia, Malaysia, and elsewhere), Muslims annually commemorate Yaum al-Gham or Yaum-e-Inhedam-e-Baqi through gatherings, processions, rallies, and prayers. Numerous organizations and thinkers strongly demand the
reconstruction of the shrines in Jannat al-Baqi and Jannat al-Mu’alla.
These demands have even reached the United Nations and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Some proposals argue that the protection of religious sites is an international responsibility.
Reactions and Protests
Immediately after the demolition, protests erupted in many Muslim countries. In India, Pakistan, and other nations, Muslims condemned the Saudi policy. Even today, annual demonstrations continue.
Many Sunni scholars have stated that destroying shrines goes against Islamic unity. They believe that simple or modest structures over graves are symbols of respect, not shirk.
Only strict followers of Wahhabi ideology defend the act, claiming it prevents polytheism. However, the Muslim majority (both Sunni and Shia) views it as a painful destruction of shared Islamic legacy.
Current Situation and Ongoing Challenges
Today, Jannat al-Baqi lies flat. Most graves have only plain stones or flat markers — no domes, minarets, or grand mausoleums remain. The Saudi government strictly enforces its policy.
Yet the demands of Muslims persist:
- Reconstruction of the historic shrines.
- Freedom to perform Ziyarat with dignity.
- Protection of Islamic historical heritage.
Campaigns such as “Rebuild Baqi” are active, involving intellectuals, historians, and religious leaders from different sects.
Conclusion: Heritage Preservation and Muslim Unity The event of 8 Shawwal is not merely a date in history but a painful chapter in Islamic narrative. It reminds us that respecting religious sites is a collective responsibility of all Muslims.
Except for those following strict Wahhabi ideology, the vast majority of Muslims — both Shia and Sunni — consider the shrines of Jannat al-Baqi sacred and holy.
They demand their reconstruction as a matter of faith, dignity, and preservation of shared Islamic heritage. This demand arises from the spirit of Muslim unity, respect for history, and religious freedom. As long as Muslims do not raise their voice unitedly, these precious landmarks of Islamic history will remain leveled.
Yaum al-Gham forces us to reflect: Will we continue to lose our heritage silently, or will we come together to reclaim and restore it?
May Allah guide the entire Ummah toward unity, wisdom, and the protection of our sacred legacy. Ameen.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World March 28,2026
