Sayyidah Ruqayya Shrine

The Sayyidah Ruqayya Shrine is a significant Islamic holy site in the heart of Damascus, Syria. It is a place of immense spiritual importance, built around the tomb of Sayyidah Ruqayya bint al-Husayn, the youngest daughter of Imam Husayn and a great-granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad.

Listen to an introduction about Sayyidah Ruqayya Shrine

Name and Address

Name: Sayyidah Ruqayya Shrine (Arabic: مقام السيدة رقية, Maqām al-Sayyidah Ruqayyah). The shrine is a holy pilgrimage site, particularly for Shia Muslims.

Address: The shrine is located in the Al-Amara district of the Ancient City of Damascus, Syria, close to the Umayyad Mosque. Its address is Damascus, Syria.

How to Get There

A note on travel: Due to the ongoing civil war and a volatile security situation, most governments advise against all travel to Syria. It is crucial to consult up-to-date travel advisories from your home country before considering any travel to the region.

Assuming safe travel is possible, here is how you would typically get there:

On Foot: The shrine is situated within the historic Al-Amara district of the Old City of Damascus and is a short walk from major landmarks like the Umayyad Mosque. The area is best explored on foot.
By Taxi/Ride-Sharing: Taxis can drop you off at one of the city gates, and from there you would walk to the shrine. Due to its religious significance, there are often strict security checks outside the shrine.

Landscape and Architecture

The Sayyidah Ruqayya Shrine is known for its beautiful and intricate architectural design, which is a blend of traditional Islamic styles.

Intricate Interior: The interior is the most striking feature, known for its opulent decoration. It is adorned with mirror work, intricate tilework, and elegant calligraphy, creating a tranquil and serene atmosphere for visitors and pilgrims.
Central Tomb: At the heart of the shrine is a central tomb enclosure (dhabih) housing the grave of Sayyidah Ruqayya.
Mausoleum and Dome: The shrine is a mausoleum topped with a distinctive dome. The building itself is a modern construction, but it honors a history that stretches back centuries.

What Makes It Famous

The Sayyidah Ruqayya Shrine is famous for its religious and historical significance to the Shia community and for its stunning interior.

Tomb of Sayyidah Ruqayya: The shrine’s primary significance comes from housing the tomb of the Prophet’s great-granddaughter, a beloved figure in Shia Islam who is revered for her suffering and sacrifice.
Pilgrimage Site: It is a major destination for pilgrims from around the world who come to pay their respects, reflect, and find spiritual solace.
Serene Atmosphere: Despite the crowds of visitors, the shrine is known for its peaceful and calming atmosphere, which is enhanced by its beautiful and contemplative interior.

Differences from Some Other Wonders (e.g., The Umayyad Mosque)

While both the Sayyidah Ruqayya Shrine and the Umayyad Mosque are significant religious sites in Damascus, they have important distinctions.

Function: The Sayyidah Ruqayya Shrine is a mausoleum and pilgrimage site, primarily focused on veneration and spiritual devotion to a specific historical figure. The Umayyad Mosque is a congregational mosque, designed as a major place of public worship and community gathering.
Architecture and History: The Umayyad Mosque is an ancient monument that represents the dawn of Islamic monumental architecture and showcases a layered history of multiple civilizations on a single site. The Sayyidah Ruqayya Shrine is a more modern building with an “Iranian style” interior, built to honor an ancient historical figure and memory.
Religious Significance: While the Umayyad Mosque is a place of worship for both Sunni and Shia Muslims (and historically venerated by Christians), the Sayyidah Ruqayya Shrine holds particular importance for Shia Muslims as a site of pilgrimage.