Mumbaikars reveal their extraordinary encounters at Wadi Us Salaam, the world's largest graveyard in Iraq

In the city of Najaf, Iraq, lies a cemetery named Wadi us Salaam, the graveyard is like no other in the world. Wadi us Salaam, which translates to the "Valley of Peace," is not only the world's largest cemetery but also a place of profound significance. During their pilgrimage to Iraq, Shia Muslims from across the world also visit Wadi us Salaam and many from Mumbai, who have visited Wadi us Salaam, say the site is unbelievable.

This year, Vasi Sayed, a Bandra resident visited Iraq for pilgrimage and made a visit to Wadi us Salaam. Narrating his experience, Wasi told mid-day.com, "I have been visiting Iraq for Arbaeen of Imam Hussain ibn Ali, the grandson of prophet Muhammad for years and I always pay a visit to Wadi us Salaam everytime I visit Najaf. The cemetery is extremely huge. During my last visit when I was at Wadi Us Salaam, I witnessed several departed souls being buried there. Since Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad's shrine is close by, people there first take the janaza of the departed soul to the Shrine of Imam Ali and then bring it to Wadi us Salaam to bury. Since Imam Ali's shrine is close to Wadi us Salaam, it holds great religious significance for a departed soul to be buried there."

He said, "My grandma, Bibi Sheher Bano, is also buried in Wadi us Salaam. She had visited Iraq for pilgrimage during Muharram in the year 1997, she was in Karbala in Iraq when she passed away. It was decided to perform her final rites in Najaf and later she was laid to rest at Wadi us Salaam."

Vasi added, "Wadi us Salaam is so huge that there are roads that lead towards different areas and connect the city."

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Stretching over 1,485 acres, this cemetery is a final resting place for millions of people, primarily from the Shia Muslim community.

What sets Wadi us Salaam apart is not just its sheer size but also its historical, cultural, and spiritual significance. It's a place where generations of Shia Muslims have been laid to rest, and many travel from around the world to be buried here.

Arshiyan Sayed, a resident of south Mumbai, who has visited Wadi us Salaam said, "One of the striking features of Wadi us Salaam is the way graves are stacked closely together in seemingly endless rows. The mausoleums and gravestones are often ornate and serve as tributes to those who have passed. The practice of interring the deceased at Wadi us Salaam dates back centuries, and the cemetery continues to expand as more people choose it as their final resting place."

He added, "The spiritual significance of Wadi us Salaam cannot be overstated. It's believed that those laid to rest here will find peace and tranquillity in the afterlife. As a result, it holds a special place in the hearts of Shia Muslims."

Maulana Ayaz Najafi, who has lived in Najaf for many years told mid-day.com, "Wadi us Salaam is not just the resting place for millions of individuals from the Shia Muslim community but is also believed to be the burial site for numerous prophets. Some estimates suggest that hundreds of prophets are interred in this sacred cemetery. These prophets are revered figures in Islamic tradition, and their presence at Wadi us Salaam adds to the spiritual significance of this remarkable burial ground, drawing countless pilgrims and visitors seeking blessings and solace from their proximity to these holy individuals. Durr-e-Najaf, a gemstone, is also found here in abundance."

Najaf itself is a city of great spiritual importance, especially for Shia Muslims. It is home to the shrine of Imam Ali, a central figure in Shia Islam, and one of the holiest sites in the religion. The proximity of Wadi us Salaam to this shrine adds to its religious significance.

Visitors to Wadi us Salaam often come to pay their respects to their departed loved ones, engage in prayers and contemplation, and witness the grandeur of this remarkable cemetery. The unique atmosphere, with its closely packed tombs, white mausoleums, and people from diverse backgrounds visit Wadi us Salaam

Pilgrims from various corners of the globe visit Wadi us Salaam to pay their respects, recite prayers, and seek blessings for the departed souls. The cemetery symbolises the Shia faith's deep-rooted traditions, emphasising the reverence and devotion held for their religious leaders and the righteous.