Is it just me or does the air around the Sajjadia Mosque in Kabul feel different? This isn’t just another stop. This is a place where faith echoes through history.
Sajjadia Mosque stands as a testament to Kabul’s rich cultural and religious heritage. It is a sanctuary of peace for Shia Muslims and a significant landmark. Some even say it is a place for miracles and blessings.
The Sajjadia Mosque is more than just bricks and mortar. Its walls seem to whisper tales of devotion and resilience.
Let’s talk about a related site the Sakhi Shrine. It is believed that the Sakhi Shrine marks the spot where the cloak of Muhammad was kept. This happened on its way to its present location in Kandahar. The cloak is said to have been woven by Muhammad himself. His daughter Fatima and his cousin Ali also helped. Ali would later serve as Caliph.
Before Muhammad died he bequeathed his cloak to Uwais al-Qarani. He told Ali and Umar that Uwais should be given the cloak on his death. After Muhammad’s death Uwais took the cloak to the Cave of Hira. It is believed to have remained in the cave until it was taken to Baghdad. Timur would later seize it and take to his capital of Samarqand. The cloak was then taken to India. From there it was taken to Balkh by Mir Yar Beg. He built a fort to house the garment securely. Following the move of the cloak the settlement became known as Fayzabad. The cloak would remain there for seventy-nine years.
In 1767-8 Ahmad Shah Durrani decided to move the cloak to his capital of Kandahar. He entrusted the move to Shah Wali Khan. The cloak was taken on its journey by a group of pious men. Kabul was on the route south from Fayzabad. Near the edge of the town the group stopped to rest. They wanted to allow local people to view the cloak.
One day the men noticed a man wearing green praying by it. On the third night they dreamt that the man in green came to see the cloak once more. When he removed his sword from its sheath they noticed that its blade had a double tip. They recognised the sword as Zulfiqar and its owner as Imam Ali. The rock on which Ali is believed to have placed his sword is now encompassed by the Sakhi Shrine building.
Ahmad Shah patronised the building of the first structure. It had one dome over the rock. The cloak remained here for eight months. Then it continued its journey south to Kandahar where it remains today.
Every year a Nowruz celebration is held outside the Sakhi Shrine. During this celebration a large banner is raised. It is in remembrance of Imam Ali.
The shrine is visited mainly by Hazaras a Shi’i community. The shrine has been victim to a number of significant attacks. In late 2021 journalists from The New York Times noted how seriously the men appeared to take their assignment of protecting the shrine from the Islamic State.
The Rawza Sakhi Shah-e-Mardan mosque is also known as the Rawza-e-Sakhi Shrine. It is said to have been built in the 18th century. It is known for its intricate tilework and calligraphy.
As you stand here at the Sajjadia Mosque consider the layers of history beneath your feet. Think of the stories of faith and perseverance that have shaped this sacred place. Let the tranquility of this place stay with you long after you leave.