Author name: Shabbir Hussain

Where Is the Tomb of Imam Ali (AS)? The tomb of Imam Ali (AS) is in Najaf al-Ashraf, Iraq, about 160 km south of Baghdad, inside the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali. His grave was kept secret for safety after his martyrdom and was later made public by Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (AS). Key Takeaways Imam Ali (AS) is buried in Najaf al-Ashraf, Iraq. His burial was kept secret to protect the grave from his enemies. Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (AS) revealed the location around 135 AH. Harun al-Rashid built the first structure over the grave. The shrine was later expanded by the Buyids and the Safavids. Nadir Shah is credited with the golden dome and minarets. Where Is the Tomb of Imam Ali (AS)? It lies in the city of Najaf in Iraq, roughly 160 kilometres south of Baghdad, within the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali (AS). Najaf is one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in the Shia world, and the city itself grew up around this shrine. Why Was His Burial Kept Secret? Imam Ali (AS) was martyred in 40 AH in the mosque of Kufa. He had instructed that his burial be kept quiet, because the political climate was dangerous and there was a real fear that enemies, among them the Umayyads and the Kharijites, would desecrate the grave. Imam Hasan (AS) buried him at night, and only a few trusted people knew the place. How Was the Grave Made Known? The location stayed hidden through the Umayyad period. It was Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (AS) who made it publicly known, reported around 135 AH, once conditions had changed. A well-known account also describes the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid coming upon the site while hunting, and then ordering a building to be raised over the grave. How the Shrine Was Built Over Time Period Development 40 AH Imam Ali (AS) buried secretly at night Around 135 AH Location made known by Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (AS) Late 2nd century AH First structure built in the time of Harun al-Rashid 4th century AH Major construction under the Buyid ruler Adud al-Dawla Safavid era Large expansion under Shah Abbas I and Shah Safi 12th century AH Golden dome and minarets attributed to Nadir Shah Preparing for ziyarat? Learn the ziyarat and duas properly first. Book a Free Trial Class What Pilgrims Find in Najaf Today The golden dome and twin minarets that mark the shrine. A large courtyard with several gates and porches around the burial chamber. The darih, the lattice enclosure around the grave itself. Wadi al-Salam, one of the largest cemeteries in the world, beside the city. Millions of pilgrims each year, with the numbers rising steadily. The Standing of Najaf Najaf is counted among the holiest sites in Shia Islam, alongside Mecca, Madinah, Karbala, and Qom. Narrations from the Ahlul Bayt (AS) describe great reward for visiting the grave of Imam Ali (AS), and Najaf has long been a centre of religious learning as well as pilgrimage. Frequently Asked Questions Where is the tomb of Imam Ali (AS)? In Najaf al-Ashraf, Iraq, inside the Holy Shrine of Imam Ali. Why was his grave hidden? To protect it from desecration by his enemies during a dangerous period. Who revealed the burial place? Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (AS), reported around 135 AH. How far is Najaf from Baghdad? About 160 kilometres to the south. Where was Imam Ali martyred? In the mosque of Kufa, where he was struck while praying. Learn With Al Elm Quran Academy Al Elm Quran Academy helps Shia families around the world prepare for ziyarat and deepen their connection with the Ahlul Bayt (AS). Our Dua and Ziyarat lessons teach correct recitation and meaning, while Nahj al-Balagha and Hadith studies ground you in authentic knowledge. Start today, book a free trial class or browse our courses. Shabbir Hussain Co-Founder, Alelm Quran Academy Qualifications MPhil in Islamic Studies, University of Karachi Traditional Hawza Studies, Hawza Imam Khomeini Areas of Expertise Quranic Studies Hadith Studies Islamic History Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) Islamic Theology (Kalam) About the Author Shabbir Hussain is an Islamic scholar, educator, researcher, Qari, and public speaker. He serves as the Co-Founder of Alelm Quran Academy, where he is actively involved in teaching, curriculum development, and educational outreach. He holds an MPhil in Islamic Studies from the University of Karachi and has completed traditional Hawza studies at Hawza Imam Khomeini. With years of experience in Islamic education, he specializes in Quranic studies, Hadith, Islamic history, Fiqh, and Kalam. Through teaching, research, public speaking, and educational writing, he is dedicated to making authentic Islamic knowledge accessible and relevant to students worldwide. His work aims to bridge classical Islamic scholarship with the educational needs of contemporary learners.

How Many Wives Did Imam Ali (AS) Have? Imam Ali (AS) married Sayyida Fatima al-Zahra (SA) and took no other wife during her lifetime. Only after her martyrdom did he marry again. Historical sources commonly name around eight later wives, making about nine across his whole life. Key Takeaways Imam Ali (AS) never married another woman while Sayyida Fatima (SA) was alive. He married again only after her martyrdom. Sources commonly name around eight later wives, about nine in total. He never had more than four wives at any one time, as Islamic law requires. Umm al-Banin (SA) was the mother of Hazrat Abbas (AS). Shaykh al-Mufid records that he had 27 children. The Most Important Point First The heart of this question, in Shia understanding, is not the number. It is that during the entire lifetime of Sayyida Fatima al-Zahra (SA), Imam Ali (AS) took no other wife. Their marriage stands as the model of a household built on faith, respect, and love. He married again only after her martyrdom, as was normal and honourable in that society, and often for reasons of care and kinship. How Many Wives Did Imam Ali (AS) Have? Counting Sayyida Fatima (SA), historical sources generally name around 9 wives across his lifetime. The exact list varies a little between references, which is normal for accounts of this period. What the sources agree on is the sequence: Sayyida Fatima (SA) alone first, then others after her passing, and never more than four at one time. The Wives of Imam Ali (AS) Name Notable Children Sayyida Fatima al-Zahra (SA) Imam Hasan (AS), Imam Husayn (AS), Sayyida Zaynab (SA), Umm Kulthum Umm al-Banin (Fatima bint Hizam) Abbas (AS), Abdullah, Jafar, Uthman, all martyred at Karbala Umama bint Abi al-As Granddaughter of the Prophet (S) through Zaynab Asma bint Umays Yahya and Awn Layla bint Masud Ubaydullah and Abu Bakr, martyred at Karbala Khawla bint Jafar al-Hanafiyya Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyya Umm Habib (al-Sahba) bint Rabia Umar and Ruqayya Umm Said bint Urwa Umm al-Hasan and Ramla Muhayyat bint Imru al-Qays A daughter who died young Compiled from Shia historical references. Some lists differ slightly in names and order. Why Did He Marry Again After Sayyida Fatima (SA)? Marriage in that society carried social responsibility as much as personal companionship. Several of these marriages cared for widows of martyrs or strengthened ties of kinship. Umama, for example, was the granddaughter of the Prophet (S), and by report Sayyida Fatima (SA) herself wished for that marriage so her children would be cared for. Asma bint Umays was the widow of Jafar ibn Abi Talib, the Imam’s own brother. Teach your family the history of the Ahlul Bayt accurately. Book a Free Trial Class Umm al-Banin (SA), the Mother of Abbas (AS) Among these noble women, Umm al-Banin (SA) holds a special place. She gave four sons who were all martyred at Karbala, including Hazrat Abbas (AS), the standard-bearer of Imam Husayn (AS). When news of Karbala reached her, she asked first about Imam Husayn (AS), not her own sons, and said she would give them all for his sake. Her devotion is honoured in Shia manqabat and noha to this day. How Many Children Did Imam Ali (AS) Have? Shaykh al-Mufid records in Kitab al-Irshad that Imam Ali (AS) had 27 children. Some Shia scholars add Muhsin, the child Sayyida Fatima (SA) lost, which brings the number to 28. Frequently Asked Questions How many wives did Imam Ali (AS) have? Around nine across his lifetime, beginning with Sayyida Fatima (SA), with the rest married only after her martyrdom. Did Imam Ali marry anyone while Sayyida Fatima (SA) was alive? No. He took no other wife during her lifetime. Who was the mother of Hazrat Abbas (AS)? Umm al-Banin (SA), whose given name was Fatima bint Hizam. How many children did Imam Ali (AS) have? Shaykh al-Mufid records 27, or 28 counting Muhsin. Did he have more than four wives at once? No. He never exceeded the limit of four at any one time. Learn With Al Elm Quran Academy Al Elm Quran Academy teaches Shia families worldwide through online one-to-one classes. From the fourteen Masoomeen to Hadith studies and Nahj al-Balagha, our teachers present the history of the Ahlul Bayt (AS) with care and authentic sources. Begin today, book your free trial class or explore our courses. Shabbir Hussain Co-Founder, Alelm Quran Academy Qualifications MPhil in Islamic Studies, University of Karachi Traditional Hawza Studies, Hawza Imam Khomeini Areas of Expertise Quranic Studies Hadith Studies Islamic History Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) Islamic Theology (Kalam) About the Author Shabbir Hussain is an Islamic scholar, educator, researcher, Qari, and public speaker. He serves as the Co-Founder of Alelm Quran Academy, where he is actively involved in teaching, curriculum development, and educational outreach. He holds an MPhil in Islamic Studies from the University of Karachi and has completed traditional Hawza studies at Hawza Imam Khomeini. With years of experience in Islamic education, he specializes in Quranic studies, Hadith, Islamic history, Fiqh, and Kalam. Through teaching, research, public speaking, and educational writing, he is dedicated to making authentic Islamic knowledge accessible and relevant to students worldwide. His work aims to bridge classical Islamic scholarship with the educational needs of contemporary learners.

How Many Manzil Are in the Quran? The Quran has 7 manzil. Each manzil is one of seven roughly equal portions, arranged so a reader can complete the entire Quran in a week by reading one portion a day. The division is attributed to Hamzah az-Zayyat. Key Takeaways There are 7 manzil in the Quran. One manzil a day completes the Quran in seven days. The split follows the pattern 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, then the remaining 65 surahs. It is credited to the reciter Hamzah az-Zayyat, who died in 156 AH. Manzil is a reading aid, so it is not part of the revealed text. The word manzil also names a well-known collection of protective verses. What Is a Manzil? A manzil is one of 7 sections the Quran is divided into for a weekly reading cycle. Where the 30 juz suit a monthly khatm, especially in Ramadan, the seven manzil suit anyone who wants to finish the Quran every week. It is a practical aid, much like the juz and ruku marks you meet in a recitation course. How Many Manzil Are in the Quran? There are seven. The arrangement is usually credited to the well-known Kufan reciter Hamzah az-Zayyat (died 156 AH). Early companions were already reading the Quran in groupings of surahs, and this division formalised that habit. The 7 Manzil of the Quran in Full Manzil From To Surahs 1 Al-Fatiha (1) An-Nisa (4) 4 2 Al-Maidah (5) At-Tawbah (9) 5 3 Yunus (10) An-Nahl (16) 7 4 Al-Isra (17) Al-Furqan (25) 9 5 Ash-Shuara (26) Ya-Sin (36) 11 6 As-Saffat (37) Al-Hujurat (49) 13 7 Qaf (50) An-Nas (114) 65 The pattern is easy to remember: 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, then everything that remains. The seventh manzil holds the most surahs, but they are short, so the portions stay roughly even in length. Want a steady reading routine that actually lasts? Book a Free Trial Class Manzil vs Juz vs Ruku Division Number Purpose Manzil 7 Complete the Quran in a week Juz (para) 30 Complete the Quran in a month Ruku 540 or 558 Mark themed passages and natural pauses Surah 114 The chapters of the Quran The Other Meaning of Manzil The word manzil is also used for a well-known selection of verses gathered from different surahs, recited for protection and wellbeing. It is a different thing from the seven reading portions, even though the name is shared, so it is worth knowing both meanings. For guidance on recitation and supplication practices, see our Dua and Ziyarat lessons. Frequently Asked Questions How many manzil are in the Quran? There are 7 manzil. Why was the Quran divided into manzil? So a reader can complete the whole Quran in one week, reading one portion each day. Which surahs are in the first manzil? Surah Al-Fatiha through Surah An-Nisa, four surahs in total. How many surahs are in the last manzil? The seventh manzil runs from Surah Qaf to Surah An-Nas, 65 surahs. Is manzil part of the revealed Quran? No. It is an organisational aid added later to help with regular recitation. Learn the Quran With Al Elm Quran Academy Al Elm Quran Academy helps students and families worldwide build a lasting daily habit with the Quran. Our teachers guide you from Noorani Qaida through Tajwid and fluent tilawah, and can set a manzil or juz based plan that fits your week. Start now, book your free trial class or explore our courses. Shabbir Hussain Co-Founder, Alelm Quran Academy Qualifications MPhil in Islamic Studies, University of Karachi Traditional Hawza Studies, Hawza Imam Khomeini Areas of Expertise Quranic Studies Hadith Studies Islamic History Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) Islamic Theology (Kalam) About the Author Shabbir Hussain is an Islamic scholar, educator, researcher, Qari, and public speaker. He serves as the Co-Founder of Alelm Quran Academy, where he is actively involved in teaching, curriculum development, and educational outreach. He holds an MPhil in Islamic Studies from the University of Karachi and has completed traditional Hawza studies at Hawza Imam Khomeini. With years of experience in Islamic education, he specializes in Quranic studies, Hadith, Islamic history, Fiqh, and Kalam. Through teaching, research, public speaking, and educational writing, he is dedicated to making authentic Islamic knowledge accessible and relevant to students worldwide. His work aims to bridge classical Islamic scholarship with the educational needs of contemporary learners.

How Many Makki Surah Are in the Quran? The Quran has 86 Makki surahs and 28 Madani surahs, making 114 in total. Makki surahs were revealed before the migration to Madinah, and Madani surahs after it. A few scholars count 85 and 29 instead. Key Takeaways The Quran has 86 Makki and 28 Madani surahs, 114 in all. The split is based on timing, not only location: before or after the hijrah. Makki surahs mostly build belief, tawhid, and the hereafter. Madani surahs mostly cover law, society, and community life. Makki surahs were revealed over about 13 years, Madani over about 10. A small number of scholars count 85 Makki and 29 Madani. What Is a Makki Surah? A Makki surah is one revealed before the Prophet’s migration (hijrah) to Madinah. The key point many people miss is that the label follows time, not just place. Verses revealed during a journey to Taif, or on the night of Isra and Miraj, are still counted as Makki because they came before the hijrah. Learning this early makes a Tafsir course far easier to follow. How Many Makki Surah Are in the Quran? There are 86 Makki surahs. The remaining 28 are Madani. This is the division used in most printed copies and in the majority of classical works. Why Do a Few Scholars Say 85 or 82? A handful of surahs are debated because they contain verses from both periods. A surah may be largely Makki but hold a few Madani verses, or the reverse. Scholars then classify the whole surah by its dominant portion, and since they weigh that differently, you will sometimes see 85 Makki and 29 Madani. The text itself is not in question, only the labelling. How Can You Tell a Makki Surah From a Madani One? Feature Makki Surahs Madani Surahs When revealed Before the hijrah After the hijrah Number 86 28 Period About 13 years About 10 years Main themes Tawhid, the hereafter, prophethood Law, worship, social and family rules Verse length Usually shorter and rhythmic Usually longer and detailed Common address O mankind O you who believe These are strong general patterns, not absolute rules, so scholars always check the reports about each surah rather than judging by style alone. Want to understand the Quran, not just read it? Book a Free Trial Class Simple Examples Surah Al-Alaq is Makki; its first verses were the very first revelation. Surah Al-Baqarah is Madani and covers detailed rulings for the community. Surah Al-Ikhlas is Makki and focuses purely on the oneness of Allah. Surah An-Nur is Madani and deals with family and social conduct. Why This Division Matters It gives you the historical setting of a passage, which is central to Tafsir. It shows how faith was built first, then laws were introduced gradually. It helps students of Quran translation grasp who was being addressed. It is useful in memorisation, since shorter Makki surahs are often learned first. Frequently Asked Questions How many Makki surah are in the Quran? There are 86 Makki surahs out of a total of 114. How many Madani surah are in the Quran? There are 28 Madani surahs. What makes a surah Makki? It was revealed before the migration to Madinah, regardless of the exact place. Why do some sources say 85 or 82? Some surahs mix verses from both periods, so scholars classify them differently. Which was the first Makki surah revealed? The opening verses of Surah Al-Alaq were the first revelation, in the cave of Hira. Learn the Quran With Al Elm Quran Academy Al Elm Quran Academy offers online one-to-one Quran lessons for students and families worldwide. Start with Noorani Qaida if you are a beginner, refine your Tajwid and recitation, then move into Tafsir to understand the context behind every surah. Ready to start? Book your free trial class or browse all our courses. Shabbir Hussain Co-Founder, Alelm Quran Academy Qualifications MPhil in Islamic Studies, University of Karachi Traditional Hawza Studies, Hawza Imam Khomeini Areas of Expertise Quranic Studies Hadith Studies Islamic History Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) Islamic Theology (Kalam) About the Author Shabbir Hussain is an Islamic scholar, educator, researcher, Qari, and public speaker. He serves as the Co-Founder of Alelm Quran Academy, where he is actively involved in teaching, curriculum development, and educational outreach. He holds an MPhil in Islamic Studies from the University of Karachi and has completed traditional Hawza studies at Hawza Imam Khomeini. With years of experience in Islamic education, he specializes in Quranic studies, Hadith, Islamic history, Fiqh, and Kalam. Through teaching, research, public speaking, and educational writing, he is dedicated to making authentic Islamic knowledge accessible and relevant to students worldwide. His work aims to bridge classical Islamic scholarship with the educational needs of contemporary learners.

How Many Sajda Are in the Quran? The Quran contains 15 verses of prostration (ayat al-sajdah). In Shia (Jafari) fiqh, 4 of these are obligatory, called the azaim, and 11 are recommended (mustahab). Most Sunni schools count 14, with the ruling depending on the school. Key Takeaways The Quran has 15 sajdah (prostration) verses. In Shia fiqh, 4 are obligatory (azaim) and 11 are recommended. The 4 obligatory ones are in Surahs As-Sajdah (32), Fussilat (41), An-Najm (53), and Al-Alaq (96). The Hanafi and Shafii schools commonly count 14, while the Maliki count is 11. A prostration verse is marked in the margin with the symbol ۩. This prostration is called sajdah tilawah, the prostration of recitation. What Is a Sajdah Verse? A sajdah verse is an ayah that calls for a prostration when you recite it or hear it recited. This act is known as sajdah tilawah, the prostration of recitation. These verses are marked in most copies of the Quran with the symbol ۩ in the margin. To perform any prostration correctly you also need a valid state of purity, so it helps to know the basics from our Namaz guide and the rulings covered in Ahkam and Masail. How Many Sajda Are in the Quran? According to Shia (Jafari) fiqh, there are 15 sajdah verses in the Holy Quran. These are divided into: 4 Obligatory (Wajib) Sajdahs 11 Recommended (Mustahab) Sajdahs The four obligatory sajdahs occur in specific chapters known as Suwar al-Azaim. The 4 Obligatory Sajdah (Azaim) in Shia Fiqh In Shia fiqh, four chapters contain an obligatory prostration. These chapters are known as the suwar al-azaim (سور العزائم). Whenever a person intentionally recites or hears the verse of sajdah in any of these four chapters, performing a sajdah becomes obligatory. Surah Number Ruling As-Sajdah 32 Obligatory (azaim) Fussilat (Ha Mim Sajdah) 41 Obligatory (azaim) An-Najm 53 Obligatory (azaim) Al-Alaq 96 Obligatory (azaim) The Complete List of 15 Sajdah Verses Here is the full list in Shia fiqh, with the surah, its number, the juz, and the ruling. Surah Al-Hajj contains two sajdah verses, which is part of why the total reaches 15. Surah No. Juz Ruling (Shia) Al-Araf 7 9 Recommended Ar-Rad 13 13 Recommended An-Nahl 16 14 Recommended Al-Isra 17 15 Recommended Maryam 19 16 Recommended Al-Hajj (v. 18) 22 17 Recommended Al-Hajj (v. 77) 22 17 Recommended Al-Furqan 25 19 Recommended An-Naml 27 19 Recommended As-Sajdah 32 21 Obligatory Sad 38 23 Recommended Fussilat 41 24 Obligatory An-Najm 53 27 Obligatory Al-Inshiqaq 84 30 Recommended Al-Alaq 96 30 Obligatory Learn correct recitation and the rulings of sajdah from a qualified teacher. Book a Free Trial Class How the Schools Differ The small differences in the count come from how each school treats one or two verses, mainly in Surah Al-Hajj and Surah Sad. Here is a simple, fair summary: Shia (Jafari): 15 verses, 4 obligatory and 11 recommended. Hanafi: 14 verses, treated as wajib when recited or heard. Shafii: 14 verses, recommended; they include 22:77 and treat the verse in Sad as a prostration of thanks. Maliki: 11 verses. Hanbali: 14 to 15 depending on the narration. How to Perform Sajdah Tilawah When a person recites or hears one of the four obligatory sajdah verses, they should perform a single prostration. Basic Method Intend obedience to Allah. Place the forehead on a valid surface for sajdah. Perform one sajdah. Recite any dhikr of Allah. Raise the head from sajdah. Unlike the sajdah of prayer, there is: No takbir required before the sajdah. No tashahhud. No salam. According to Ayatollah Sistani (Issue 1302) In the obligatory sajdah of the Quran, it is sufficient to place the forehead on the ground with the intention of sajdah. Reciting the wajib dhikr of prayer in sajdah tilawah is mustahab (recommended), and it is better to say: لا إلهَ إلَّا اللهُ‏ حَقّاً حَقّاً، لا إلهَ إلَّا اللهُ‏ إیماناً و تَصْدیقاً، لا إلهَ إلَّا اللهُ‏ عُبُوْدیَّةً وَرِقّاً، سَجَدْتُ لَكَ یا رَبِّ تَعَبُّداً وَرِقّاً، لا مُسْتَنْكِفاً وَلا مُسْتَكْبِراً، بَلْ اَنْا عَبْدٌ ذَلیلٌ ضَعیفٌ خائِفٌ مُسْتَجیرٌ Important Rulings According to Shia Fiqh Is Wudu Required? No. For the obligatory sajdah of tilawah, wudu is not a condition. Is Facing the Qiblah Required? No. Facing the qiblah is not a condition for the validity of the obligatory sajdah of tilawah. Is Taharah (Ritual Purity) Required? No. A person may perform the obligatory sajdah even if they do not have wudu. Must the Sajdah Be Performed Immediately? Yes. According to many Shia jurists, the obligatory sajdah should not be intentionally delayed without a valid excuse. Frequently Asked Questions How many sajda are in the Quran? There are 15 verses of prostration. In Shia fiqh, 4 are obligatory and 11 are recommended. Which sajdas are obligatory in Shia fiqh? Those in Surahs As-Sajdah (32), Fussilat (41), An-Najm (53), and Al-Alaq (96). Why do some say 14 and others 15? The schools differ on counting one or two verses, especially in Surah Al-Hajj and Surah Sad. What is the symbol for a sajdah verse? It is the prostration symbol ۩ placed in the margin of the page. Do I need wudu for sajdah tilawah? Rulings differ. Many scholars recommend being in a state of purity and facing the qibla, so check the guidance of your marja. Learn Quran Recitation and Ahkam Online With Al Elm Quran Academy Al Elm Quran Academy offers online one-to-one Quran lessons for students and families worldwide. From the rules of Tajwid and beautiful recitation and tilawah to the practical rulings in Ahkam and Masail, our teachers help you read and act on the Quran with confidence. Begin today, book your free trial class or view our full course list. Shabbir Hussain Co-Founder, Alelm Quran Academy Qualifications MPhil in Islamic Studies, University of Karachi Traditional Hawza Studies, Hawza Imam Khomeini Areas of Expertise Quranic Studies Hadith Studies Islamic History Islamic Jurisprudence (Fiqh) Islamic Theology (Kalam) About the Author Shabbir Hussain is an Islamic scholar, educator, researcher, Qari, and public speaker.