Shrine of Prophet Hud and Salih

The Shrine of Prophet Hud and Salih (Arabic: مقام النبي هود وصالح) is a shrine located in the Wadi-us-Salaam cemetery in Najaf, Iraq.^[1][2] It is believed by locals to contain the tombs of Hud and Salih, two Prophets revered by all Muslims.^[2]

Shrine of Prophet Hud and Salih
Arabic: مقام النبي هود وصالح
Pilgrims gathered outside the shrine in 2015
Religion
Affiliation	Twelver Shi'a
Ecclesiastical or organizational status	Active
Location
Location	Wadi-us-Salaam cemetery, Najaf, Iraq
Architecture
Completed	Original structure 18th century, modern reconstruction in 1919
Dome(s)	1

History

The shrine was originally built by the cleric Moḥammad Mahdī Baḥr al-ʿUlūm in the 18th century.^[3][4] This original structure was made of stone brick with chalk.^[4] At the same time, some narrations from Shi'ite books reported the existence of graves for Prophets Hud and Salih.^[4]

Aerial photograph of the shrine, captured in the year 2018

During the Iraqi Revolt, the British troops entered the Wadi-us-Salaam cemetery, and the shrine was desecrated on the 17th of October, in 1917.^[1] A year later, in the years 1918 until 1919, the shrine was repaired and given extensive renovations.^[5][4] With the assistance of Iranian companies, the dome of the shrine received new tilework.^[4]

In 2018, a new foundation stone was laid for a reconstruction of the shrine.^[6][7] The reconstruction was approved by the head of the Shiite Endowment Office, the main director of the Holy Shrines Department and other governmental positions exclusive to Najaf.^[8][9] The current head of the Shiite Endowment Office, Ala’ al-Mussawi, confirmed that a bigger and more decorated shrine would replace the old structure.^[10][11]

See also

• Islam in Iraq
• Ziyarat
• Wadi-us-Salaam cemetery