Maqam Saheb El Zaman

The Shrine of Imam Al Mahdi (may God hasten his noble return) is considered one of the most prominent sacred religious landmarks in the city of Karbala, forming a destination for thousands of visitors from various parts of the Islamic world, especially on the fifteenth of Sha'ban, which coincides with the anniversary of his birth.

The relationship between the awaited Imam Al Hujja and Karbala is distinguished by deep characteristics, as he is considered the one who will seek recompense for the blood of those killed in Karbala, and he has profound imprints in the Karbala conscience.

The shrine is located in the Bab Al Salalima area, overlooking from its front side Al Sidra Street facing the sanctuary of Imam Al Hussein to the north, and is 650 meters from the sacred Al Hussein Holy Shrine, situated on the left bank of the Husseiniyya River on the road leading to the shrine of Ja'far Al Sadiq.

This shrine was initially built as a small clay room. The first brick structure was built in 1347 AH/1924 CE by a benefactor named Ja'far.

Then Hajj Hamza Khalil expanded and rebuilt it in 1378 AH, and Muhsin Hamid Mulla Mahdi Wazni renovated it in 1391 AH after it suffered partial destruction. After the Sha'ban Uprising, the Ba'ath government demolished it, and the believer Abbas Al Bahr Al Yasari rebuilt it, the structure currently standing.

The current building was constructed on an area of approximately 1,300 square meters. Its front facade consists of a 5.6 meters high clad with Hallan stone, interspersed with Islamic arches covered with ornate Karbala tiles, and above the wall is a band of Karbala tiles inscribed with verses from the Holy Quran. The shrine has three main entrances.

On Friday mornings, the ceremonies of reciting Du'a Al Nudba (the Supplication of Lamentation) are held at the shrine of the Master of Time, and on Friday evenings women distribute votive offerings there. This noble site has transformed into a landing place for angels of mercy and a dwelling for the hearts of believers and those awaiting the radiance of his luminous countenance.