Crowds flock to Sayyid Ahmed Al-Rifai shrine as concerns mount over lack of basic services

MAYSAN — Thousands of visitors from across Iraq and abroad, including those from North Africa and Gulf states, have been gathering at the shrine of Sayyid Ahmed Al-Rifai, located west of Maysan. The shrine, an important spiritual site for followers of the Al-Rifai Sufi order, hosts rituals of dhikr (remembrance), tambourine beats, and religious chants praising the Prophet Muhammad, his family, and companions.

The shrine attracts an influx of visitors particularly during July, August, September, and October, with Thursdays and Fridays seeing the highest numbers. However, visitors have raised concerns over the limited space and lack of basic services, such as soap, at the facilities.

Ahmad bin Ali Al-Rifai, born in 1118 and also known as Abu Al-Abbas, was a renowned Muslim jurist, theologian, and Sufi scholar from modern-day Iraq. He died in 1182 and is regarded as one of the leading figures in Sufism. The Rifa’i Sufi order traces its roots to him. He is often honored with titles such as “Sheikh of the Orders,” “The Great Sheikh,” and “Master of the Group.”

Muhammad Al-Rifai, a representative of the Al-Rifai Sufi order in Adhamiya, told 964media that the shrine remains a key destination for followers due to the profound spiritual significance of Sayyid Ahmed Al-Rifai. “People of goodwill gather here on Friday nights for dhikr circles and to recite praises for the Prophet and his companions,” he said. Small groups from various Iraqi provinces and neighboring countries join these religious gatherings, participating in traditional hymns and listening to guidance from scholars.

Abdul Wahab Al-Janabi, a representative of the Al-Rifai order in Salah Al-Din, added that the shrine attracts followers from nations including Turkey, Iran, India, and Arab nations such as Egypt and those in North Africa and the Gulf. “The site struggles to accommodate the influx due to its limited capacity,” Al-Janabi noted, calling for expanded infrastructure, including halls to host the over 10,000 weekly visitors.

Sief Al-Rifai, overseeing the shrine’s restoration efforts, confirmed that official approval for the renovation took six years and is being funded by donations. “A Turkish company has begun restoring the shrine’s dome as part of the first phase, and work will continue with refurbishing the interior walls and floors,” he said. The second phase will focus on creating shelters around the shrine and building large halls for visitors, particularly for the three-day pilgrimages, which typically start on Wednesdays and end on Fridays.

The renovation project has received approval from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Sunni Endowment, and the Council of Ministers.