Completion expected this year

Work resumes on shrine of Ibrahim ibn Malik Al-Ashtar after nine-year halt

SALAH AL-DIN — Construction has restarted on the shrine of Ibrahim ibn Malik Al-Ashtar, a notable Islamic figure, after a nine-year interruption. Shrine officials estimate the project is about 74% complete, with work expected to finish later this year.

The completed phase includes the structural framework, concrete flooring, surveillance cameras, ironwork and electrical systems. Located in the Ibrahimiyah subdistrict of Salah Al-Din’s Dujail district, named for Al-Ashtar, the shrine has been the target of multiple attacks. These include a 2005 bombing by al-Qaida and a 2014 assault by the Islamic State group, both of which halted previous rebuilding efforts.

Despite the challenges, the site continues to draw visitors from Iraq and abroad, including pilgrims from Iran, India and Pakistan.

Ahmed Abdul Sattar, the shrine’s secretary, told 964media that the project is backed by the Shia Endowment Office and overseen by the General Secretariat of Shia Shrines in Iraq. “Work has resumed after a nine-year hiatus caused by the events in the area. Today, the project is progressing steadily to meet Islamic architectural standards,” he said.

He added that the shrine’s 82 iwans — or open-ended vaulted halls — are being developed in accordance with its historical and religious significance.

Ibrahim ibn Malik Al-Ashtar was a prominent military figure during the late 7th century, known for his loyalty to the family of the Prophet Muhammad. He played a key role in the Revolt of Mukhtar Al-Thaqafi in Kufa, which sought to avenge the killing of Imam Hussein at the Battle of Karbala in 680. Imam Hussein was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and a central figure in Shia Islam.

Al-Ashtar is best remembered for his victory at the Battle of Khazir in 686, where he defeated Umayyad forces led by Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad, governor of Kufa, to avenge Imam Hussein’s death.

Ahmed Hashem, head of the shrine’s media and relations department, said, “The shrine holds great importance in the hearts of visitors and devotees of Ahlulbayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad) and its role in battles and heroics, including seeking vengeance for Imam Hussein.”

A pilgrim from Ahvaz, Iran, named Zahid Zohairi, told 964media that this was his second visit to the shrine. “I came to visit the holy religious sites, and this shrine was a key destination. I noticed notable progress in the reconstruction since my last visit.”

The security mindset of the authorities will never allow tourism to flourish

The security mindset of the authorities will never allow tourism to flourish

What do you think?