A Guide to the Ziyarat of Imam al-Kadhim in Baghdad: An Unforgettable Experience of Generosity

The Ziyarat (pilgrimage) of Imam al-Kadhim (peace be upon him) in Baghdad is one of the city's largest annual religious gatherings, centered around the shrine in the Kadhimiya district. 1 During the peak days, many pilgrims walk on foot through Baghdad, and local volunteers (including Mawakeb service processions) provide food, drinks, and rest along the routes. 2

If you’re visiting as a traveler (religious or not), this guide focuses on what you actually need: what the event is, when it usually happens, what to wear, how to move around during road closures, and basic etiquette.

Key facts (quick overview)

• What it is: A major Shia Muslim commemoration and pilgrimage to the shrine of Imam Musa ibn Ja'far al-Kadhim in Baghdad. 1
• Where: Al-Kadhimiyah / Kadhimiya district, Baghdad (around the golden-domed shrine). 1
• When (Hijri date): The peak is on 25 Rajab (Islamic lunar calendar).
• When (2026 estimate): Calculated calendars commonly place 25 Rajab 1447 on January 14, 2026 in Iraq (+/- 1 day depending on moon sighting and local announcements). 3
• Cost: Many Mawakeb offer free food and drinks, but still carry cash for taxis, snacks, and emergencies.
• Dress code: Modest clothing; many pilgrims wear black as a sign of mourning. 5
• Transport: Expect heavy congestion and road closures near Kadhimiya on peak days. 2
• Photos: Street photos are often fine; inside sacred areas, rules can change—ask staff and avoid photographing people up close without consent.

Note: This is a practical travel overview, not an official announcement. Details like dates, road closures, and shrine rules can change—verify locally when you arrive.

Quick glossary (local terms)

• Ziyarat: A pilgrimage/visit to a holy site.
• Kadhimiya (Al-Kadhimiyah): The Baghdad district where the shrine is located.
• Mashaya / Mashaya’: The practice of walking (often in groups) to the shrine.
• Mawakeb (singular: Mawkib): Volunteer service tents/stations set up to host and support pilgrims. 2

Every year in the Islamic month of Rajab, Baghdad becomes a city of walkers. Major roads may be closed near the shrine area, and the routes are lined with Mawakeb providing rest and hospitality to pilgrims. 2

What is the Ziyarat of Imam al-Kadhim and Why is it Special?

The Ziyarat of Imam al-Kadhim commemorates the death/martyrdom of Imam Musa ibn Ja'far al-Kadhim, the seventh of the twelve Imams revered by Shia Muslims. The pilgrimage centers on his shrine in the Kadhimiya district of Baghdad, but the experience is broader than a single ceremony: walking routes across the district, Mawakeb hospitality along the way, and a citywide service and security plan during the peak days. 1 2

For a visitor, the most striking part is the scale of community hospitality. Along the walking routes, you'll see Mawakeb serving tea, water, meals, and offering places to rest—often free of charge. 2

When is the Ziyarat in 2026?

The commemoration falls on the 25th day of Rajab in the Hijri (Islamic) calendar. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the Gregorian date can shift by about a day depending on moon sighting and local announcements.

For 2026, many calculated calendars place 25 Rajab 1447 on January 14, 2026 in Iraq (with some communities observing it a day earlier/later). 3

The ceremonies and walk usually build over several days. If you want to experience the atmosphere with relatively lighter crowds, consider visiting a few days before the peak day, while still being prepared for road closures and busy routes. 2

The "Mawakeb" Experience: Often Free Hospitality

The most impressive part of the Ziyarat of Imam al-Kadhim is the proliferation of "Mawakeb" (pronounced Ma-wa-keb) along the roads leading to Kadhimiya. These are rest and service stations set up by locals and volunteers with love and dedication.

As you walk through Baghdad's streets during these days, you will often find:

• Free Food: Hot lunches and dinners, most famously "Qeema and Rice" (a traditional Iraqi meat and split-pea stew), Harees (a wheat and meat porridge), grills, and sandwiches.
• Drinks (often available day and night): Iraqi cardamom tea, coffee, juices, and cold water are distributed widely.
• Comfort Services: Places to sit, massages for tired walkers' feet, and even places to sleep.

Many visitors can go hours without buying food or drinks because Mawakeb are so common—but it’s still smart to carry money for transport, personal needs, and emergencies.

How Can I Participate and Experience the Walk?

You don't need complicated plans to join this experience; the event takes place on public streets. Here's how to start:

1. Choose a Starting Point (flexible): People join from many neighborhoods and routes can vary by year and day. As examples, you might start from a busy approach toward Kadhimiya (such as Karrada, Palestine Street, or Mansour) and follow the pedestrian flow and on-the-ground directions toward the shrine area.
2. Walking is Key: Remember that many roads and bridges leading to Kadhimiya may be closed to cars to make way for pedestrians. Wear very comfortable walking shoes, as this is the essence of the experience.
3. Enjoy the Atmosphere (respectfully): Walk at a leisurely pace, stop at the Mawakeb for tea, and exchange greetings with people. Many visitors experience a welcoming atmosphere, especially along the service routes. 2
4. Keep it respectful: This is a mourning commemoration for many participants. Keep your voice low near the shrine area, dress modestly, and avoid behavior that feels "touristy" (like posing in front of mourners).

What Should I Wear? (Clothing Tips)

Since the occasion is a mourning commemoration, modest clothing is expected in and around the shrine area. Many pilgrims wear black or dark colors, but you don't need to treat black as a strict rule if you don't have it.

• For Men: Many men wear a dark shirt or T-shirt with comfortable trousers (jeans or fabric). Avoid overly bright colors or shorts out of respect for the occasion.
• For Women: Many women wear an Abaya and headscarf, or a headscarf with loose-fitting modest clothing. Dark colors are common during Rajab commemorations.
• Weather: In January, Baghdad's weather is cool, especially at night and in the early morning, so be sure to wear a warm jacket.

Practical Tips for Visitors

• Transportation: Expect street closures and heavy congestion near Kadhimiya on peak days. Taxis may not reach the closest streets, so plan for extra walking. 2
• Crowds: Keep your phone charged, pick a meeting point if you're with others, and avoid pushing into dense bottlenecks—move slowly and follow stewards/security instructions.
• Security checks + route changes: Expect checkpoints and occasional route changes near the shrine area. Carry ID, travel light (small bag), and follow on-the-ground instructions. 2
• Photography: Street photography is often fine, but always ask before taking close-up photos of individuals. Inside sacred areas, rules may be stricter—ask staff and comply immediately if told to stop.
• Emergency (Iraq): The Ministry of Interior launched 911 as a unified emergency number. Some reporting says the service is available in five languages: Arabic, Kurdish, English, Persian, and Turkish. Availability and routing can vary—confirm locally (hotel/host or trusted local contacts) when you arrive. 4 6

Inside the Shrine: Etiquette and practicalities

• Follow signage and staff guidance: Entry rules and flow can change on peak days.
• Quiet and respect: Keep your voice low, avoid blocking walkways, and step aside if you need to stop.
• Shoes and personal items: In some areas you may need to remove shoes or use shoe-storage—look for the marked racks/attendants.
• Photography: Assume stricter rules inside; ask first and stop immediately if requested.

Micro logistics: timing & essentials

• Best time to go: Early morning can feel calmer; evenings can be more atmospheric but busier—choose based on your crowd comfort.
• How long to budget: Plan for extra time due to walking, checkpoints, and slow-moving crowds.
• Facilities: Toilets/ablution areas may be available within the district, but lines can be long—use facilities when you find them.
• Connectivity: Expect patchy signal in dense crowds; bring a power bank and keep offline maps/screenshots.

Visitor impressions (anecdotal)

The quotes below are personal impressions shared with Visit Iraq (email submissions and direct messages). They are included for a sense of atmosphere, not as verified evidence, and experiences can vary.

"The experience of walking towards Kadhimiya is indescribable. The amount of generosity I saw from people on the street amazed me; everyone invites you to eat and drink as if you were family."

• Traveler submission (2024)

"I didn't expect this level of organization and this sheer number of people. Despite the crowds, I felt a strange inner peace. The Iraqi tea at the Mawakeb tastes completely different!"

• Travel blogger submission (2023)

"The most beautiful part of the Ziyarat is the human spirit. I saw poor people feeding others, and wealthy people serving the walkers. It's a lesson in humility and giving."

• Local visitor submission (2025)

Frequently Asked Questions about the Ziyarat of Imam al-Kadhim

Sources (for key factual claims)

1. Al-Kadhimiya Holy Shrine (official site): “الامام الكاظم (ع)” (bio + burial location in Kadhimiya, Baghdad): https://aljawadain.iq/alkadhum/
2. Iraqi News Agency (INA): Baghdad Municipality plan for the Rajab visit (services + coordination with the Al-Kadhimiya shrine administration and the Mawakeb): https://ina.iq/ar/local/226079--.html
3. IslamicCal (Iraq): Hijri Calendar in Iraq 1447 (shows 25 Rajab 1447 = January 14, 2026): https://www.islamiccal.com/en/hijri-calendar/iraq/1447/
4. Iraqi News Agency (INA): Unified emergency number 911 (Ministry of Interior): https://ina.iq/ar/political/225391--911.html
5. Associated Press (AP News): Shiite pilgrims make annual pilgrimage in Iraq amid regional upheaval (background and context): https://apnews.com/article/d468ee385e6c8c6e0c30c89fb73cee24
6. NRT (NRTTV): 911 service languages (Arabic, Kurdish, English, Persian, Turkish): https://nrttv.com/Ar/detail3/40060