Late Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad al-Shirazi’s vision renews call for Al-Baqi restoration

The late Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Muhammad al-Husseini al-Shirazi (may his soul be sanctified) remains a key voice in the ongoing call to reconstruct the demolished graves of Ahlulbayt Imams in Al-Baqi Cemetery, Medina. His vision emphasized the religious, historical, and civilizational significance of Al-Baqi, viewing it as more than a burial site—a space of spiritual reflection and Islamic identity.

Imam Shirazi criticized the destruction of Al-Baqi under the pretext of mosque expansion, calling it an illogical and un-Islamic act that erases a vital part of the ummah’s heritage. He urged the preservation of Islamic relics as sources of guidance, highlighting Quranic verses that stress reflection on historical remains.

He drew comparisons between global efforts to protect monuments like the Egyptian pyramids and the neglect of sacred Islamic sites, warning that such disregard threatens the collective memory of Muslims.

Grand Ayatollah Shirazi believed in the spiritual power of blessed places, referencing stories like the shirt of Prophet Yusuf and traces of the Prophet’s presence. His call remains relevant today, urging Muslims to shift the discourse from politicization to preservation, and to recognize Al-Baqi as a unifying symbol of faith, memory, and shared identity.