Global protests mark anniversary of Jannat al-Baqi demolition, renewing demands for reconstruction
Shiite communities across the globe marked the anniversary of the 1925 demolition of the sacred graves of the Imams in Jannat al-Baqi, Medina, with large-scale commemorations, protests, and calls for their reconstruction. The destruction, carried out by Wahhabi forces nearly a century ago, remains a source of deep grief and religious outrage among Shiite Muslims.
Events were held in India, Pakistan, Iraq, and Iran. In India, thousands gathered in Lucknow and Mumbai, organizing conferences and processions. Shiite leaders, scholars, and officials. Protesters referred to the occasion as the “Black Day” and issued appeals to the international community to pressure Saudi Arabia to rebuild the shrines.
In Lucknow, demonstrators submitted a letter to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging diplomatic action. Religious leader Sayyed Yasub Abbas led the protest, condemning the Saudi policies and calling for global solidarity to protect Islamic heritage.
In Pakistan, mass rallies occurred in Rawalpindi, Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, and Hyderabad. Protesters carried symbolic models of the demolished graves and banners demanding justice. Shiite clerics denounced the continued erasure of Islamic heritage and urged Pakistan’s government to support reconstruction efforts diplomatically.
In Karbala, Iraq, a unified mourning procession was held in coordination with the holy shrines of Imam Hussein and Abbas. Clerics and local leaders stressed the annual event’s role in renewing allegiance to the Ahl al-Bayt and calling for the restoration of their shrines.
In Iran, Grand Ayatollah Sayyed Sadiq al-Shirazi’s residence in Qom hosted mourning ceremonies, highlighting the ongoing desecration and urging the Muslim world to adopt a firm stance for reconstruction. These global activities underscore a shared religious grievance and a collective demand for the restoration of one of Islam’s most revered historical sites.
