Global Shia Commemorations Mark Jannat al-Baqi Anniversary Amid Calls for Reconstruction of Sacred Graves
Global Shia Commemorations Mark Jannat al-Baqi Anniversary Amid Calls for Reconstruction of Sacred Graves
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Shia communities across several countries have commemorated the anniversary of the destruction of the graves of the revered Imams of Jannat al-Baqi (peace be upon them), holding mourning ceremonies and public demonstrations while renewing calls to preserve and rebuild key Islamic heritage sites.
In Sydney, members of the Shia community gathered at the Ale Yasin Hussainiya to observe “Baqi Day.” The program began with recitations from the Holy Qur’an, followed by congregational prayers and mourning assemblies focusing on the historical injustice suffered by the Imams of Baqi. The event included sermons addressing the religious and humanitarian dimensions of the destruction of their graves.
Mourning gatherings were conducted in both Arabic and English to reach a wider audience, alongside chest-beating rituals performed collectively in an atmosphere of grief and remembrance. Organizers stated that the annual commemoration aims to preserve religious memory and raise awareness about the Baqi issue among Muslim communities in the diaspora.
Meanwhile, demonstrations and gatherings took place across multiple cities in India, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Lucknow. In New Delhi, a large protest was held in the Jantar Mantar area, where participants raised slogans calling for the reconstruction of the Baqi graves and the protection of Islamic holy sites.
Similar events in other cities combined protest gatherings with mourning assemblies, where participants expressed solidarity with the cause of Baqi and emphasized the importance of preserving Islamic historical heritage.
Participants across these events described Baqi as a symbol of deep religious and historical significance, calling on religious institutions and Muslim communities worldwide to take coordinated action to rebuild the graves in Medina and protect sites associated with the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him and his family) and his pure household (peace be upon them). They urged concerted efforts to pressure the Saudi government into restoration of Jannat al-Baqi.
