Mazar Islamic Shrines | Karak

Information

Landmark: Mazar Islamic Shrines
City: Karak
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Mazar Islamic Shrines, Karak, Jordan, Asia

The Mazar Islamic Shrines are a complex of mausoleums located in the town of Al-Mazar al-Janubi within the Karak Governorate. They house the tombs of three commanders-Ja'far bin Abi Talib, Zaid bin Harithah, and Abdullah bin Rawahah-who died during the Battle of Mu'tah in 629 CE.

Visual Characteristics

The complex features modern Islamic architecture characterized by large white and gold domes, pointed arches, and tall minarets constructed from polished limestone. The interior is decorated with intricate marble tilework, calligraphy, and green-draped sarcophagi within the tomb chambers. The site includes a large paved courtyard and a grand mosque with high ceilings and heavy wooden doors.

Location & Access Logistics

The shrines are located approximately 11 kilometers south of Al-Karak and 140 kilometers south of Amman. Access is via the King’s Highway (Route 35) or by turning off the Desert Highway (Route 15) at the Sultani intersection. Public transport is available via minibuses that run frequently between the Karak bus station and Al-Mazar. A large, dedicated parking area is situated directly across from the main entrance to the mosque complex.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The site commemorates the Battle of Mu'tah, the first major military encounter between the early Muslim forces and the Byzantine Empire. While the original graves were simple, various Islamic dynasties, including the Ayyubids and Mamluks, built and renovated structures over the sites. The current monumental complex was largely reconstructed and expanded in the late 20th century under the direction of the Royal Committee for the Renovation of the Shrines of the Companions and Martyrs.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can enter the specific tomb rooms to pay respects at the shrines of the three commanders. The central mosque is active and hosts Friday prayers and daily services. The site serves as a major destination for religious tourism and pilgrimage. Photography of the exterior architecture is common, though silence and modest dress are required within the prayer and tomb areas.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The complex is highly developed with modern restrooms, clean drinking water stations, and extensive shaded walkways. There is a small Islamic library and an administrative office on-site. The town of Al-Mazar surrounds the complex, providing numerous food vendors, pharmacies, and shops. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is excellent throughout the facility.

Best Time to Visit

The shrines are accessible year-round, but spring and autumn offer the most temperate weather for walking the grounds. To avoid large crowds, visit on weekdays rather than Friday. For photography, the late afternoon sun illuminates the white limestone and gold domes with high clarity. Note that the mosque and shrines are most active during the five daily prayer times.

Facts & Legends

Ja'far bin Abi Talib is known in Islamic tradition as "Ja'far al-Tayyar" (the Winged Ja'far); it is believed that after losing both arms while holding the Muslim banner during the battle, God replaced them with wings in Paradise. A practical tip for visitors: ensure shoulders and knees are covered, and women should bring a headscarf to enter the tomb chambers and mosque areas.