Al-Baqi cemetery, former site of the mausoleum of four Shi'a Imams, is leveled to the ground by Wahhabis.

Nestled in the heart of Medina, one of Islam's holiest cities in the historical Hejaz region of modern-day Saudi Arabia, lies Al-Baqi Cemetery (Arabic: مَـقْـبَـرَة ٱلْبَقِيْع, romanized: Maqbara al-Baqī). Situated to the southeast of the majestic Prophet's Mosque, this hallowed ground holds immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It stands as the first Islamic cemetery established in Medina, making it a foundational site in early Islamic history.

The Sanctity and Significance of Al-Baqi

Al-Baqi is revered as the final resting place for a vast number of revered figures from early Islam. Its soil embraces the graves of countless companions (Sahaba) of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, as well as many members of his own family, known as the Ahl al-Bayt. Among those believed to be interred here are his wives, daughters, and other close relatives, along with some of the most prominent personalities who dedicated their lives to the nascent Muslim community.

This profound connection to the Prophet Muhammad and his immediate circle elevates Al-Baqi to an unparalleled status. Indeed, it is considered one of the two holiest cemeteries in Islamic tradition, sharing this distinction with Al-Mualla Cemetery in Mecca. The Prophet Muhammad himself held Al-Baqi in great reverence, with numerous narrations recounting his practice of visiting the cemetery and offering prayers for the departed souls whenever he passed by. This personal devotion by the Prophet further instilled a deep sense of respect and spiritual importance for the site among Muslims throughout history, who often visit Al-Baqi as part of their pilgrimage (Ziyarah) to Medina, seeking blessings and remembering the sacrifices of those interred there.

Historical Demolitions and Their Underlying Reasons

The long history of Al-Baqi Cemetery is also marked by periods of profound upheaval and controversy, specifically two major demolitions driven by specific interpretations of Islamic law. The first of these devastating events occurred in 1806, when the Emirate of Diriyah, an alliance between the House of Saud and the followers of the Wahhabi movement, carried out the destruction. Following a period of reconstruction in the mid-19th century, the cemetery faced a second, equally destructive demolition in either 1925 or 1926. This latter act was perpetrated by the Sultanate of Nejd, which, like its predecessor, was ruled by the House of Saud and adhered to Wahhabism.

The motivation behind these demolitions stems directly from the Wahhabi interpretation of Islam, a conservative school of thought that emphasizes strict monotheism (Tawhid). This interpretation views the construction of elaborate monuments, domes, or any form of structure over graves as a potential avenue towards *shirk* (idolatry or polytheism). Adherents of this view believe that such structures can lead to the veneration of individuals rather than the exclusive worship of Allah, thus diverting Muslims from the purity of their faith. Consequently, the graves at Al-Baqi, which historically featured prominent markers and domes, were leveled to the ground, leaving behind a field of simple, unmarked graves.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Al-Baqi Cemetery?
Al-Baqi Cemetery, also known as Jannat al-Baqi, is the oldest and one of the most significant Islamic cemeteries located in Medina, Saudi Arabia. It holds the remains of many prominent figures from early Islamic history.
Who is buried in Al-Baqi Cemetery?
It is the resting place for a large number of the Islamic prophet Muhammad's family members, including many of his wives, daughters, and other relatives, as well as numerous revered companions (Sahaba).
Why is Al-Baqi Cemetery significant to Muslims?
Its significance stems from the fact that it is the burial site of so many direct relatives and companions of Prophet Muhammad. The Prophet himself frequently visited and prayed at the cemetery, making it a deeply revered spiritual landmark and one of the two holiest cemeteries in Islamic tradition.
Why was Al-Baqi Cemetery demolished?
The cemetery was demolished twice, in 1806 and again in 1925/1926, by rulers allied with the Wahhabi movement. This was due to the Wahhabi interpretation of Islam, which prohibits the construction of elaborate monuments or structures over graves, viewing them as potential sources of idolatry or veneration that could detract from the sole worship of God.
What does Al-Baqi Cemetery look like today?
Today, Al-Baqi Cemetery consists of a vast open area with simple, unmarked graves, as per the Wahhabi interpretation that forbids elaborate gravestones or mausoleums. Visitors can walk through the cemetery, but identifying specific graves without prior knowledge is challenging due to the lack of individual markers.