Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Karbala As A Non-Muslim Or Sunni Muslim Solo Traveler

You can’t go to Iraq without visiting some of the most famous shrines and mosques. It can be really confusing and overwhelming especially if you’re not used to going on a pilgrimage, aren’t of the practicing faith, or don’t come from a similar culture.

That doesn’t mean it’s impossible and that you’re not welcome. Everyone is welcome to visit Imam Hussain and Imam Ali’s shrines.

What is Karbala?

Karbala is a city in Iraq that holds a significant place in Islamic history, particularly within the Shia branch, making it a destination of profound cultural and religious importance. The city’s prominence stems primarily from the pivotal Battle of Karbala in 680 AD, a landmark event that shaped the course of Islamic history and influenced the development of Shia Islam.

This historic battle unfolded between the forces of Imam Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, and the army of the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I. Despite being outnumbered, Imam Hussein and his followers demonstrated unwavering courage and resilience, resulting in their martyrdom.

For travelers, understanding the significance of Karbala is essential for appreciating the cultural heritage and religious significance of the region. Visiting Karbala offers a unique opportunity to witness firsthand the sites associated with this pivotal event, including the revered shrines of Imam Hussein and his brother Abbas.

How to get there?

Getting to Karbala from Baghdad or anywhere else will require hiring a car or taking a taxi (they might not go that far). It’s just under 2 hours to get from Baghdad to Karbala. You can also try using the Careem app.

What to wear?

It is one of the holiest places in the world for Muslims so following the dress code is extremely important otherwise you will not only disrespect the people there but also get turned away.

The dress code is more strict for women. Most women as you will see where a black, simple abaya with a black scarf. This is the easiest option to wear and one where you’ll blend in.

You can actually wear whatever color you want. The first time I went, I wore a blue abaya and white scarf with no issues.

You must wear socks. Feel free to bring them and put them on when you get there. Go minimal on makeup and avoid lipstick or lipgloss. Make sure that your neck is covered and hair is fully covered. I would pin it so you don’t have to fuss around with it or worry about it coming loose.

The first time I went, they took my lipgloss and held it. I wasn’t allowed to bring it. The second time, one of the girls brought lipstick but they didn’t seem to mind.

Do not bring makeup, portable battery charger, camera, and no nail polish.

Once you enter, there are multiple checks and it depends really who is checking you and how strict they want to be. Do your best covering up and keeping minimal items on you to be safe.

For men, you must wear pants and cover your knees. No islamic attire is necessary but of course, you may wear it if you’d like.

How many days to spend?

If you want to just see the shrine: 1 day

If you’re religious and want to discover some of the surrounding sites: 2+ days

It really depends on what this place means to you.

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