Pars Today

Welcome to the 204th weekly episode of the series Iran Your Attractive Destination. Today, we introduce Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS) Holy Shrine, in the city of Shahr-e Rayy.

Previously, we became familiar with the historical background of Shahr-e Rayy in the pre-Islamic and Islamic eras and pointed out that this region is home to a number of precious historical monuments. Meanwhile, the Holy Shrines of Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS), Imamzadeh Taher, and Imamzadeh Hamzeh, have granted further importance to this city, more than anything else, such that every year Shahr-e Rayy is host to thousands of pilgrims and devotees of the Prophet of Islam’s Infallible Household (Peace be upon them). Given that Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS) Holy Shrine is one of the important sites of pilgrimage, today we study this Holy Shrine and it surrounding Imamzadeh shrines.
Upon going through a number of streets and districts, and several marketplaces, the gateway of Hazrat Abdul-Azim Holy Shrine becomes visible. We can observe many people who pay their respect to Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS), while embarking upon the courtyard of this site of pilgrimage, and the surrounding Imamzadeh Holy Shrines. Inside this holy shrine a large number of pilgrims are praying, while those in charge of administration of this Holy Shrine spray rose water and perfume over the sepulcher, granting an especial spiritual atmosphere to this holy shrine.
The delicate sounds of prayers can be heard from every corner of this holy shrine. The pilgrims have attended this site of pilgrimage in order to show their devotion and loyalty to Prophet Mohammad’s Infallible Household (Peace be upon them).
Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS) is one of the descendants of Prophet Mohammad’s Household (Peace be upon them), who was born in the city of Medina in the year 173 AH. In his era, he maintained a distinguished scientific status and was one of the prominent Ulema and hadith scholars who were trusted by the Infallible Imams of Prophet’s Household.
Upon observation of the injustices imposed by the Abbasid ruler, Motavakel, against the 10th Infallible Imam of Prophet Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny) Household, Imam Hadi (Peace be upon him), Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS) revealed the injustices of Abbasid Dynasty rulers. Meanwhile, Imam Hadi (Peace be upon him) sent Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS) as his representative to the city of Shahr-e Rayy, given the vast knowledge and merits of Hazrat Abdul-Azim.
Hazrat Abdul-Azim migrated to Shahr-e Rayy at the age of 75; solving people’ problems in that city. Throughout his residence in Shahr-e Rayy, the residents of this city highly benefited from his vast knowledge. Finally, Hazrat Abdul-Azim passed away in Shahr-e Rayy on 15th of the Islamic month of Shawwal of the year 252 AH. He maintained a highly elevated status among Muslim Iranians such that a glorious holy shrine was built over his tomb.
Hazrat Abdul-Azim Holy Shrine maintains a long history. An inscription which has been installed on the left-hand side of this Holy Shrine’s gateway in recent years reminds the pilgrims that this holy shrine was fundamentally renovated in the second half of Third Century AH by Mohammad bin Zaid Daee Alawi. Experts, upon studying the brick wall of the main gateway of this holy shrine, reminded that parts of this wall dates back to Bouyad era. So it can be said that at least this part of this holy shrine has been constructed in Bouyad era, and was later renovated in the era of Saljuqid Dynasty.
There is not much information at hand in regard to the possible renovation, and development of this holy shrine as of the Saljuqid to Safavid eras. However, it has been proved that this holy shrine had captured the attention of Iranian rulers, especially Shia rulers. This holy shrine drew the attention of Timurid rulers. The Timurid ruler, Shahrokh, paid a pilgrimage to this holy shrine. This holy shrine was thrown under the spotlight throughout the rule of Safavid kings, who believed they were the descendants of Imamzadeh Hamzeh, the venerable son of 7th Infallible Imam of Prophet of Islam’s Household, Imam Mousa Kazem (Peace be upon him). In this era, a number of other buildings were constructed in the surroundings of this holy shrine, till the emergence of Qajarid dynasty, whose rulers focused on Shahr-e Rayy, due to its proximity to the capital city of Tehran. The majority of present-day buildings related to Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS) Holy Shrine and Imamzadeh Hamzeh Shrine have been built, completed, and decorated throughout the Qajarid era. Following the victory of Iran’s Islamic Revolution, Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS) Holy Shrine, like other holy shrines in Iran, was largely expanded and renovated. This holy shrine is square shaped. The main gateway of this holy shrine is situated in its northern corner, and looms over the large and northern iwans. The southern gateway of this holy shrine is made of wood and a number of poems have been engraved on this gateway. The inner walls of this Holy Shrine have been covered with black and white marble stones. The decoration of this holy shrine with cut pieces of mirror took place in the year 1273 AH.
One of the most valuable historical items in Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS) Holy Shrine is the wooden chest which is located on the tomb; on the four corners of which ayahs of Holy Quran have been engraved. This wooden chest was beautifully renovated in the year 1950 AD.
The golden dome of Hazrat Abdul-Azim Holy Shrine is also one of the historical items of this holy shrine. This dome was initially constructed by Majd ul-Molk Baravestani. It maintains two layers. The outer layer was cone-shaped, which was reshaped during the rule of Shah Tahmasb. This dome was gold-plated in 1270 AH, upon the order of Qajarid King, Naser Ed-Din Shah. The vertical altitude of this dome stands at twelve meters. Two rows of inscriptions surround the dome. On the upper inscriptions, poems in golden color over a blue-colored backdrop are evident, which have been created upon the order of Qajarid King, Naser Ed-Din Shah. Meanwhile, the minarets of this Holy Shrine date back to 13th Century AH.
Two Imamzadeh Holy Shrines are located next to Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS) Holy Shrine. On the southwestern corner of the main courtyard, Imamzadeh Hamzeh Holy Shrine is situated. This Imamzadeh Holy Shrine maintains a silver sepulcher and is decorated with cut pieces of mirror. It maintains a similar size and shape to Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS) Holy Shrine.
The Imamzadeh Baqer Shrine is also located in the vicinity of Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS) Holy Shrine. This shrine was tiled in the year 1320 AH.
In the year 2001 AD, a new sepulcher was installed in this shrine, which is octagonal in shape and has been constructed by Iranian artists from gold and silver. It has also been decorated with ayahs of Holy Quran.
As of the year 1992 AD, Imamzadeh Taher Holy Shrine expanded further and a large corridor was constructed to connect this shrine to Hazrat Abdul-Azim (AS) Holy Shrine.
MR/ME