Shrines of the Prophet's Companions in Jordan
Jordan holds some of the most visited shrines of the Companions of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Many of the men buried here are part of the early Islamic history of the region, from the Battle of Mu'tah to the years that followed. Their tombs, today within mosques, are places of prayer and quiet visits for Muslims from around the world.
Why so many Companions rest in Jordan
The lands east of the river Jordan lay on the routes between the Arabian Peninsula and Greater Syria. In 629 CE (8 AH) the Battle of Mu'tah was fought near today's Karak, and in the following years many Companions lived, travelled and died in the region.
In 639 CE (18 AH) an epidemic known as the plague of Amwas struck the area and claimed several of them, including Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah and Mu'adh ibn Jabal, whose shrines stand in the Jordan Valley.
The shrines of Mu'tah at Al-Mazar al-Janubi
In the town of Al-Mazar al-Janubi, south of Karak, a large mosque complex holds the shrine of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, the cousin of the Prophet, known as Ja'far al-Tayyar. Nearby are the shrines of Zayd ibn Haritha and Abdullah ibn Rawaha. The three men led the Muslim army at Mu'tah one after the other, and all three fell there.
A few kilometres away, in the town of Mu'tah, a memorial marks the area traditionally linked to the battle.
The Jordan Valley shrines
The fertile Jordan Valley holds a chain of shrines. The shrine of Abu Ubaidah Amir ibn al-Jarrah, counted in Islamic tradition among the ten promised Paradise and commander of the Muslim armies in Syria, stands in the town that bears his name near Deir Alla.
Further north are the shrines of Mu'adh ibn Jabal, famous for his knowledge of the Quran and Islamic law, of Shurahbil ibn Hasana and of Amir ibn Abi Waqqas. Near Deir Alla is the shrine of Dirar ibn al-Azwar.
The Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Ahl al-Kahf)
In Al-Rajib, on the south-eastern edge of Amman, a cave cut into the rock is identified in Jordan as the cave of the Sleepers told in Surat al-Kahf of the Quran. Several places in the world are associated with the story. The Jordanian site has Byzantine-era tombs inside the cave and a mosque above it, and it is open to visitors.
Visiting respectfully
The shrines are active places of prayer. Dress modestly, with arms and legs covered; women are asked to cover their hair inside the mosques. Remove your shoes before entering prayer halls, keep your voice low and avoid visiting during the Friday noon prayer unless you are joining it. Photography is usually fine in courtyards, but ask before taking pictures inside or of people at prayer.
Shrines to visit
Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, Zayd ibn Haritha and Abdullah ibn Rawaha
The three commanders of the Battle of Mu'tah, honoured in a large mosque complex about 10 km south of Karak.
Kerak CastleThe battlefield of Mu'tah
A memorial in the town of Mu'tah marks the area traditionally linked to the battle of 629 CE.
Abu Ubaidah Amir ibn al-Jarrah
One of the best-known Companions and commander of the Muslim armies in Syria, who died in the plague of Amwas in 639 CE.
Mu'adh ibn Jabal
A Companion known for his knowledge of the Quran and Islamic law, who also died in the plague of Amwas.
Shurahbil ibn Hasana and Amir ibn Abi Waqqas
Two more Companions whose shrines stand in the villages of the northern valley.
Dirar ibn al-Azwar
A Companion remembered in early Islamic history as a brave horseman.
The Cave of the Seven Sleepers (Ahl al-Kahf)
A rock-cut cave identified in Jordan with the story of the Sleepers in Surat al-Kahf, with a mosque above it.
AmmanFrequently asked questions
Where is Ja'far ibn Abi Talib buried?
His shrine stands in Al-Mazar al-Janubi, south of Karak, near the area of the Battle of Mu'tah, where he fell in 629 CE.
Where is the shrine of Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah?
In the central Jordan Valley, in the town named after him near Deir Alla, about an hour's drive from Amman.
Where is the shrine of Mu'adh ibn Jabal?
In the northern Jordan Valley, in the area of Al-Shuna al-Shamaliya.
Where is the Cave of the Seven Sleepers in Jordan?
In Al-Rajib, on the south-eastern edge of Amman. It is one of several sites in the world associated with the story.
Can non-Muslims visit the shrines?
Visitors of all faiths are usually welcome in the courtyards outside prayer times. Dress modestly and ask the caretaker before entering a prayer hall.
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