100th Commemoration of the Demolition at Jannatul Baqee in Madinah, Saudi Arabia

"And whoever honours the symbols of Allah (SWT)—indeed, it is from the piety of hearts." (Surah Al-Hajj 22:32)

Today, the 8th of Shawwal 1446, marks the solemn 100th commemoration of the tragic event of the demolition at Jannatul Baqee in Madinah. On this day, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the entire Muslim Ummah and to the Imam of our time, Al Mahdi (ATFS).

On 8th Shawwal 1345 A.H. (April 21, 1925), King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia ordered the destruction of the mausoleums at Jannatul Baqee in Madinah, as well as those at Jannat al-Mualla in Makkah, where the revered ancestors of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) are buried. This destruction continues to this day, as sacred sites in Hijaz continue to be desecrated by the Saudi Wahhabi regime.

The Origins and Significance of Jannatul Baqee

The name "Jannatul Baqee," which translates to "The Garden of Baqee," refers to the revered burial ground in Madinah, a place of immense sanctity for Muslims. It is the final resting place of numerous important figures from the Prophet Muhammad’s (SAWW) family and companions.

The first companion buried there was Uthman bin Madhoon, who passed away in the 3rd year of Hijrah. The Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) himself buried many of his beloved family members and companions in this sacred place, including his son Ibrahim, who died in infancy, and his grandsons, Imam Hassan (‘A), Imam Ali Ibn Hussain (‘A), Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (‘A), and Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (‘A). In addition, the Prophet's aunts, his uncle Hazrat Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib, and his aunt, Hazrat Fatima bint al-Asad, are also buried there.

The Hidden Agenda Behind the Destruction

The events of 8th Shawwal 1345 A.H. (1925) mark one of the darkest chapters in Islamic history. Under the orders of King ibn Saud and guided by the Wahhabi ideology, the sacred mausoleums in Jannatul Baqee were demolished—graves that held the blessed bodies of the Prophet’s (SAWW) family, companions, and key figures of our faith. 

The Wahhabi belief system labelled the veneration of graves as shirk (polytheism), using this as a justification to destroy sites that Muslims had visited with love and reverence for centuries. And yet, the irony couldn’t be more painful—while they tore down the resting places of God's most beloved servants, the same regime spent extravagantly on palaces, museums, hotels, and other secular monuments.

Many scholars and historians have pointed out that this wasn’t an isolated event. It was part of a broader agenda—a calculated effort to disconnect the Muslim Ummah from its spiritual heritage and to erase the memory of the Ahlul Bayt (‘A) from the public conscience. Some argue that foreign interests played a role too, eager to see Muslims divided and stripped of their unifying figures and sacred symbols.

While Islamic heritage sites tied to the Prophet’s (SAWW) family are reduced to bare patches of earth, other cultural sites across the region and beyond—are preserved with great care. Why is it that the graves of the Ahlul Bayt (‘A), the Prophet’s companions, and pious scholars are treated as threats, while monuments of worldly power are celebrated?

“And do not think of those who are slain in the way of Allah (SWT) as dead. Nay, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.” (Surah Aal Imran 3:169)

We must ask ourselves: What kind of legacy are we preserving? And what kind of history are we letting disappear?

The Call for Action: Our Responsibility Today

The demolition of Jannatul Baqee is not just a historical event; it is a continuing injustice that demands our attention. As a global Muslim community, we are responsible for ensuring the legacy of Islam and its history is preserved. Our duty today is;

• Raising awareness about the significance of Jannatul Baqee by sharing its story through word of mouth and on social media, educating others peacefully and respectfully, and ensuring the younger generation understands its historical importance.

• Holding mourning gatherings to honour those buried in Jannatul Baqee and to voice our objection to those responsible for the destruction. 

• Expressing opposition to the Takfiri Wahhabi ideology, which seeks to erase the memory of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) and his progeny from the hearts of Muslims.

• Praying for justice and the restoration of Jannatul Baqee in a manner befitting its sanctity, Insha’Allah.

Statement of Ayatullah Safi Gulpaigani (R.A.)

In one of the most passionate condemnations of the demolition, the late Grand Marja’, Ayatullah Al-Uzma Lutfullah Safi Gulpaigani (R.A.), issued a profound message:

“The destruction of the graves of the children of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) and the desecration of the sanctity of the companions and family of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) among the great tragedies of history.

It is the duty of all Muslims—Shia and Sunni—to demand the reconstruction of Jannatul Baqee.

Every year, the 8th of Shawwal should be marked with mourning and protest against this injustice, and all should cry out together:

‘Rebuild Jannatul Baqee!’ This is not a Shia matter—it is an Islamic one.”

His message serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility across the Muslim Ummah to preserve and protect the legacy of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) and his family. This is a call not just to mourn, but to act with unity, to safeguard what remains, and to demand what was lost be restored.

Conclusion

The tragedy of Jannatul Baqee is a loss not only for Shia Muslims but for the entire Ummah—an irreplaceable loss of our history, heritage, and connection to the Prophet Muhammad (SAWW) and his family. While a century has passed, our grief persists, yet our hope remains strong. We believe in a future where truth prevails, and the sacred is once again honoured.

The reconstruction of Jannatul Baqee is not just a call for justice, but a symbol of the Ummah's awakening. As we await the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (ATFS), let us unite through awareness, activism, and perseverance. With our voices, prayers, and efforts, Insha'Allah, the rebuilding will come.

On this solemn day, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving these sacred sites and continue protesting and seeking International help for their restoration. May Allah (SWT) hasten the reappearance of Imam Al Mahdi (ATFS) and grant us the courage and strength to continue advocating for the protection of the Islamic heritage in Saudi Arabia.

Herewith the link for those who wish to watch the clip of the history of Jannatul Baqee – Before and After its destruction.

SECRETARIAT

ARCHIVES & TABLIGH BOARD OF AFRICA FEDERATION (AFTAB)

April 6, 2025