Kirka Sharif

Kirka Sharif (Pashto: خرقه شريفه‎ Shrine of the Cloak) is an Islamic shrine located in present-day Kandahar, Afghanistan. The shrine became notable in literature during the Second Anglo-Afghan War, when the British Indian army were trying to gain influence in Afghanistan.[1] The shrine is believed to house the mantle or cloak of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. The cloak is believed to have been worn by the Islamic prophet Muhammad during the famous Night Journey in 621 CE.

Kirka Sharif
Kirka Sharif, shown is an Afghan man sitting on the steps leading to the inside of the mosque.
Religion
AffiliationIslam
Location
LocationKandahar
StateAfghanistan
Geographic coordinates31.6196°N 65.7080°E / 31.6196; 65.7080
Architecture
TypeIslamic
StyleAfghan

Cloak of Muhammed
Main article: Cloak of Muhammad

This cloak or mantle reached Kirka Sharif when it was donated by the Afghan ruler Ahmed Shah Durrani, the father of modern Afghanistan; he founded the Durrani Empire and lived from 1722 to 1772 AD. However, the sacred Muslim object itself was given to Ahmed Shah Durrani by the Amir of Bukhara around 1768 AD. The cloak is believed to have been worn by the Islamic prophet Muhammad during the famous Isra and Mi'raj or the Night Journey in 621 CE.[1][2][3][4] It is one of the most revered relics in the Muslim world.[1]

Friday Mosque

The shrine is attached to a mosque. The design of the mosque follows many principles of Islamic architecture and local customs, with the interior of the mosque being decorated and carved with green marble from Helmand region of Afghanistan. In addition, it has tiles that are mirrored with gilded detailing. The mosque also has a courtyard and gravestone located on the premises of the shrine. As is with many Islamic mosques, the walls of the shrine are decorated with carvings. The carvings of this mosque has trees and other foliage, each design different from one wall to the other.[1][4]

Tomb of Ahmed Shah
Tomb of Ahmad Shah Durrani beside the Kirka Sharif

Next to the Kirka Sharif is the Tomb of Ahmad Shah Durrani.[5][4]

References
  1. "Kirka Sharif, the Shrine Where the Mantle of the Prophet is Preserved". wdl.org. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  2. Steve Inskeep (10 January 2002). "The Cloak of the Prophet". NPR. Archived from the original on 18 January 2002. Retrieved 12 June 2008.
  3. Dupree, Nancy Hatch (1977). An Historical Guide To Afghanistan. The South (Chapter 16)
  4. "The Raglan Collection: Wellington, Waterloo and The Crimea And Works of Art from the Collection of the Marquesses of Londonderry". christies.com. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
  5. "Ahmed Shah's Tomb from Kirka Sharif [Kandahar]". bl.uk. Archived from the original on 28 December 2020. Retrieved 12 December 2020.
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