Here are some of the most popular Islamic shrines around the world, along with their unique features:
1. **The Mosque of the Prophet (Medina, Saudi Arabia)**: This shrine is the second-holiest site in Islam, housing the tomb of the Prophet Muhammad. It's a significant pilgrimage site for Muslims, with over 8 million visitors annually.
Unique feature: The shrine has four minarets, with the lower level dedicated to the Prophet Muhammad and the upper level to other important Islamic figures.
2. **The Tomb of Bibi Fatima (Mazanda, Iran)**: This shrine is dedicated to the daughter of Imam Hussein, a prominent figure in Shia Islam. It's known for its beautiful architecture and stunning gardens.
Unique feature: The shrine has a beautiful golden dome and intricately designed arches, with the inner sanctum featuring a crystal-encrusted mirror.
3. **The Shah-e Cheragh Shrine (Shiraz, Iran)**: This shrine is dedicated to two brothers who were killed for their faith during the 9th century. It's known for its stunning interior decorations and beautiful tilework.
Unique feature: The shrine has an elaborate entrance with several mosaic pools and is decorated with intricate tilework featuring calligraphy from the Quran.
4. **The Shrine of Imam Reza (Mashhad, Iran)**: This shrine is dedicated to the 8th Shia Imam, Imam Reza, and is one of the largest and most visited shrines in the world.
Unique feature: The shrine has stunning golden domes and four minarets, with a beautiful library featuring rare Arabic manuscripts.
5. **The Shrine of Sultan Ruhollah (Tehran, Iran)**: This shrine is dedicated to the founder of the Pahlavi dynasty, a pro-Islamic leader who modernized Iran. It's known for its stunning interior decorations and intricate tilework.
Unique feature: The shrine has a stunning white marble interior with intricate tilework featuring Islamic geometric patterns.
6. **The Al-Maqsid Shrine (Sana'a, Yemen)**: This shrine is dedicated to a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Ali, who was an important Islamic scholar.
Unique feature: The shrine has an ancient, undecorated exterior but an elaborately decorated interior featuring Arabic calligraphy and intricate tilework.
7. **The Rizwan Tomb (Djebel Ougarta, Algeria)**: This shrine is dedicated to a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Rizwan, who lived in the 7th century.
Unique feature: The shrine has an impressive granite structure with a flat dome and inscriptions from the Quran.
8. **The Mausoleum of Sultan Ma'mun (Tunis, Tunisia)**: This shrine is dedicated to a prominent Islamic leader who ruled over North Africa.
Unique feature: The shrine has a magnificent marble dome and stunning tilework, with intricate geometric patterns inspired by Islamic art.
9. **The Shrine of Ibn Arabi (Mecca, Saudi Arabia)**: This shrine is dedicated to a renowned Sufi mystic who traveled extensively throughout the Islamic world, advocating for spiritual unity.
Unique feature: The shrine has a simple structure but beautiful Arabic calligraphy and inscriptions from the Quran.
10. **The Sufi Shajarah Shrine (Kufa, Iraq)**: This shrine is dedicated to a group of companions of the Prophet Muhammad who were influential in the spread of Islam.
Unique feature: The shrine has a simple exterior but a beautifully carved interior with intricate tilework featuring Islamic geometric patterns.
These are just a few examples of the many beautiful Islamic shrines found around the world. Each shrine offers a unique insight into Islamic history and culture, as well as providing a glimpse into the rich spiritual heritage of the faith.