Iraq's dubious religious shrines
The Shiite residents of Babil keep visiting religious shrines as they believe in their healing character, although historical information contradicts their beliefs.
BABIL, Iraq — Religious monuments, mostly shrines of historical and religious figures, are spread across Iraq. However, the Babil governorate (100 kilometers, or 62 miles, south of Baghdad) is unique, having a large number of prophets and saints’ shrines of different religions. According to the information engraved on every tomb, these prophets and saints had passed through, dwelled or died in the city.
In the city of Hillah, the provincial capital, lies the tomb of Nabi Ayoub on the Shatt al-Hilla, which is a branch of the Euphrates River. Nabi Ayoub is also known as Job in the bible.
A placard hanging on the wall inside the tomb says that Ayoub is the prophet mentioned in the Quran who existed about 2,500 years ago. He was known as the epitome of patience and endurance, and people followed his example.
Al-Monitor watched people visiting the premises, drinking and bathing in the water of a well nearby. An elderly woman with a cup of water in her hand to anoint herself told Al-Monitor, “God created this well under the feet of Ayoub, and it heals people.”
