Kharqa Sharif, Helmand Travel Guide

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Discover the Kherqa Sharif in Kandahar, Afghanistan: a sacred shrine housing the Prophet Muhammad's cloak, steeped in history and cultural significance.

Kherqa Sharif, located in Kandahar, Afghanistan, is a significant Islamic shrine housing a cloak believed to have belonged to the Prophet Muhammad [5, 6, 8]. Built in 1776, the shrine is not only a religious site but also a symbol of Afghan political legitimacy and cultural identity [4, 5].

A brief summary to Kharqa Sharif

JP95+V5H, Kandahar, AF

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Kharqa Sharif.

Dress modestly when visiting the shrine, covering shoulders and legs. Women may consider wearing a headscarf [6].
Be mindful of the cultural significance of the site and the religious sentiments associated with it [6].
Remove footwear before entering certain areas of the shrine [6].
Ask for permission before taking photographs, especially inside the shrine [6].
Check locally for current opening hours, as they may vary [6].

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Getting There

Walking

Kherqa Sharif is located in central Kandahar [4]. If you are already in the central area, walking is a viable option. Be aware of your surroundings and local customs. Remember to dress modestly [6].
Taxi

Taxis are a common mode of transport in Kandahar [11]. From anywhere in Kandahar, you can hire a taxi to take you to Kherqa Sharif. A 5km ride in Kandahar costs about 350 AFN [9, 18]. Ensure to negotiate the fare beforehand [19]. It's advisable to arrange secure transportation through your accommodation [11].

Discover more about Kharqa Sharif

The Kherqa Sharif (Shrine of the Cloak), also known as Kirka Sharif, is one of Afghanistan's most important religious sites [4, 5, 6]. It is located in the heart of Kandahar and houses a cloak believed to have been worn by the Prophet Muhammad during his Night Journey in 621 AD [4, 8]. The Pashto term 'Kherqa Sharif' translates to 'sacred cloak' [4].The shrine was constructed in 1776 by Ahmad Shah Durrani, the founder of modern Afghanistan, to safeguard the sacred relic [4, 5, 6]. According to historical accounts, the cloak was gifted to Durrani by the Emir of Bukhara in 1768 as a token of respect, solidifying a treaty between the two leaders [5, 8, 16]. Some accounts suggest Durrani took the cloak from Bukhara [8]. The shrine's construction was completed under the rule of Durrani's son, Timur Shah Durrani [4].The Kherqa Sharif has served as a potent political and cultural symbol in Afghanistan for centuries [4, 5]. The cloak has been associated with the legitimacy of Afghan rulers, with custodians of the shrine traditionally wielding considerable influence [5, 6]. The cloak is rarely displayed, but public unveilings have historically accompanied crucial events, believed to bring blessings to the nation [5, 6]. In 1996, Mullah Muhammad Omar, the leader of the Taliban, displayed the cloak, a key moment in his rise to power [7, 8]. The last public display was in June 2018 when President Ashraf Ghani opened the box containing the cloak and prayed for peace [8].The shrine itself is a single-story structure adorned with intricate Kashikari (ceramic mosaic work), a central blue-tiled dome, and small minarets [4]. The exterior features floral and geometrical motifs and calligraphy [4]. Inside, the carpeted interior is equally extravagant [4]. The mausoleum of Ahmad Shah Durrani is adjacent to the shrine [4, 8].Visitors to the Kherqa Sharif should dress modestly and respect local customs [6]. While tourists can visit the shrine, access to the cloak itself is very limited [6]. Photography may be restricted inside the shrine [6].