Kherqa Sharif: Shrine of the Prophet's Cloak

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].