Muhammad Sodiq Mausoleum

The main attraction and destination of many pilgrims is the Mausoleum of Muhammad Sodiq, which is located on top of a hill. To approach it, you need to climb a long staircase, which is also called the "stairway to heaven" or "stairway to God." Interestingly, the way up is through the cemetery, and judging by the graves, many locals have lived for more than 80 years, and some for more than 100 years.

The mausoleum of Muhammad Sodiq was built in the 15th century, and was recently renovated in 2007. Externally, it is not a particularly remarkable building with a dome, completely lined with brick. The only noteworthy thing is that a spire with four spheres is installed above the dome. They symbolize the four stages of enlightenment: Sharia – following the law, tariqa – striving for perfection, marifat – comprehending unity with God, haqiqat – comprehending the supreme truth, merging with God.

The interior of the mausoleum combines elegance and austerity. The walls and dome are painted with sayings from the Koran and decorated with various patterns. The small hall holds four graves: Muhammad Sodiq himself, his son, Yemeni Sheikh Abul Hassan, who abdicated the throne and became a hermit, and one woman, who, according to local residents, was the daughter of Amir Temur. In addition, the mausoleum used to house a reliquary chest, which contained some pages of the famous Quran of Caliph Osman. Some claim that there were 7 pages, others say that 12, and some claim that as many as 143 pages of that Quran were stored here.

At the same time, mazaristan, a small cemetery surrounding the mausoleum itself, is of some interest. Some tombstones are wonderfully carved. Sufis who wanted to be closer to their teacher after death are buried here. It is also said that Muhammad Sodiq achieved such a degree of enlightenment that even after his death he serves as a kind of guide between the worlds, and therefore if you have a cherished desire, you need to make three circles around the mausoleum, constantly thinking about your request to God, and then everything will surely come true.