Tomb of Di'bil Khuza'i

The Tomb of Di'bil Khuza'i is a historical and religious attraction in the city of Shush (Susa) in Khuzestan Province. It is the burial place of Di'bil Khuza'i, a famous Shia poet and defender of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). The tomb has a conical dome decorated with ochre-coloured brick tilework. It stands next to the shrine of Imamzadeh Abdollah ibn Ali, in the heart of the city's historic quarter. Its traditional religious style creates a cultural and spiritual atmosphere that recalls the glorious past of Shush. Di'bil Khuza'i lived under the Abbasid caliphate and composed epic and satirical poems against the Abbasid caliphs, as well as verses in praise of the infallible Imams. His satires against the caliphs drew their anger, and at about the age of 98 he was martyred by a poisoned arrow in one of the villages around Shush.

Muhammad ibn Ali Khuza'i, known as Di'bil Khuza'i, was born in Kufa in 144 Solar Hijri, during the time of Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him). He came from a Shia family with a tradition of poetry. At first he went to the court at the request of the Abbasid caliph Harun al-Rashid, but after a while he left because of his critical poems against the Abbasid caliphs, and the course of his life changed. Di'bil travelled in secret between various cities and was finally killed in a village near Shush on the orders of Malik ibn Tawq. The architecture of the tomb, with its black dome and unusual form, gives the building a distinctive and unique look. Inside, the dome is built as a series of polygons that continue up to its apex, creating an artistic and traditional composition. Because of the Shia community's love and respect for Di'bil, the exact location of his grave was kept secret to prevent enemies from desecrating it, and as a result rumours about his grave have arisen in various places. Today, besides its religious significance, the tomb is visited by travellers as a cultural and artistic site.

The route to the tomb is simple and clear. The building is in the centre of Shush, on Shahid Danesh Street, about 600 metres from the Apadana Palace and nearly one kilometre from the Tomb of the Prophet Daniel. Visiting is free, and the best time to come is during the cooler seasons, especially early in the morning or close to sunset. Visitors should dress appropriately, respect the religious setting, and avoid causing any damage to this valuable cultural and spiritual monument.