Peace be upon the noble descendants of the Prophet ﷺ, following his words: “Al-Hasan and Al-Husayn are the leaders of the youth of Paradise.” Peace also upon Sayyida Horiya, daughter of Imam Al-Husayn, and upon every pure soul that carried light and guidance to our hearts .
Noble Lineage and Pure Life Sayyida Horiya, whose name means “heavenly maiden” due to her angelic beauty and piety, was the daughter of Imam Al-Husayn ibn ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with them), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. She lived a chaste and virtuous life, remaining unmarried until her soul returned to its Creator.
A Blessed Journey with the Islamic Conquest Her arrival in Egypt was intertwined with the blessed Islamic conquests. She accompanied the Muslim armies to Egypt, entering with the caravans of light and faith. She witnessed the famous Battle of Al-Bahnasa in present-day Minya, where her extraordinary courage and steadfastness became a story narrated through generations.
A Sacred Shrine and Historic Mosque
On her return journey from Al-Bahnasa, Sayyida Horiya’s blessed caravan settled in Beni Suef. The townspeople welcomed her warmly, but illness soon overtook her, and she passed away there. To honor her memory, Muhammad Bey Islam—one of Beni Suef’s notable figures—built a grand mosque beside her resting place. The project was later completed by his son, Uthman Bey, in 1323 AH. Today, her shrine and the mosque of Sayyida Horiya remain a cherished spiritual landmark visited by those who love Ahl al-Bayt.
Enduring Legacy and Unbroken Love Sayyida Horiya’s memory lives on in the hearts of Beni Suef’s people and all who know her story. She represents a shining example of piety, courage, and devotion to Ahl al-Bayt—a reminder that loving the Prophet’s family brings honor, strength, and spiritual elevation. Standing before her shrine, many feel a profound peace, as if the place itself whispers: “Whoever loves the family of the Prophet has inherited dignity, pride, and divine blessing.
📍 Location of Sayyida Horiya Mosque and Shrine
Name: Sayyida Horiya Mosque and Shrine, Beni Suef, Egypt.
Coordinates: Approximately 29°04′20″N, 31°05′48″E.
Address: Ahmed Orabi Street (also known as Bahr Street), Beni Suef City.
Significance: A sacred site honoring Sayyida Horiya, believed to be a descendant of Imam Al-Husayn, and a popular destination for visitors who love Ahl al-Bayt.
Distance and Travel Time from Faiyum
Driving distance: Around 50 km (31 miles).
Estimated driving time: About 50–60 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
The route follows the Nile Valley roads between Faiyum and Beni Suef, making it a short trip for visitors in Upper Egypt.
Lineage: Sayyida Horiya is said to be a daughter of Imam Al-Husayn ibn ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with them), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Nickname: Called “Horiya” (meaning “heavenly maiden”) for her exceptional beauty, piety, and angelic character.
Historical Role: Tradition holds that she accompanied the Muslim armies to Egypt during the Islamic conquests and witnessed the famous Battle of Al-Bahnasa in Minya, showing remarkable courage.
- Final Days: On her way back from Al-Bahnasa, she stopped in Beni Suef, where she fell ill with fever and passed away unmarried.
- Mosque Construction: Muhammad Bey Islam, a prominent figure of Beni Suef, built a large mosque beside her tomb. His son, Uthman Bey, completed the project in 1323 AH with the help of skilled Italian architects.
- Legacy: Today, her mosque and shrine are spiritual landmarks that draw visitors seeking blessings and a reminder of the enduring love for Ahl al-Bayt.
Sayyida Horiya’s story is more than a historical note—it is a living testament to the deep love Muslims hold for Ahl al-Bayt, the blessed family of the Prophet ﷺ. Her shrine in Beni Suef stands as a beacon of spiritual connection, courage, and purity, reminding visitors of the values she embodied: devotion, humility, and steadfast faith.
The short journey—less than an hour’s drive—from Faiyum to her mosque offers not only a glimpse into Egypt’s Islamic heritage but also an opportunity to reflect on the timeless honor of loving and respecting the Prophet’s family. Visiting her resting place is a way to experience that heritage firsthand and to carry forward a tradition of reverence, unity, and spiritual pride.
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