Najaf is a city in Southern Iraq beloved to millions around the world. A city built around the tomb of Imam Ali, the son-in-law and cousin of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing be upon them), Najaf has been a destination for pilgrims for over 1,000 years. The city is also renowned for its seminaries and scholarship steeped in tradition. Although the citizens of this unique city were heavily repressed under Saddam Hussein’s rule, they are now enjoying a renaissance of sorts as the country has emerged from isolation.