An-Najaf is a large city that is important to Muslims, because it is the place where the tomb of Alī ibn Abī Tālib is located. The tomb is in a mosque in the city center. The sacred shrine commemorates a cousin and son-in-law of Mohammed, who founded the Muslim sect of Shiite. Shiite Muslims regard it as a great honor to be buried in An-Najaf and as a result, the city's cemetery of Wadi-us-Salaam is the largest in the world. An-Najaf is also an important pilgrimage destination for Shia Muslims.

Apart from the shrine there is little of interest in An-Najaf. Accommodation is available. The city is 150 km south of Baghdad.