“Over the centuries, the treasury of Imam Ali (AS) Holy Shrine has housed many rare and unique gifts donated by kings, ministers, and other notable figures,” Abdul Hadi Ibrahimi, head of the heritage department of the shrine, told IQNA.

These data-x-items hold both material and spiritual value, he said, noting that to preserve these exquisite treasures and manuscripts from damage, it's essential to establish a specialized museum.

“Such a museum would not only protect these valuable gifts but also allow the public to appreciate their material and spiritual significance and understand their historical context,” added Ibrahimi, who is also a member of the board of managers of Imam Ali (AS) Holy Shrine.

In recognition of the importance of preserving this heritage, the secretariat of the shrine has signed an agreement with Iran, and the first phase of this project, including the museum's architecture, the selection of objects, and the restoration of some items, has been completed, according to the official.

The museum, located in the courtyard of Fatima Zahra (SA), next to the library of the shrine, comprises several floors and a reservoir, he said.

“It is hoped that, God willing, this museum will open on Rajab 13 (January 14, 2025), which marks the birth anniversary of Imam Ali (AS),” Ibrahim said.

“We aspire for this museum to be the first Islamic museum with international significance, attracting thousands of pilgrims and researchers from around the world,” he said, adding that the museum will support the city of Najaf in religious, cultural, tourism, and economic aspects.

The treasury of the shrine includes many important and diverse manuscripts, such as handwritten documents, the official said, adding that among these is a notable copy of Quran Mushaf in old Kufic script, attributed to Imam Ali (AS), with the last page dated to the 40th year of the prophecy, corresponding to the first century of Hijri.

Many of these manuscripts had been destroyed, stolen, or confiscated in the past, he noted, adding that in response, especially after the fall of the Baath regime in Iraq, the secretariat of the shrine established a center for manuscript restoration.

Currently, a number of expert specialists work at this center, and many manuscripts have been restored, he said.

The number of manuscripts has grown to over 7,000, according to Ibrahimi.

There are plans to collaborate with regional and international institutions that specialize in the restoration, preservation, and maintenance of manuscripts, he said.