Why do the Shia use a piece of clay from Karbala to pray on when the Prophet Muhammad (s) never prayed on it himself? | Ask A Question | Al-Islam.org

Battle of Karbala Sunni-Shi'a Salah (Prayers)Turbah

Why do the Shia use a piece of clay from Karbala to pray on when the Prophet Muhammad (s) never prayed on it himself?

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	Mahmood Abu Maryam, Trying to make sense of it all... 54 Answers
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Mahmood Abu Maryam, Trying to make sense of it all... Answer updated 5 years ago

The Prophet (s) used to pray on earth and is also reported to have shown reverence towards the soil of Karbala in his lifetime with the foreknowledge of what would happen upon it.

So although it is not compulsory for the Shia to pray on a turba made from the soil of Karbala, it is considered meritorious to do so.

You can read more details with full references here:

https://www.al-islam.org/articles/laws-and-practices-why-do-shiah-prostrate-turbah