Hazrat Kumayl ibn
Ziyad al-Nakha’i was one of the most pious and loyal companions of the Noble
Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) and the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (a.s.).
During the period of the Caliphate of Imam Ali (a.s.), he flourished and
attained a prominent position, learned the secrets of life from his mentor,
master, and friend. Imam Ali (a.s.) taught him the famous Dua’a of Khizr, which was subsequently known as “Dua’a-e-Kumayl”, a master piece of
Arabic literature bearing the stamp of the
“Gateway of Knowledge” of the City of Knowledge-the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.).
He was born in the
First Year A.H. in Yemen and belonged to the tribe of Banu Nakha, hence his
title of “Al-Nakha’i”
Conversion to
Islam: The Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s.) sent Khalid ibn Walid to the
people of Yemen to extend invitation to Islam. But he could not convince the people
as it very rarely happens that a swords- man can possess line of wisdom. The
people began hurling stones at him and he returned to Madinah unsuccessful. Then the Noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.s) sent his
“Self” as represented in Glorious
Qur’an Ayah “Mubahela”. Imam Ali (a.s.) along with a few Muslims went to
Yemen and the people hearing the name of Islam again, started hurling stones at
them also. But Imam Ali (a.s.) advised his companions to remain patient. Kumail
who was a young man narrates: “Imam Ali
(a.s.) explained Islam to us with wisdom, honor, and dignity, and within few moments
all of us wanted to join the religion of the Noble Prophet.” They were attracted
towards Islam by the fact that although they abused and angered Imam Ali
(a.s.), yet he responded by good manners!
Hence Banu Nakha, Kinda, Hamadan, and Thaftan tribes accepted Islam. Likewise,
Kumayl ibn Ziyad, Malik al-Ashtar,
Hujr ibn Adi, and Uwais al-Qarani were also inspired by Imam Ali (a.s.)’s
teachings and manners and accepted Islam.
Since that time they developed a deep love and respect for the Commander of the
Faithful.
Conflict with
governor of Kufa appointed by Third Caliph: The Noble Prophet
(s.a.w.a.s.) had sent Walid ibn Uqba
(half brother of the third caliph)
to collect Zakaat from the tribe of Bani al-Mustalaq. Before converting to
Islam there was deep enmity between Walid and Bani al-Mustalaq. When the people
heard that a representative of the Prophet was coming, they were over-joyed and
rushed to welcome him. Walid thought that because of old enmity they were
coming to attack him. Hence without establishing the truth, he returned to
Madinah and told a lie that Bani al-Mustalaq had refused to pay zakaat. The
Noble Prophet was about to embark upon going to punish them when Ayah 6 of Surah Hujrat was revealed saying:
“Believers, if one who publicly commits sins brings you any news, ascertain its
truthfulness carefully, lest you harm people through ignorance and then regret
what you have done.” The Noble
Prophet (s.a.w.a.s) called him a “Fasiq” (An open sinner) and asked him to be
exiled. He remained in exile till the third caliph (in open contravention of
the Prophetic order) called him back and appointed him as the governor of Kufa!
One day, Walid came to the mosque in a drunken condition
to lead the Morning Prayer. He was so intoxicated that instead of two rakat he
read four rakat and after completing four rakat he turned back and asked the
people if he should continue! This event enraged the Muslims and a group of ten
Muslims including Malik al-Ashtar and
Kumayl ibn Ziayd complained to Muawiya but he rejected them and quoted Ayah
59 of Surah al-Nisa: “…..obey your Ulil Amr”
Kumayl ibn
Ziyad as governor of Hit, Iraq: Imam Ali (a.s.) appointed Kumayl as the
governor of Hit and reminded him never to leave Hit. Muawiya attacked Kafarqos
city and Kumayl left to protect it. Imam Ali (a.s.)’s letter No.61 of Nahjul
Balagha refers to this episode.
Hadees
al-Haqiqah: Kumayl was much closer to Imam Ali (a.s) and wanted to
acquire as much knowledge as possible. There is a dialogue between the two
concerning “What is the Truth”.
Kumayl ibn Ziayad had saved many supplications instructed
to him by the “Gateway of Knowledge” and “Khateeb-e-Member-e-Salooni”; Imam Ali
(a.s.). The most famous ones are; Dua’a-e-Kumayl
and Dua’a-e-Sabah.
When his master, mentor, friend, Imam Ali (a.s.) was
martyred in the Masjid-e-Kufa while prostrating in the morning prayers, Kumayl
was saddened and cried. Kumayl himself
says: “When I lost Ali ibn Abi Talib, I lost the secrets of Allah on earth!” After
the martyrdom of Imam Ali (a.s), Kumayl disappeared for forty years. When Abdul
Malik ibn Marwan came to power, he appointed Hajjaj ibn Yusuf as the governor
of Kufa. Hajjaj’s hatred for Shias may
be gauged by his saying: “From now
on, in Eid-al-Azha, sacrifice anyone who is named Ali, Hasan and Husayn!” Was he even a
Muslim?
Hajjaj asked Kumayl to
disown Imam Ali (a.s.) so he will not kill him. Kumayl said: “Show me a better religion than Abu Turab’s religion, I
will follow it.” He was martyred by Hajjaj at the age of 84.
Legacy: Kumayl
is held in high respect and esteem all over the world for his words of wisdom,
Dua’as, stance against oppression/corrupt rulers and martyrdom. His life
highlighted that one should be disciplined, firm, have faith in Allah and
sacrifice to keep the message of Allah alive.
Sources used:
The Glorious Qur’an-translation by
Ayatullah Nasir Makarem Shirazi
WIKIPEDIA, Shisstudies.net, and Islamic Blessings by Kamal
al-Saiyyid
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