Al-Kumayt elegized al-Husayn
Al-Kumayt was born in the year when Ima`m Husayn, the father of the free, peace be on him, was killed. When he grew up and
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1. Roudat al-Jinan, vol. 6, p. 56.
2. Ta'sis al-Shi'a li 'Ulum al-Islam, 189.
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understood life, he knew that the fears of that immortal tragedy perplexed the people. Thus, they recalled in their assemblies the burdensome misfortunes of Ima`m Husayn, peace be on him. So, those disasters moved the feelings and sentiments of al-Kumayt. They filled his soul with stormy pains. His soul melted for Ima`m Husayn. Thus, he elegized him with many poems. The narrators said that he composed a poem to bewail al-Husayn. Then he went to Ima`m Abu` Ja'far to recite it before him. When he came to him, he said to him:
O Son of the Apostle of Allah, I have written some lines of poetry about you. Do you permit me to recite them?
These are the white days.
1Reciting poetry during them is abominable," replied Ima`m Abu` Ja'far.
They are especially on you," explained al-Kumayt.
Recite what you have,"said the Ima`m.
Thus, al-Kumayt recited:
The time made me smile, and it made me weep.
The time has changes.
Nine (persons) were betrayed in Karbala`'.
When the Ima`m heard this elegizing about his grandfather, he burst into tears. His son, Ima`m Ja'far al-Sa`diq, peace be on him, and the 'Alid women burst into tears too.
Al-Kumayt went on reciting, saying:
Six (persons) with whom no one competed.
They are the sons of Aqil, the best of knights,
and 'Ali, their good lord.
Ima`m Abu` Ja'far, peace be on him, went on weeping. Then he told al-Kumayt about the abundant reward Allah had prepared for those who mentioned the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them, and had mercy on them.
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1. The days of bright nights are the thirteenth, the fourteen, and the fifteenth. Their nights are called bright because the moon shrines throughout them.
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Then al-Kumayt went on:
Who was delighted at what afflicted you?
Or who was gloating over it one day?
After that glory, you have become lowly.
Then, I cannot repel oppression when it covers me.
So, the Ima`m, peace be on him, took al-Kumayt by the hand and invoked Allah for him, saying:
O Allah, forgive al-Kumayt his past and present sins!"
Finally, al-Kumayt asked:
When will the Truth rise among you?
When will your Mahdi, the second, rise?
So, the Ima`m turned to him. He told him about Ima`m al-Mahdi, may Allah quicken his appearance. He said: "He is the awaited Ima`m. He will fill the earth with justice and fairness as it was filled with oppression and tyranny." "When will he appear?" asked al-Kumayt. The Ima`m, peace be on him, replied: "Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, was asked about that. So, he answered: 'He is like the Hour (of Resurrection), which will unexpectedly come to you.'
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A Poem of his Poems called al-Ha`shimiya`t
Al-Kumayt recited one of his poems called al-Ha`shimiya`t before Ima`m Abu` Ja'far, peace be on him. It is the most wonderful of Arab poetry. It clearly describes his personal impressions of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. For he observed their noble deeds and ideals. In this poem he said:
My heart does not yearn for youth, nor does it yearn for night dreams nor does it long
for beautiful women whose cheeks are as white as the white antelope.
However, my hidden and manifest love is for the
Ha`shimites,
who are the best of all people, who are near to generosity,
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1. Al-Ghadir, vol. 2, p. 200.
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who are far from oppression,
who are right when the people are wrong,
who has established the rules of Islam,
who are the sufficient defenders when the war breaks out,
who are the rain when drought hits the people,
who are the shelter for the orphans' mothers,
who are the sufficient leaders in all conditions,
who are the doctors of the doubters,
who are able to take vengeance.
They are like the camels that carry water for the people.
They are like the seas that quench thirst.
They are good, righteous, truthful , and liberal.
Their faces are bight. Their grandfathers are generous.
Their lineage is clear.
They are knowledgeable chiefs.
Their honor is shining.
They are noble chiefs.
They are clement. They are just in behavior. They skillful in the critical affairs.
They are the best of all the people in speech and bravery.
In the beginning of his poem, al-Kumayt mentioned that he loved, and that love controlled his feelings and sentiments. For whom is this strong love? Surely, it is not for the beautiful women, who charm the people with their beauty. Rather it is for those who are the best of all people in importance and the highest of them in position. It is for the Ha`shimites, in whom all the elements of honor and glory came together. They were the best of all people in talents and cleverness. Al-Kumayt confined his obedience and love to them. He did not depend on feelings and sentiments when he loved his masters, the Ha`shimites. Rather, he found them a wonderful example, of which no one had in the history of mankind. He saw, observed, and felt the outstanding merits that promoted them to the highest height , namely
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the height of thinking and leadership in Islam.
Al-Kumayt adored his masters, for he observed the following outstanding merits:
1. They were the sources of generosity and liberality. They gave generously all what they had to refresh the deprived and to save the poor.
2. They were the source of justice. They did not prefer close relatives to common people. Rather, the people were equal with them. They did not know patronage and the other considerations, which people put into effect out of their sentiments and desires.
3. They were the bravest of all creatures. Fright did not pass through their souls. They took part in many battles. They showed extreme courage, of which no one saw throughout history. For example, Ima`m 'Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, peace be on him, is known for his bravery. Ima`m Husayn, peace be on him, showed unique courage at the Battle of 'Ashu`ra'. All the members of the Prophet's family had such an outstanding merit. They had courage, of which no one of the people had.
4. They were the shelter of the orphans and the deprived people when drought hit them. The people found no one to have mercy on them except the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them.
5. They were the custodians over the affairs of the people. In other words, the people consulted them when they faced with difficult affairs. They also resorted to them when crises and events struck them. There was no one who could solve such difficulties except the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. They had excellent reason and correct opinions. So, they were able to solve the difficulties and crises of the people.
6. They were wise and skillful in curing psychological diseases. Thus, they could removed the germs of deviation from the truth. They studied the essence of man. So, they knew why he inclined to greediness, caprice, and deviation from the truth. Then they gave him excellent directions to cure his psychological diseases. You find in
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their words wonderful maxims and preaching. They said them to reform and educate the people.
7. They were the noble chiefs, who created wisdom to enlighten people. Thus, the
thirsty (for wisdom) resorted to them. Those who wanted life depended on their generosity and liberality.
8. They were the seas that quenched the thirst of those who were about to perish. They
were the source of happiness and good for man.
9. They were the best of all people in goodness, truthfulness, generosity, handsomeness, noble grandfathers, importance, and lineage.
10. They were more important than the people, more just than them, and more skillful than them in the critical affairs.
11. Throughout history, they exceeded the people in truthful talk, genuine thinking, and fruitful ideas.
After these lines, al-Kumayt went on mentioning the laudable and the outstanding merits of his masters, the Ha`shimites, whom he adored. He said:
(They are) beneficiary, givers, feeders without miserliness.
(They are) helpers, very obliging, very forgiving, clement toward the army that devours
all things.
They are able to take vengeance and leave it,
even if they are angered with ugly words.
They untie their garments on the day of disturbance.
They are generous Abtahis. They are as manifest as the stars.
They are Ghalibis Ha`shimites. They have knowledge from the All-Knowing (Allah).
They are honest in their positions. Thus, they raise their heads high.
When war burns, and the knight walks toward the knight,
they are the lions in war.
They are the lions of war, the rain of drought, cheerful, and
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eloquent.
They are not prattling in the assembly nor are they silent out of confutation.
They are chiefs. They defend the women when the battle is like the battles (of Arabs).
They have the sense of honor. They are courageous at the battle.
They are not unarmed in the battles nor are they sluggish.
They put into effect the most reliable affair out of their piety.
They were the first to respond to the message (of the Prophet).
They perform the pilgrimage (to Mecca).
In these lines, al-Kumayt presented the ideal qualities of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. They are as follows:
1. They earned money. They generously gave this money. They wanted neither reward neither thankfulness.
2. When they were wronged, they were able to take vengeance. However, they left vengeance. For they preferred what Allah has to vengeance. The ugly words of their enemies did not anger them.
3. They were full of clemency. So, they were patient toward every disturbance.
4. They were the chiefs of Quraysh. They were generous. So, they were like the stars or the signposts which the straying follow.
5. They belonged to Ghalib b. Fihr, the lord of the Arabs. So, they belonged to Ha`shim. They got knowledge, of which no one got. Allah, the Most High, endowed them with that knowledge.
6. They were honest in their positions. They were free from sins, mistakes, and defects. So, they raised their head.
7. They showed extreme courage when the battle started. So, they received death with smiling lips.
8. They were not talkative in the assemblies. They talked when there was a necessity to talk. They kept silent when silence was necessary, namely without confutation.
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9. They protected their families from oppression during the most critical battles of the Arabs.
10. They were bold during the battles. They were the lions of the battles. They lighted the fire of the battles. They threw themselves into it. They were neither armless nor were they slow in the battles. Rather, they were signposts, leaders, and chiefs.
11. Finally, al-Kumayt gave a perfect picture of the character of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. He mentioned that they depended on the most reliable affairs, and that they
refrained from doubts. For they were very pious. Then he mentioned that they were the first to respond to the true message, which the great Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, announced. For Ima`m 'Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, peace be on him, was the first to believe in Islam. He was the first to defend the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, and his message.
After praising the 'Alids, al-Kumayt satirized their enemies, the Umayyads. He said:
They (the 'Alids) are leaders. However, they are not like those who treat people as they treat the animals.
They are not like 'Abd al-Malik, al-Walid, Sulayma`n, and Hisha`m, whose opinions towards
their subjects are like those of the shepherd toward their sheep in the darkness.
Thus, when they (the caliphs) die, their reputation dies, too.
When they live, they do not treat people with justice.
This is the strongest and the most truthful satire of the Umayyads. In these lines, al-Kumayt unveiled the Umayyad politicians, who regarded the people as sheep. They did not believe in the rights of the people. Rather they exposed them to painful tortures. Then al-Kumayt mentioned that the Umayyad kings would have no reputation. For they violated all the rights of the people. They did not establish justice. Thus, the people would not mention them with good. Rather, they would mention their oppression, tyranny, and severe
punishments.
Then al-Kumayt went on praising the Ha`shimites, saying:
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They are near to every goodness. They far from every defect.
They are the most merciful of all the people. They are the most clement of them.
They have lent a helping hand to people. They have held back the hand of
oppression and ignorance from them.
They have put into effect moderation, and gone on it.
Noble deeds and ancient lineage belong to them.
They are the family of the one with truthful talk, Abu` al-Qa`sim, the branch of the noble
chiefs.
These lines picture the high ideals of the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. For they were near to every goodness and far from every ugly deed. They fulfilled all promises. They had mercy on the people. They were the most clement of all the people. These outstanding qualities and others have made people incline to them, adore them, and admire them.
In his wonderful poem, al-Kumayt went on praising the great Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, saying:
He was the most perfect human being from his birth till his death.
He belonged to the noblest lineage.
He immigrated from Mecca to Medina (Yathrib), and resided there.
The delusions of the world did not deceive him.
He guided us to Paradise, so he saved us from the Fire.
Through him, Allah removed ignorance from people.
After praising the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, al-Kumayt praised the great martyr, Ja'far al-Tayya`r, the cousin of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family. He also praised the immortal martyr, Hamza, the uncle of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, saying:
The one who is adorned by two wings (i. e, Ja'far), and the son
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of Ha`la (i. e, Hamza), the lion of Allah, the brave defender, are from them (the Hashimites).
There is no cousin like this nor is there an uncle like this, who is the lord of uncles.
Then al-Kumayt praised the lord of the trustees, the gate of the city of the knowledge of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and his family, Ima`m 'Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, peace be on him, saying:
Al-Tajwabi (i. e. , Abd al-Rahma`n b. Muljim) ruined the throne of the community
through (murdering) the trustee (i. e. , Ima`m 'Ali).
He (Ima`m 'Ali) was chaste, glorious, good, and skillful in solving the affairs.
He was the trustee (of authority), the ruler, and the knight.
He sometimes fought against the polytheists, and sometimes with the Kha`rijites.
Then al-Kumayt mentioned Ima`m Husayn, the lord of martyrs, and the plant of sweet basil of Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family. He said:
The trustee of the trustee, the owner of the sound plan,who ruined the enemies on the day
of the enmity.
Then al-Kumayt mentioned the tragedy of Ima`m Husayn, peace be on him. For that tragedy has saddened the souls. He said:
Many low people killed him at al-Taf (a place near Ku`fa).
When Ima`m Abu` Ja'far heard this line, he burst into tears. Then he said to al-Kumayt, as Allah's Apostle, may Allah bless him and his family, said to Hassan: "The Holy Spirit supports you as long as you defend, the members of the House (ahl-al-Bayt).
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Then al-Kumayt mentioned Abu` al-Fadl al-'Abba`s, the son of the Commander of the Faithful, peace be on him. For he sacrificed his soul for his brother, Ima`m Husayn, the lord of the free,
peace be on
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1. Qasas al'Arab, vol. 2, p. 296. Murujj al-Dhahab, vol. 2, p. 195.
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him. He said:
And Abu` al-Fadl, indeed, their pretty remembrance, is the cure of selves from
illnesses.
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Finally, al-Kumayt said:
Allah has made pure my love (for the Ha`shimites).
When al-Kumayt had finished reciting his wonderful poem, Ima`m Abu` Ja'far turned to the direction of the Kaaba. He invoked Allah for al-Kumayt, saying:
O Allah, have mercy on al-Kumayt, and forgive him (his sins).
The Ima`m repeated this supplication three times. Then he said to al-Kumayt: "O Kumayt, take this one hundred thousand (dirhams). I have collected it from household."However, al-Kumayt refused to accept the money. He said that he wanted a reward from Allah, the Exalted. Then he asked the Ima`m, peace be on him, for a shirt. So, the Ima`m gave him a shirt.
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Al-Kumayt saw off the Ima`m. Then he went to 'Abd Allah b. al-Hasan. He recited to him his wonderful poem. So, 'Abd Allah admired the poem, and then he said to al-Kumayt: "O Abu` al-Mustahal, I have a country estate. I have been given four thousand dinars for it. This is the contract of it. I asked some witnesses to testify to that.
Then 'Abd Allah gave the contract to al-Kumayt. However, the latter refused to accept it, saying: "May my father and mother be ransom for you, I had composed poetry concerning other than you. I had wanted the world for it. By Allah, what I have said regarding you is for the sake of Allah. So, I will take neither money nor rewards for what I do for Allah.
Then 'Abd Allah insisted on that. So, al-Kumayt took the contract and went away. Some days passed. Then he came to 'Abd Allah and said to him:
I have a need.
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1. Maqatil al-Talibiyyin, p. 84.
2. A'yan al-Shi'a, 1/4/515-516.
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What is it? I will fulfill all your needs.
Every need?"
Yes.
Accept this contract. And return the country estate.
Al-Kumayt gave 'Abd Allah the contract. So, the latter accepted it. Then 'Abd Allah b. Mu'a`wiya b. 'Abd Allah b. Ja'far rose. He took a bag and gave it to four of his retainers. He entered the houses of the Ha`shimites, saying:
O Ha`shimites, this is al-Kumayt. He says poetry about you while the people have kept silent towards your outstanding merits. He has exposed his blood to the Umayyads. Then reward him for that.
Thus, the 'Alids put dirhams and dinars into the bag. Moreover, the 'Alid ladies took off their ornaments and put them into the bag. So, 'Abd Allah collected one hundred thousand dirhams. Then he brought it to al-Kumayt and said to him:
O Abu` al-Mustahal, we have brought you a small reward. We are in the state of our enemy. We have collected this sum of money. The ornaments of the women are with it. Make use of it against your time.
However, al-Kumayt refused to accept the money, saying:
May my father and mother be ransom for you. When I praise you, I want nothing except Allah and His Apostle. I will take no reward from the world. Return the money to its people.
Abd Allah spared nothing to convince al-Kumayt to accept the money. However, the latter refused to accept it.
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