Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

Du`a Kumayl, A Translation & Commentary

Arabic text, English translation, commentary, and audio recitation of this famous supplication that Ameer al-Mu'mineen Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (a) taught to his companion Kumayl ibn Ziyad (r).

Author(s): Husein A. Rahim

Important notice:

The Arabic text and translation are available as a Powerpoint presentation that makes use of two DILP fonts. The simple layout makes the presentation ideal for use while performing the A`amaal of the month of `Ramadhan within an English-speaking community. Viewing of the Arabic font does not require Arabic Windows. Prepared by Tabligh Subcommittee of ISIJ of Toronto in conjunction with the Ahlul Bayt DILP.

Table f Contents

Dedication. 3

Preface 4

Origin of The Du'a. 5

Du`a Kumayl, A Translation & Commentary  6

Notes 27

Dedication

This book is dedicated to the loving memory of its author - the Late Haji Hussein A. Rahim M.B.E who passed away at London on March 23, 1979 at the age of 78 years.

It was his religious zeal and sincere efforts, despite sickness and declining age that this work was made possible. His numerous other articles, translations and commentary works published in the LIGHT magazine and elsewhere on important religious topics demonstrated his deep knowledge as well as his unreserved devotion towards religion and propagation of the valuable teachings of our Holy Prophet and his Ahlul Bayt AS.

The Late Haji Hussein Rahim can be said to be the architect of Shia Islamic propagation in East Africa. He first propounded the idea of propagation of the religion in one of his articles in SALSABIL magazine during the years 1955/56.

Late, in one of the meetings, he moved an amendment to the constitution of the Federation of the Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Jamats to include in its aims and objects the publications propagation and missionary work of the Shia Faith.

May Almighty Allah reward him for all his invaluable services to the faith and rest his soul in peace. Amen.

Ahmed H. Sheriff

Preface

The author acknowledges with gratitude the assistance received from the following works:

(a) 'Know Your Islam' published by Peermahomed Ebrahim Trust of Karachi (Pakistan), which contains a verbatim translation of the Du`a in the English language, and which has been reproducedmutatis mutandis in this commentary;

(b) 'Anisul-Layl fi Sharhi Du`ai'l-Kumayl' which is an Arabic commentary on the Du`a; and

(c) 'Darman Ruho-Rawan' which is a commentary in the Farsi language of the Du`a and contains scholarly interpretations of its words and phrases written by the learned Aqa Muhammad Baqir Malbubi.

Origin of The Du'a

Kumayl Ibn Ziyad Nakha'i was a confidant amongst the companions of Amir al Muminin, Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (A.S.) and this sublime Du'a was first heard from the beautiful, though anguished, voice of Imam Ali. According to Allamah Majlisi (on whom be Allah's Mercy) Kumayl had attended an assembly in the Mosque at Basra which was addressed by Imam Ali in the course of which the night of the 15th of Shaban was mentioned.

Imam Ali said-"Whosoever keeps awake in devoutness on this night and recites the Du'a of Prophet Khizr, undoubtedly that person's supplication will be responded to and granted. When the assembly at the Mosque had dispersed, Kumayl called at the house where Imam Ali was staying, and requested him to acquaint him with Prophet Khizr's "Du'a". Imam Ali asked Kumayl to sit down, record and memorise the "Du'a" which Imam Ali dictated to Kumayl.

Imam Ali then advised Kumayl to recite this "Du'a" on the eve of (i.e. evening preceding) every Friday, or once a month or at least once in every year so that, added Imam Ali, "Allah may protect thee from the evils of the enemies and the plots contrived by impostors. O' Kumayl! in consideration of thy companionship and understanding, I grant thee this honour of entrusting this "Du'a" to thee."