Abu Thumama al-Sa'idi
The Punctual Worshipper, Companion of Imam Ali and Imam Husayn
A prominent Shia of Kufa who famously reminded Imam Husayn (A.S) of the time for Dhuhr prayer on the Day of Ashura.
- Born
- Unknown, Kufa
- Died
- 10 Muharram 61 AH (680 CE), Karbala
- Cause of death
- Martyred in the Battle of Karbala
Background and Status in Kufa
Ziyad ibn Amr, famously known as Abu Thumama al-Sa'idi (r.a.), was a leading figure among the Shia in Kufa. He was a veteran warrior who had fought alongside Amir al-Mu'minin Imam Ali (A.S) in all of his battles. Renowned for his deep knowledge, piety, and bravery, Abu Thumama was responsible for collecting funds and organizing the acquisition of weapons for Muslim ibn Aqil during the initial uprising in Kufa.
Joining the Imam
Following the suppression of Muslim ibn Aqil's movement and the imposition of a severe crackdown by Ubayd Allah ibn Ziyad, Abu Thumama was fiercely hunted. He managed to escape Kufa alongside Nafi' ibn Hilal, traveling secretly until they joined Imam Husayn (A.S) on his route to Karbala.
The Dhuhr Prayer on Ashura
Abu Thumama is immortalized in Islamic history for his profound devotion to prayer. Amidst the intense and bloody battle on the Day of Ashura, as the time for Dhuhr prayer approached, he looked at the sun and turned to Imam Husayn (A.S), saying: "O Aba Abdillah! My life be sacrificed for you! I see that these people are coming closer to you. By Allah, you will not be killed until I am killed defending you, but I wish to meet my Lord having prayed this prayer whose time has arrived."
Imam Husayn (A.S) looked up at the sky and replied, "You have remembered the prayer; may Allah make you among those who establish prayer and remember Him. Indeed, it is the beginning of its time." The Imam then asked the enemies for a brief cessation of hostilities to pray. When they refused, Abu Thumama and a few others stood as human shields while the Imam offered the Salat al-Khawf (Prayer of Fear).
Martyrdom
After the prayer, Abu Thumama sought permission to enter the battlefield. He fought valiantly, inflicting heavy losses on the enemy army. He was eventually struck down by a man who was his own cousin but harbored deep enmity towards the Ahl al-Bayt. Abu Thumama achieved the lofty status of martyrdom, fulfilling his pledge to his Imam. His story is heavily cited in Lohoof (Sorrows of Karbala) and other primary Maqtal sources.