Saif ibn Harith al-Jabiri (r.a.)
Al-Hamdani, Companion of Imam Husayn
A devoted companion from Kufa who came to Karbala with his cousin Malik to defend Imam Husayn and was martyred on Ashura.
- Born
- Unknown, Kufa
- Died
- 10 Muharram 61 AH (680 CE), Karbala
- Cause of death
- Martyred in the Battle of Karbala
Early Life and Background
Saif ibn Harith al-Jabiri (r.a.) belonged to the Banu Jabir family, a prominent branch of the Hamdan tribe in Kufa. He and his cousin, Malik ibn Abd Allah al-Jabiri, were deeply devoted to the Ahl al-Bayt. Upon hearing of Imam Husayn's journey, they left Kufa together and managed to join the Imam's camp in Karbala before the battle began, bringing with them supplies and unwavering loyalty. (Source: Al-Islam.org)
Role in Karbala and Martyrdom
On the Day of Ashura, when the battle intensified and many companions had already fallen, Saif and Malik approached Imam Husayn (a.s.) in tears. When the Imam asked them why they wept, they replied that their grief was not for themselves, but because they saw the Imam surrounded by enemies and could not fully protect him. Deeply moved, Imam Husayn prayed for them, promising them a high rank in Paradise. They then entered the battlefield together, fighting side by side to protect one another until they both attained martyrdom. (Source: WikiShia)