Kumayl ibn Ziyad

Kumayl bin Ziyad an-Nakha'i (Arabic: كُميل بن زياد النخعي‎) was among the most loyal companions of Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib. Moreover, Kumayl occupies a prominent position in Shia Islam. Converting to Islam during the time of Islamic prophet Muhammad, he learned the secrets of this world while purifying his soul. His desire to purify his soul and increase his understanding of knowledge raised him to a position of prominence during the caliphates of Uthman and Imam Ali. In the caliphate of Imam Ali, Kumayl flourished and served hism in the most disciplined of ways. However, he is recognized for his pious and humble nature as well as preserving Imam Ali's teachings.

In retrospect, Kumayl is best known for the du'a (supplication) of Prophet Khidr, which has been renamed to du'a Kumayl.

Birth

Kumayl ibn Ziyad was born in the first year after Hijrah (622 CE).

Kumayl's title

One of the title that was given to Kumayl was al-Nakha'i. Al-Nakha'i simply means a person from the tribe of Banu Nakha (a member of the Banu Nakha tribe).