Martyrdom of Qays ibn Mushir al-Saydawi (ุน)
Qays ibn Mushir (also spelled Qais ibn Musheer, ููุณ ุจู ู ุณูุฑ ุงูุตูุฏุงูู) was a devoted companion and emissary of Imam Hussain (ุนููู ุงูุณูุงู ). His martyrdom is among the most moving and courageous episodes leading up to the Battle of Karbala. He is remembered for his unshakable loyalty, fearless delivery of Imam Hussainโs message, and his bravery in the face of death.
๐ Historical Context
When Imam Hussain (a.s) departed from Mecca to Kufa in response to thousands of letters from the Kufans pledging allegiance and calling him to lead them, he sent several envoys ahead of him. Among them was his cousin and close supporter, Muslim ibn Aqil (a.s), to assess the situation and take bayโah (allegiance).
Once Muslim ibn Aqil was established in Kufa, he sent back updates to Imam Hussain via trusted messengers. One such vital messenger was Qays ibn Mushir, a noble and courageous Shia from the tribe of Saydawa.
๐จ Arrest and Trial in Kufa
When Muslim ibn Aqil (a.s) was betrayed and the political climate in Kufa drastically shifted under the brutal control of Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad (la), Qays ibn Mushir was arrested by the governor’s men at al-Qadisiyya.
He was brought before Ibn Ziyad and ordered to publicly curse Imam Hussain (a.s) and praise Yazid from the pulpit of Kufa Mosque. But Qays was a lion-hearted lover of Ahlul Bayt (a.s). He climbed the pulpit and instead delivered a powerful speech praising Imam Hussain (a.s) and cursing Yazid (la) and Ibn Ziyad (la) in front of the entire crowd.
๐ His Brutal Martyrdom
Infuriated by this defiance, Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad (la) ordered Qays to be thrown from the rooftop of the governorโs palace. According to historical reports such as those in al-Tabari and al-Irshad by Sheikh al-Mufid, Qays survived the fall with broken bones. But then Ibn Ziyad ordered his men to behead him on the ground.
Thus, Qays ibn Mushir al-Saydawi (a.r) was brutally martyred in Kufa, before Imam Hussain (a.s) had even reached Karbala. His fearless stand became a symbol of courage, loyalty, and love for the Imam.
๐น Lessons from His Martyrdom
- Absolute loyalty to the Imam of the time, even at the cost of one’s life.
- Speaking truth to power, even when facing a tyrant like Ibn Ziyad.
- Refusal to compromise on Islamic principles, despite immense pressure and threat of death.
- His sacrifice is a prelude to Karbala, showing that the path of truth is paved with the blood of the brave.
๐ References
- Al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Umam wa al-Muluk
- Shaykh al-Mufid, Kitab al-Irshad
- Ibn Athir, Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh
- Maqatil al-Talibiyyin by Abu al-Faraj al-Isfahani
- Luhuf by Sayyid Ibn Tawus
May Allah elevate the rank of Qays ibn Mushir (ุฑุถูุงู ุงููู ุนููู) among the martyrs of Karbala. His memory lives on as a torch of steadfastness and defiance against tyranny.
ุงูุณูุงู
ุนููู ูุง ููุณ ุจู ู
ุณูุฑ ุงูุตูุฏุงููุ ุงูุดููุฏ ุงูุตุงุจุฑุ ูุฑุญู
ุฉ ุงููู ูุจุฑูุงุชู
Peace be upon you, O Qays ibn Mushir, the patient martyr. May Allahโs mercy and blessings be upon you.
