The Story of Abu Hamzah al-Thumali and Imam Sajjad (AS) – The Night of the Famous Supplication


Introduction: A Man from Thamalah


Many years ago in Kufa lived a man named Thabit ibn Dinar, later known as Abu Hamzah al-Thumali. He came from the Thamalah tribe, originally from Yemen, though many of its members had settled in Iraq.

Abu Hamzah was intelligent, thoughtful, and always searching for truth. Though raised in a Muslim family, he felt a deep thirst for knowledge and a yearning for spiritual certainty.


The Day Everything Changed


One hot day, news spread in Kufa: Ali ibn al-Husayn, the son of Imam Husayn (AS) and the only surviving adult male from Karbala, had arrived in the city as a guest. People called him Zain al-Abidin – “Adornment of the Worshippers” – a man known for his devotion and piety.


Abu Hamzah thought to himself:


> “This man is the son of the one who gave his life for truth. Perhaps in his words I will find the peace my heart seeks.”



The First Meeting


He went to the house where Imam Sajjad (AS) was staying. Inside, a young man sat among a small group, speaking gently yet with such depth that each word seemed to sink directly into the heart.


The Imam was speaking about knowing God:


> “The servant who knows his Lord sees the world as small and the Hereafter as great.”



Abu Hamzah felt as if these words were water quenching a thirst he had carried for years. When the gathering ended, he approached, greeted the Imam, and received a warm smile — a smile that felt as if they had known each other forever.


The First Conversation


Abu Hamzah asked:

— “O son of the Messenger of Allah, my heart is full of questions. Everywhere I go, I hear different claims. How can I know the path that truly leads to God?”


The Imam replied:

— “Seek the path of God in His Book and the tradition of His Prophet, and follow those who remain loyal to them. They will never mislead you.”


The Imam then recited verses from the Qur’an and sayings of the Prophet (PBUH), explaining them in simple, clear language. Abu Hamzah felt his doubts begin to fade.



Becoming a Student


From that day on, whenever Imam Sajjad (AS) visited Kufa, Abu Hamzah would attend his lessons. In time, he even traveled to Medina to meet the Imam, eventually becoming one of his closest students and companions.


Abu Hamzah would later say:


> “Imam Sajjad could awaken your heart with a single look or a single sentence.”



The Nights of Ramadan


Years passed. Abu Hamzah, now a devoted follower, spent many blessed nights with the Imam. One Ramadan, the Imam called to him:

— “Abu Hamzah, be with me tonight.”


That night, Medina was still and quiet under the soft glow of the moon. In the Prophet’s Mosque, Imam Sajjad faced the qibla in prayer. Abu Hamzah sat beside a pillar, listening.


The Imam’s voice trembled as he spoke to his Lord — words full of humility, hope, and longing. Abu Hamzah felt as though every mistake of his life was being gently placed before his eyes.



The Supplication of Abu Hamzah


That night, Imam Sajjad recited a long and beautiful prayer that would later become famous as Du’a Abu Hamzah al-Thumali — named after the man who heard it and transmitted it to the Ummah.


This supplication, often read during the pre-dawn hours of Ramadan, is a deep and intimate conversation with God. It includes:


Acknowledgement of God’s endless blessings and the servant’s shortcomings.


Confession of sins, even though the Imam is infallible — as a lesson in humility and repentance for us.


Pleas for mercy, forgiveness, and rescue from the Fire.


Expressions of hope for Paradise and closeness to God.



A taste of its tone:


> “O Lord, forgive me if my prayers have been weak, if my tongue has been slow in remembering You, if my heart has been negligent of You. You are far too merciful to turn me away.”



The Impact on Abu Hamzah


When the supplication ended, Abu Hamzah’s face was wet with tears. The Imam turned to him and said:

— “Abu Hamzah, speaking with your Lord like this is nourishment for the soul. Do not forget it in the quiet hours of the night.”

From that night onward, Abu Hamzah recited this du’a in every Ramadan and taught it to others. Until his last days, he would rise before dawn to whisper its words to his Creator.


Serving Four Imams


Abu Hamzah became a trusted companion not only of Imam Sajjad (AS) but also of Imam al-Baqir (AS), Imam al-Sadiq (AS), and Imam al-Kadhim (AS). Yet he always said:


> “The first light that showed me the path was the gaze of Ali ibn al-Husayn.”



A Brief Reflection on Du’a Abu Hamzah


The prayer is a school of spirituality:


1. Remembrance and Self-awareness – Recognizing both God’s greatness and one’s own weakness.



2. True Repentance – Regret for the past and a resolve to change.



3. Hope and Fear Together – Hoping for God’s mercy while fearing to be deprived of it.



4. Requests for Both Worlds – Asking for worldly needs and eternal salvation.



The Final Chapter


Years later, as Abu Hamzah lay on his deathbed, his students gathered around him. In a weak voice, he said:

— “All I have is from the Ahl al-Bayt. And what has given me the most peace is the prayer I heard one night in the Prophet’s Mosque from Ali ibn al-Husayn.”


He closed his eyes and softly whispered the opening words of the du’a:


> “My Lord, do not discipline me with Your punishment, and do not deceive me with Your plan.”




With a calm smile, he returned to his Lord.