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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Life of Imam Muhammad Ibn 'ali Al-baqir (a.s) CHAPTER VII: KUTHAYR ‘AZZAH AND AL-KUMAYT. The two famous poets, Kuthayr ‘Azzah and al-Kumayt al-Asadi, had close relationships with Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him. For they believed in his Imamate. They regarded obedience to him as obligatory. Thus, they devoted themselves to him. So, they were famous for that.

We will mention some of their affairs and their close relationship with the Imam, peace be on him. Kuthayr ‘Azzah As for Kuthayr ‘Azzah, he was Abu Hamzah al-Khuzai al-Madani. He was among the Arab lovers. He fell in love with ‘Azzah, daughter of Jamïl. He had many stories with her. The biographers have mentioned them. Ibn Ishaq said: “Kuthayr was the best Moslem poet in poetic talents.”[^1] His Obedience to the Members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them.

Kuthayr was very obedient to the members of the House (ahl al-Bayt), peace be on them. He devoted his life to them. He did not hide his obedience to them from the Umayyads. ‘Abd al-Malik b. Marwan asked him to swear by Imam ‘Ali, the Commander of the Faithful, peace be on him, to tell him about the one who was more than him in love. So, Kuthayr replied: “If you ask me to swear by you, I will tell you.”Marwan did that.

So, Kuthayr told him about the love of some lovers.[^2] His Obedience to al-Baqir Kuthayr loved Imam Abu Ja‘far (al-Baqir), peace be on him, very much. He obeyed him and believed in his Imamate. The historians said: “A man saw Kuthayr riding (his horse). Meanwhile the man saw Imam Abu Ja‘far, peace be on him, waking. So, he blamed Kuthayr, saying: ‘Why are you riding (your horse) and Abu Ja‘far is waking?'” “He ordered me to do that. I prefer his obedience to his disobedience.

So, I have ridden (the horse),”[^3] replied Kuthayr. This answer proves Kuthayr's good manners and perfect faith. For obedience to the Imam was obligatory. Thus, he had no way to disobey him. Kuthayr praised the Sons of Marwan Kuthayr praised the sons of Marwan very much. Thus, they glorified and honored him.[^4] He composed poems to praise them. The poems have been mentioned in his Divan. However, he was not serious in praising them. He did not believed in what he said.

Rather, he praised them to get their money and gifts. He mocked them. He likened them to snakes and scorpions. The historians reported that he came to Imam Abu Ja‘far, peace be on him.