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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Mukhtar a Biograghy Chapter 5 - Kumayl Meets Abdulla Omar From the prison in Kufa, Mukhtar writes two letters: one to his sister Safiya, and another to Safiya's husband Abdulla Omar, who are both in Medina; the letter explains his imprisonment and its harsh conditions, and asks Abdulla Omar to use his influence to get him released (Abdulla Omar was a very prominent and influential person, the son of "Khalifa" Omar, respected by Meccans, Syrians and Kufians).

Mukhtar gives the letters to the warden who forwards them to Kumayl. Kumayl thinks of a way to reach Medina without incurring the suspicion of Ubaydallah Ziyad, for Ubaydallah Ziyad is well aware of Abdulla Omar's (Mukhtar's brother in-law) influence on Yazeed to order Mukhtar's freedom; so Ubaydallah Ziyad wants a news blackout on Mukhtar's imprisonment.

Kumayl decides it is best to leave with the blessings of Ubaydallah Ziyad least he be caught when he is out of Kufa, is forced back and imprisoned again; also, a state of emergency was in force in Kufa and an exit visa was required.

Kumayl dresses up in Ehram and goes to Ubaydallah Ziyad's court, where he recites the Talbiya (Labek, labek, Allahuma laka labek) loudly; Ubaydallah Ziyad enquires of this Talbiya in the Hajj off-season and is told that it is Kumayl, who also wishes to see Ubaydallah Ziyad.

Kumayl explains to Ubaydallah Ziyad that he vowed to perform Umra on release but Ubaydallah Ziyad is suspicious, recalling the vow to feed the prisoners, and asks how many vows were there, and whether Kumayl intends to go to Mecca only, or also to Medina; Kumayl could not say Medina for he would surely not be given permission to leave; he answers that he is to perform "Mukkamal Hajj" implying the visiting of Prophet's tomb in Medina; Ubaydallah Ziyad does not catch the significance of Kumayl's reply and allows him to go with his blessings, being under the impression that Kumayl is to visit Mecca only.

Kumayl leaves Kufa but instead of going to Mecca, he heads straight for Medina to Abdulla Omar's house; he arrives there at lunch time with Abdulla Omar serving good food (as befits his position); Safiya refuses to partake in such good lunches for any lack of news of his brother Mukhtar.