Du'a Kumayl (Kumayl's Supplication)

Du'a Kumayl (Arabic: دعاء كميل) is one of the most beloved and most recited supplications (du'as) in Shia Islam. It was taught by Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon him) to his faithful companion Kumayl ibn Ziyad al-Nakha'i. This supplication is traditionally recited every Thursday evening (the night before Friday) and on the 15th night of the month of Sha'ban.

Du'a Kumayl is a deeply moving prayer for forgiveness, mercy, and protection from the Hellfire. It contains some of the most poetic and touching passages in Islamic supplication literature, including the famous passage: "O my God, my Master, my Lord! Even if I can bear Your punishment, how can I bear being separated from You? And even if I can bear the heat of the Fire, how can I bear not looking toward Your generosity?"

The supplication is narrated in Misbah al-Mutahajjid by Shaykh al-Tusi and in Iqbal al-A'mal by Sayyid ibn Tawus. It contains themes of God's mercy and forgiveness, recognition of one's own sins, prayer for protection from Hellfire, the desire to draw near to Allah, and prayer for blessings upon the Prophet and his family.

Kumayl ibn Ziyad was one of Imam Ali's most faithful followers and a respected scholar in Kufa, Iraq. Imam Ali specifically chose him to receive this supplication, demonstrating the spiritual dimension of the relationship between the Imam and his followers. Du'a Kumayl is recited in Shia mosques and husayniyyahs worldwide, and its deep spiritual content makes it an indispensable part of Shia worship. Many believers know large portions by heart and consider the Thursday evening recitation a weekly spiritual renewal.