Kumayl ibn Ziyad an-Nakhaei was originally from Yemen. His family inhabited in Kufa during the Khilafah of Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (AS). He was a very noble man and also a close companion of Imam (AS).

There are many traditions from Imam (AS) reported by Kumayl. Some of them are as follows:

One night, Imam Ali (AS) took Kumayl outside the city of Kufa. The sky was full of stars and fresh breeze was blowing. Imam (AS) held onto the hand of Kumayl, took a deep breath and then said, O Kumayl! This heart contains knowledge. The best of all knowledge is preserved here. Therefore listen to me carefully and preserve what I say to you; People are of three types:

• A Knowledgeable (one who is cognizant of God)
• A learner who seeks salvation in the hereafter
• A stupid who bends where the wind blows him. These (stupid) men do not seek to be illuminated by the light of learning, nor do they resort to any authority. (Al-Hayaat)

Imam Ali (AS) once told Kumayl, O Kumayl! Knowledge is better than wealth. Knowledge guards you while you guard wealth; Wealth is diminished by expenditure while knowledge increases even by giving it away. O Kumayl! Those who amass wealth are dead even if they are alive, while those who have knowledge will continue to exist as long as time lasts. (Meezan al-Hikmah)

THE DUA OF KHIDHR (A.S.):

It is reported that: One day Imam Ali bin Abi Talib (AS) was sitting with a group of his companions when somebody asked him to explain the meaning of the verse from the holy Quran which reads, Therein every wise affair is made distinct (44:4)

Imam Ali (AS) said, It is on 15th of Shaban. By Allah (SWT)! Man faces his fate on 15th of Shaban. So he must invoke to Allah (SWT) and pray the supplication of Prophet Khidhr (AS).

The meeting was over and everyone went home. That night, everyone was fast asleep but Kumayl could not. He got up from his bed, went to the house of Imam Ali (AS.), and knocked at his door.

Imam (a.s.) asked Kumayl: What has brought you (at this hour of the night)?

He said, O’ Ameerul-Mumineen! The supplication of Prophet Khidhr (AS)

Imam (AS) asked him to enter and told him, I am reading the supplication to you and you write it down.]

This is the same supplication which later on became known as DUA KUMAYL meaning supplication of Kumayl.

It is recommended that one should recite this Dua every day. If it is not possible then at least once a week. If it is not possible then once a month. If it is not possible then at least once a year. Moreover, if this too is not possible, then one should recite it at least once during life time.

Source: en.shafaqna.com