Maysam at-Tammar , a Great Shia Muslim

Compiled By: Syed Ali Shahbaz
On 22nd of the Islamic month of Zil-Hijjah in 60 AH, the staunch Muslim, Maysam at-Tammar (Date-Seller), was brutally martyred in Kufa, Iraq, by Obaidollah Ibn Ziyad, the tyrannical governor of the Godless Yazid. Of Iranian origin, he was born near Nahrawan and circumstances had made him a slave of an Arab family, which imposed upon him the Arabic name “Salem”.
He was purchased and manumitted by the Commander of the Faithful, Imam Ali (AS), who not only restored to him his original name “Maysam” given by his parents at birth, but also taught him the correct meaning and interpretation of the holy Qur’an, spiritual values, as well as exoteric and esoteric sciences.
The Imam had prophesied Maysam's martyrdom, saying he would be hanged from a tree, and after chopping off his hands and feet, the ungodly Omayyads would cut his tongue for his defence of Islam and his speaking of the merits of the Prophet and the Ahl al-Bayt. His death happened in the exact manner as Imam Ali (AS) had prophesied.
Earlier, while in prison, Maysam had also briefed his cellmate, Mokhtar ibn Abu Obaidah, on the manner of his death; and foretold him not to worry of his own fate, for he would be set free, and after the impending martyrdom of the Prophet’s grandson, Imam Husain (AS) – who was on his way to Iraq for his date with destiny – he would avenge the blood of the martyrs of Karbala, by eventually killing Ibn Ziyad.