Al-Kumayt ibn Zayd al-Asadi

al-Kumayt ibn Zayd al-Asadi was a renowned Arabian poet from Kufa and a devout supporter of Muhammad al-Baqir, the fifth of the twelve Shia imams. His Hashimiyyat, in praise of the Ahl al-Bayt, is considered among the earliest evidence for the doctrine of imamate. Likely to avoid the persecution by the Umayyads, he also wrote in praise of the caliphs. He used the language of the Bedouins to write poems in praise of Muhammad, as well as 'Ali and his family. He was a schoolteacher at a local mosque until he was encouraged to write poetry instead. He wrote several series of poems including: his Mudhahhaba, his Malhama, and, arguably his most famous series, the Hāshimīyyāt. al-Kumayt was imprisoned by the caliph for his writings and escaped through the help of his wife. He later received a pardon from the caliph and was allowed to return to Kufa. While going to recite a poem, al-Kumayt was attacked by his Yemeni guards and killed.