Maytham al-Tammār's character
(Maytham), the son of Yahya, was a slave of woman from Bani Asad tribe, Hazrat Ali (AS) bought her and freed her. He also lived during the time of the Prophet; although there is no mention of him in the events of his time, he was counted among the companions of the Prophet (PBUH).
Maytham Tammar was a devoted Muslim and a loyal and pure Shiite. It has been said that he had six sons, all of whom, like his father, were steadfast in the path of faith and Islam and were considered as supporters of Ahl al-Bayt.
They were the favorites of the Shia imams. Imam Hussain, Imam Baqir and Imam Sadiq have repeatedly mentioned Maytham. Maytham’s relationship with Ali (AS) became more during his caliphate. It was at that time that His Holiness freed him from slavery.
He was interested in learning knowledge and wisdom from the presence of Amir al-Mu'minan Ali (AS).
From this, he sincerely put himself at the disposal of Alevi sciences. The Prophet (PBUH) who found him worthy and talented, taught him a lot of knowledge and wisdom, even taught him some secrets that cannot be told to anyone. And gave him the knowledge of future events and the calamities and seditions of the time. For this reason, Maytham Tammar is known as the owner of the secret of Amir al-Mu'minin.
Sometimes Maitham Tammar would share some of the lessons and secrets he had learned from his imam with the people and it would surprise them. Maysam Tammar was secretive and did not reveal what he had learned from his teacher except when necessary.
He lived in Kufa and there was a special intimacy between him and Imam Ali (AS). Hazrat would sometimes go to his date shop and talk to him, and during these meetings he would teach him about the Quran and religious wisdom.
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