Kumayl Ibn Ziyad was a prominent companion of Amir al Muminin, Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (as.) and this sublime Dua was first heard from the beautiful, though anguished, voice of Imam Ali. According to Allama Majlisi, Kumayl had attended an assembly in the Mosque at Basra which was addressed by Imam Ali in which the night of the 15th of Shaban was mentioned. Imam Ali said-"Whosoever keeps awake in devoutness on this night (15th Shaban) and recites the Dua of Prophet Khizr, undoubtedly that person's supplication will be responded to and granted." When the assembly at the Mosque had dispersed, Kumayl called at the house where Imam Ali was staying, and requested him to inform him of Prophet Khizr's Dua. Imam Ali asked Kumayl to sit down, record and memorise the Dua which Imam Ali dictated to Kumayl.
Imam Ali then advised Kumayl to recite this Dua on the eve of (i.e. evening preceding) every Friday, or once a month or at least once in every year so that, added Imam Ali, "Allah may protect thee from the evils of the enemies and the plots contrived by impostors. O' Kumayl! in consideration of thy companionship and understanding, I grant thee this honour of entrusting this Dua to thee."
I never revolted in vain, as a rebel or as a tyrant, but I have left seeking the reformation of the nation of my grandfather Mohammed. I intend to enjoin good and forbid evil, thus following the footsteps of my grandfather, and my father Ali Ibn Abi-Talib Imam al-Hussayn (as)
