The historical complex of Shahi-Zinda has long been shrouded in an aura of mystery and legend, with its name translating to «The Living King.» Central to these legends is Kussam ibn Abbas, the revered uncle of the Prophet Muhammad, whose death has been the subject of numerous tales.
According to the most widespread of these stories, Kussam ibn Abbas suffered a mortal wound during a fierce battle against non-believers. While some versions of the legend speak of a beheading, others describe an arrow-inflicted injury. Yet, all concur that in his final moments on the battlefield, the saintly Hazrat Hyzr descended to aid the dying Kussam ibn Abbas. Hazrat Hyzr guided him to the well of Shaaban, where the waters of life granted Kussam ibn Abbas immortality, thus earning him the moniker «The Living King.»
Centuries later, the mighty conqueror Tamerlane, upon returning from a journey, sought to visit the sacred sites of Samarkand. Approaching the well where Kussam ibn Abbas was said to have vanished, Tamerlane was beset by uncertainty. He expressed his skepticism to his entourage, questioning whether Shahi-Zinda truly resided within the well or had passed away.
His courtiers could only offer that such mysteries were known solely to the divine. A nobleman suggested that Shahi-Zinda would remain in prayerful seclusion until the arrival of a new messiah. Despite these assertions, Tamerlane’s doubt persisted, and he called for volunteers to descend into the well and verify the presence of the Living King. The promise of vast wealth did little to sway his men, who feared the legendary dragon said to guard the well’s entrance.
Only Hida, a valiant soldier of great strength, dared to accept the challenge. Securing himself with a rope, he descended into the depths. Initially, he perceived nothing but darkness. However, Hida’s experience and wit served him well. Upon opening his eyes after a moment of meditation, he beheld a radiant light within the well.
Venturing further, Hida discovered a magnificent palace adorned with precious stones, its façade gleaming as if coated in molten gold. Thrones encrusted with jewels graced each corner of the palace, which exuded an otherworldly beauty surpassing anything Hida had ever encountered.
Despite the splendor, the palace was devoid of life. Hida’s exploration led him to a lush garden, a veritable paradise, where he was tempted by the fruit-laden trees. A thunderous voice halted him in his tracks, and he fled, finding himself amidst a meadow where three venerable figures were surrounded by a throng clad in white and green.
Inquiring about their identities, Hida learned that the central figure was none other than Kussam ibn Abbas, flanked by the Prophets Hyzr and Ilias. The assembly consisted of the souls of the yet-to-be-born and the sinless departed, all gathered to honor Shahi-Zinda.
Noticing Hida, Shahi-Zinda admonished him for his audacity. Despite Hida’s pleas, Shahi-Zinda chastised him for his greed and warned that speaking of what he witnessed would render him and his descendants blind. Furthermore, Tamerlane would face consequences for his impudence—he would never conquer China.
Upon returning to Tamerlane, Hida, now stricken with blindness, recounted his vision. True to the prophecy, Tamerlane never achieved victory over China, meeting his end before the conquest could unfold. Thus, the legend of Shahi-Zinda, a tapestry of faith, ambition, and the supernatural, continues to resonate through the annals of time, a testament to the enduring power of myth and the reverence for the sacred in the heart of Samarkand.
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