The Kurds in "Khutbat al-Bayan"
Attributed to Caliph (Imam) Ali ibn Abi Talib
"Khutbat al-Bayan" (The Sermon of Clarification) is considered one of the famous sermons among the Shiites. It discusses the knowledge of the unseen (Ghaib), prophecies, the end of times, and the appearance of Imam Mahdi. It is claimed that information was relayed from the Prophet regarding secrets between him and God. However, early Shiite sources do not mention it; rather, it was cited by later sources, such as Ilzam al-Nasib fi Ithbat al-Hujjah al-Gha’ib by Ali bin Yazid al-Ha’iri. The sermon speaks extensively about the Kurds, which can be summarized in several points:
Association with the Umayyads: The name of the Kurds is linked to collaborating with the Umayyads (the Sufyanis) in destruction, devastation, violating honors, slaughtering children, enslaving women, and killing men.
Implications of Supplication: It claims that Imam Ali repeatedly prayed against the Kurds.
Accusations of Murder: It accuses the Kurds of killing the descendants of the Ahl al-Bayt (the Family of the Prophet).
"A large number of Islamic scholars and historians (from both sects) cast great doubt on the authenticity of this sermon. They state that it is fabricated (forged) and has no foundation, noting that it is full of exaggeration and matters that do not align with the creed and conduct of Imam Ali."