al-Mukhtar al-Thaqafi

Al-Mukhtar ibn Abi Ubayd al-Thaqafi (1–67 AH / 622–687 CE) was one of the most complex and controversial figures of the First and Second Fitnas, a revolutionary who led a major rebellion in Kufa in the name of avenging the death of Husayn ibn Ali but whose claims of prophethood and divine inspiration made him a figure condemned by mainstream Islamic scholarship. He was the son of Abu Ubayd al-Thaqafi, the Muslim commander killed at the Battle of the Bridge.

He participated in the revolt of Abd Allah ibn al-Zubayr against Yazid ibn Muawiyah and was imprisoned in Kufa. After his release, he led a powerful uprising in Kufa beginning in 66 AH, claiming to act on behalf of Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyya, the son of Ali ibn Abi Talib. His movement attracted many who genuinely grieved Husayn's death and wanted vengeance against those responsible.

He did achieve his stated goal of vengeance: his forces hunted down and killed many of those who had participated in the Karbala massacre, including Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad (killed in battle) and Shimir ibn Dhi al-Jawshan. This aspect of his rebellion was broadly approved even by those who condemned him theologically.

However, al-Mukhtar made claims of direct divine inspiration and revelation through his intermediary Abu Amra Kaysan, founding what became known as the Kaisaniyya sect. Mainstream Islamic scholars considered these claims disqualifying. He was killed by Musab ibn al-Zubayr in 67 AH in Kufa. His movement left behind a legacy of proto-Shia sectarianism that influenced subsequent Alid political theology.