APIFantasy | Myth and Folklore Anthology

Kazakh Mythology - Legend #8: The Legend of Ukasha ibn Mikhsan

Ukash-ata (also known as Ukasha ibn Mikhsan) was one of the Ashab (translator's note: companion) of the Prophet Muhammad, mentioned in the book of Hadiths of Muhammad al-Bukhari. Historical sources do not confirm Ukasha ibn Mikhsan ever traveled to Central Asia, but the legend foretells how Ukasha ibn Mikhsan preached Islam to the Turkic people of Central Asia. His faith granted him invulnerability, leading to him never experiencing defeat in battle. Enemies spread rumors of how he could be killed during prayer.

And so, they snuck up behind him, killing him. His head rolled to the side, falling into a crevice within the mountains. It fell into Mecca, along an underground river. A well was erected over this crevice in memory of Ukasha ibn Mikhsan and a mausoleum was built at the place where his blood was spilled.

Other legends speak of how before leaving for another world, the Prophet Muhammad gathered everyone and said if he owed something to someone, to allow him to ask him to return his debt (as in accordance with Sharia, "the correct path"). Ukasha ibn Mikhsan came forward and told him, "You are my debtor. During the war, you hit me twice on the shoulders with a quiver. I also want to hit you twice with this kamcha." In this case, Kamcha is a Turkish word for "whip." The other Askhabs tried to dissuade him from making such a request, but Ukasha ibn Mikhsan remained adamant in his request. The Prophet Muhammed offered his shoulders, but Ukasha ibn Mikhsan said he was hit on the bare shoulders, so he wanted to repay the debt in the same way.

The Prophet Muhammed took his shirt off, and everyone witnessing such a sight discovered the divine radiance emanating from his body. Ukasha ibn Mikhsan threw his kamcha and said his only desire was to see the seal of Allah on his body, thus achieving his true goal.

After hearing Ukasha ibn Mikhsan's true intentions, the Prophet Muhammed said, "Whoever visits Ukash will avoid the fiery hell."

In this version, he was a warrior and a strong man, which earned the attention of many enemies. When they discovered he was helpless during prayer, the enemies caught him while reading namaz (translator's note: prayer) and killed him. His head rolled up the mountain and disappeared into a 25-meter deep rift, where a stream ran along the bottom. Although this defies the laws of nature, it led to the development of a sacred well, where its healing waters reached Mecca. Soon enough, it was discovered not everyone has the opportunity to drink water from this well. Whenever some tried to lower the bucket, it often hit the ledges of the walls, causing the water to splash out. It is said if someone manages to get water from these depths, it is considered a sign of a special disposition of higher powers.