Martyrdom of Azqir

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The Martyrdom of Azqir, also known as the Acts of Azqir (Gadla Azqir), is a short Christian story about Azqir, a preacher in Najran, a Himyarite city in what is now southern Arabia. Set in the late 5th century during the reign of the Jewish king Sharhabil Yakkuf, the tale presents Azqir as one of the city’s first Christians and its first preacher. He is eventually killed for his faith.

The story begins with Azqir building a small tent for prayer and marking the cross, actions that lead Najran’s princess to tear down his tent and have him imprisoned. While in prison, believers in Najran secretly seek him out and he baptizes about 50 men. His preaching angers several powerful groups in the area, who report him to the king for teaching a new religion.

Azqir is summoned to Zafar, the capital, to answer the charges. He argues that Christianity is not new, but the king is not convinced. Rabbinic advisers urge that he be sent back to Najran for a public execution as a warning.

The king agrees, and Azqir is prepared for execution in Najran. The plan begins with stoning, but the first stone is cast by a Jewish man who misses; the man’s son dies and his wife falls ill, causing the crowd to abandon the attempt. Another method is chosen: beheading with a sword. A Christian hands the executioner a sword, and Azqir consents to die.

After his death, a note says that 38 other Christians were martyred with him. The Ethiopian Church commemorates their martyrdom on 24 Hedar. The tale also includes miracles, such as Azqir opening prison doors to baptize seekers, replenishing water for a caravan, and the initial misfired stone at his execution.

Scholars study the place names and people mentioned in the text. The story survives only in Ethiopic (Ge’ez) manuscripts, and its original language and dating are debated. The latest critical edition is Alessandro Bausi’s 2017 edition with an Italian translation; earlier editions include Conti Rossini’s, and Hugo Winckler produced a German edition in the 19th century. Modern scholars such as J. Robin, Alessandro Bausi, Baussi, Pisani, and Beeston have discussed its origins and reliability.