Who is Sarjoon the Roman? What is his role in Karbala?

Answer

In the name of Allah, he was a writer and a supporter for Muawyaa and then for Yazid (may Allah curse them). When Muslim ibin Aqeel came to Al-Kufa, and many people pledged their homage to him, Yazid (may Allah curse him) consulted Sarjoon saying “what is your opinion that Hussein has sent Muslim ibin Aqeel to Al-Kufa to seek people’s homage for Hussein? I was told that Al-Numan ibin Basheer has a bad and weak performance. Whom do you think to appoint in Al-Kufa? Yazid had in mind Ubaidullah ibin Zyad to be appointed. Sarjoo, then, said that if Muawiya was brought alive, would you take his opinion? Yazid said “yes”. Sarjoon showed the appointment document of Ubaidullah ibin Zyad on Al-Kufa, saying that this is Muawyaa’s opinion. Muawyaa ordered to include the two countries to Ubaidulah ibin Zyad before he died. Yazid said “do then. Send the appointment document of Ubaidulah to him”. This is mentioned in Al-Irshad by Sheikh Al-Mufeed (p. 42), Tareekh Al-Tabari (vol.4. p. 258), Al-Kamil fil Tareekh (vol.4, p.22), Albidaya wal Nihaya (vol.8, p.164) and others. It is not proved that Sarjoon was in Karbala. Allah knows best.