In the noble hadith, the person who is to be killed is described as a *ghulām*. Although some translations render *ghulām* as “a young boy,” its predominant meaning is a child or young man whose facial hair and moustache have only just begun to grow.
الغلام: کودک و جوانى که صورتش، تازه موى و سبیل برآورده. غلام بین الغلومه و الغلومیه: پسرى که جوان بودن و موى برآمدن صورتش آشکار است.
*Translation of Mufradāt al-Rāghib*, vol. 2, p. 712
In any case, it is incorrect to identify this event with any particular case. Yet careful attention to the hadith, and consideration of how it might relate to events in the era of the Return, are essential for anyone who waits with vigilance!
علی بن إبراهیم عن الحسن بن موسى الخشاب عن عبد الله بن موسى عن عبد الله بن بکیر عن زراره قال سمعت أبا عبد الله ع ...
ثم قال
یا زراره لا بد من قتل غلام بالمدینه قلت جعلت فداک أ لیس یقتله جیش السفیانی قال لا و لکن یقتله جیش آل بنی فلان «2» یجیء حتى یدخل المدینه فیأخذ الغلام فیقتله فإذا قتله بغیا و عدوانا و ظلما لا یمهلون فعند ذلک توقع الفرج إن شاء الله.
*Al-Kāfī* (Islamic edition), vol. 1, p. 337
Then he said: “O Zurārah, a *ghulām* is surely to be killed in Medina.” I said, “May I be sacrificed for you—is this not the one who will be killed by the army of the Sufyānī?” He replied, “No. He will be killed by the army of the family of so-and-so. It will come until it enters Medina, seize the *ghulām*, and kill him. When they kill him out of rebellion, aggression, and oppression, they will be given no further respite. At that time, await relief, God willing.”