Abbas (AS) was the son of Imam Ali (AS). His mother was Fatima
binte Hizam. Imam Ali (AS) after the sad demise of Lady of Paradise had asked
his brother Aqeel to look for a brave tribe for marriage so as to have a son
who will represent him and protect Imam Husayn (AS) in Karbala .
After the marriage, when she came in the house, Bibi Zaynab and Bibi Umme
Kulsoom welcomed her and asked her to sit in the room. Ummul Banin
(SA) refused to sit at Lady of Paradise’s place and said
that she had come as a servant!
Further, she requested Imam Ali (AS) not to call her by Fatima
because it may remind the children of their mother.
Abbas (AS) was born in Madina in the year 26 AH. His birth
had brought waves of pleasures in Imam Ali (AS)’s family as the birth of their
moon that would light this world with his merits and would add immortal glory
to the numerous glories of the Hashemite. Imam Ali recited 44 times azan in new
born’s right ear and iqama 45 times in left ear.
Imam Ali (AS) named the new born as “al-Abbas” and nick name
Abul Fazl meaning father of virtue. Abbas means courageous, the strong, and the
attacker like a Lion.
He learned morals, ethics, and excellence from his
illustrious father. He was kind and merciful. Imam Ali had foretold that his
son would shoulder the responsibility of protecting the harem of his brother
and would sacrifice himself for his religion and belief.
Imam Husayn (AS) had unique relation with Abbas (AS) and at
one occasion in Karbala , he
addressed Abbas (AS) as “Ride on, May I be your sacrifice”. When Abbas (AS)
breathed his last in Karbala while
his head was on the laps of Imam Husayn (AS), the Imam said “Now, my spine is
broken and I have become helpless”
Imam Zainul Abedin (AS) said “Allah may have mercy on my uncle
Abbas (AS). He preferred his brother to himself, did well, and sacrificed his
life for his brother and lost his two hands. Thus, Allah will give him two wings
with which he will fly with the angels in Paradise ”
Imam Jafer al-Sadiq (AS) said “My uncle al-Abbas was
clear-sighted and steadfastly faithful. He fought with his brother, did very
well and was martyred”.
Abbas (AS)’s titles were:
Qamar-e-Bani
Hashim Moon of the Hashemite
As-Saqqa The Provider of
water
Alamdar Standard
Bearer
Shahen Shahe
Wafa King of Loyalty
Babul
Husayn Door to
Husayn
Babul
Hawaij Door to
fulfilling needs
Afzalush
Shuhada Most Superior
Martyr
Abu Qurba Owner of the skin
of water
Strength
of Husayn
Abbas (AS) took part in the Battle of Siffeen wearing his
father’s clothes. He killed many enemy soldiers. By his bravery, people thought
that Imam Ali (AS) is fighting but when Imam Ali (AS) actually came out then
the misunderstanding was cleared. Abbas (AS) was trained by his father in the
art of warfare.
A horse named “Uqab” meaning
Eagle was given to him. It is reported that the horse was presented to Holy
Prophet (S) by the king of Yemen
and was also used by Imam Ali (AS).
Initially it was named Murtajiz
which is derived from Rijiz meaning thunder (lightening).
At the death bed, Imam Ali gave
every ones hand into the hands of Imam Hasan (AS) except Abbas (AS). He was
very upset but Imam Ali called Imam Husayn and gave his hands into Imam
Husayn’s hand and reminded his responsibility towards Imam Husayn (AS). From
very young age, Abbas (AS) loved Imam Husayn (AS) and used to be on his toes to
take care of him. One day Imam Husayn (AS) felt thirsty and Abbas (AS) rushed
to get water. He was bringing water in a pot on his head and while walking some
water overflow and drenched his clothes. Seeing this, tears appeared in Imam
Ali (AS) eyes . On enquiry, the Imam said that a time will come when in Karbala ,
Abbas (AS) will go to fetch water for Imam Husayn (as)’s children and his
clothes will be drenched in his blood.
Abbas (AS) treated Imam Husayn
(AS) a master and also addressed him as master.
When the governor of Madina
called Imam Husayn (AS), Abbas (AS) along with eighteen warriors of Bani Hashem
escorted him. They remained outside the palace and requested Imam Husayn (AS)
to call them if need be. When they heard Imam’s raised tone of voice, they all
rushed in with drawn swords but the Imam pacified them.
From start of the caravan of
Imam Husayn (AS), Abbas (AS) was responsible for safety
and tranquility. Bibi Zaynab
(SA) was confident as long as Abbas (AS) was there.
On the day of Ashura, when he
could no more hear the voices of children for water, he got permission from
Imam Husayn (AS) to go in the battle field to get water. Being the son of the
Victor of Khyber, Abbas (AS) attacked the enemy and penetrated their ranks and
reached the banks of river Eupherate. He picked up water in his palm and showed
that was the water enemy deprived the
family of Saqi-e-Kausar and threw back in the river. He filled up the bag with
water and started to return to the camp when the coward enemy started the
barrage of arrows but he continued his march towards the camp when an enemy
struck his right hand. He quickly shifted the bag in left hand but soon that
hand was also severed from his body but he caught the bag in his teeth but when
an arrow struck it, the water flowed away and ultimately he fell on the ground.
At that time the whole life’s events were passing in front of his mind’s eyes.
He called Imam Husayn (AS) and when he came, Abbas (AS) was still alive and whispered
softly “Master, I have some last wishes;
when I was born I had first
looked at your face and it is my last desire that when I die my gaze may be on
your face, but my one eye is pierced by an arrow and there is blood in my other
eye. If you will clear the eye I will be able to see you. My second wish is
that you should not carry my body in the camp because I promised to bring water
to Sakina and I cannot face her even after death. Besides, I know the blows you
have received since morning have crushed you. My third wish is that Sakina may
not be brought here to see my plight.” Imam Husayn (AS) sobbingly promised him
and said “Abbas, I too have a wish to be fulfilled. Since childhood you have
always called me master. For once at least, call me brother” The blood was
cleared and one brother looked at the other. Abbas was heard whisper “My
brother my brother” with these words Abbas surrendered his soul to his Maker
and Imam Husayn (AS) fell unconscience on the dead body of Abbas(AS) with a cry.
It is said that the waters of Euphrate
circumvents the grave of Abbas (AS) beneath the Mausoleum.
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