Al-Abbas has a full-dimensional history of ancestry,
honorable lineage, knowledge, clemency, courage, munificence, adoration, ascetism,
and all nobilities and virtues. His mother belonged to a brave tribe. She
herself was an honorable and dignified lady who loved Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). His
father, Imam Ali (a.s.) was the Nafs-e-Rasool. She felt honored to serve the “Princes
of the Youths of Paradise”.
Al-Abbas was raised in the most pious environment. He
always called and treated Imam Husayn (a.s.) as “Master”. His epithets
include Babul Husayn, Qamar-e-Bani Hashim, Saqqaa, Hamil ul-Liwaa, Kebsh ul Kateeba
(highest commander), Baab ul-Hawaa’ij (door to settlement of needs), and Al-Abdus
Salih (the righteous servant). His personality traits include courage,
faith, patience, disdain, loyalty, determination, mercy, and kindness.
Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) praised Al-Abbas as, “My
uncle Al-Abbas was clear sighted and steadfastly faithful. He fought with his
brother al-Husayn, did very well and was martyred.”
The Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) said, “Salaam be upon Abu Fadhl
al-Abbas, son of Amir al-Mu’minin. He preferred his brother to himself,
supplied with (opportunities of) today for (rewards of) tomorrow, sacrificed
himself for his brother, protected him, hurried for fetching him water, and his
two hands were cut off for this. May Allah curse his killers.”
Al-Abbas was the prayer of Imam Ali (a.s.) and as he
foresaw the Tragedy of Karbala, he wanted his son to protect Imam Husayn (a.s.)
and the AhlulBayt. The womenfolk were comfortable while Al-Abbas was around. During
the travel from Madinah to Makkah and later to Karbala, Al-Abbas was
responsible for the safety and security of the entire caravan. Al-Abbas
negotiated with the Yazidi army once on the sands of Karbala. On the night of 9th
of Muharram, when the enemy tried to attack, Al-Abbas negotiated to postpone the
fight for a day. He was a strong and brave warrior but patiently followed the
instructions of his brother Imam Husayn (a.s.).
On the Day of Ashura, when all the companions and the family
members were martyred, Al-Abbas sought permission from the Imam to sacrifice
his own life. The Imam said,” You are the standard bearer of my army.” But
Al-Abbas insisted on going to the battlefield. The Imam told him to fetch water
for children and the women. Hence, he took a water skin and rode towards River
Euphrates. The Yazidi forces fled and left the riverbank to Al-Abbas. He
himself was thirsty for three days, he extended his hand to the water,
he remembered the thirst of his brother as well as the children and harem,
hence he threw away water. After the demonstration of this altruism that
exceeded any other in all dimensions of time and space, Al-Abbas
filled up the water skin and rushed towards the camp. In the meantime, enemy
forces surrounded him trying to prevent him, but he charged ahead inflicting
heavy losses like his father in courageous situations. His right hand was cut but
instantly he held the standard in his left hand. A few moments later, another
man hidden behind a tree attacked to cut his left hand also. Bleeding
profusely, he held the ware skin in his teeth. Meanwhile a spear hit the water
skin and caused the water to dribble on the ground. Another man struck him with
an iron post. He fell on the ground and called the Imam saying his salutation.
The Imam reached al-Abbas saying, “My spine is now broken, and I have
lost everything.” His last wish was not to take his body in the camp. It is
said that the Imam said, “Abbas the whole life you called me master, now
call me brother.” Al-Abbas complied with it.
Source:
Al-Abbas by Badr Shahin
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