COMMANDER OF IMAM HUSAYN (A.S.)'S ARMY, HAZRAT ABBAS IBN ALI (A.S.)

 

Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali (a.s.) was the son of Lady Ummul Banin (s.a.) whom Imam Ali (a.s.), the model of human perfection, married after the sad demise of the Chief of the Women of the World, Sayyida Fatima Zahra (s.a.). Hazrat Abbas was the fruit of Imam Ali (a.s.)’s prayers as he was aware of the impending martyrdom of Imam Husayn (a.s.) and he wished a strong man (like himself) for his protection. His mother infused love and respect for Imam Husayn (a.s.) into his personality that he never called Imam Husayn (a.s.) brother his entire life instead called him his “Master” It is reported that during the infancy of Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.), their cradle was swung by the angels and when Hazrat Abbas was born, his cradle was swung by his brothers (a.s.). Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) inherited bravery from his parents.

It is said that inheritance, education, and environment play an important role in the development of a personality. Hazrat Abbas grew up in a house filled with light and love for humanity and eternal values. He grew up in a Household on whom the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) had asked Allah to bestow His Blessings. It was the habit of Imam Ali (a.s.) to cultivate and irrigate palm groves and endow them to the needy. Imam Hasan (a.s.), Imam Husayn (a.s.) and Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) acquired these traits from their father. He soon adorned himself with the highest human characteristics of love and knowledge. He was wise, knowledgeable as well as tall, handsome, and brave. He acquired the epithet of “Qamar-e-Bani Hashim” or the “Moon of Bani Hashim”. He was also polite and patient and this was a reminder of his father’s words that “No heritage is worthier than politeness. He had the highest respect for his brothers; Imam Hasan (a.s.) and Imam Husayn (a.s.) as heirs of his father and the righteous successors of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). Soon his knowledge and wisdom reached a level in which scholars of his era become humble before him. Even in his youth he showed signs of bravery and courage alongside his father Imam Ali (a.s.). During the battle of Siffin, when Muawiyah bin Abu Sufyan blocked access to water to Imam Ali (a.s.)’s forces, he entered the battlefield with a veil on his face to hide his identity. Muawiya wanted one of his strong men Abu Shasa to face him, instead he sent his two sons who were killed by Hazrat Abbas (a.s) then Abu Shasa came out, but he too was killed. Then Imam Ali (a.s.) called him back and removed the veil to show the brave young man was none other than Hazrat Abbas (a.s.). He was 11 years old!

During the era of Imam Hasan (a.s.), he stood behind the Imam patiently despite his bravery. He was a faithful and trustworthy advisor. The height of the greatness of his personality reached its peak in Karbala and the heroic martyrdom. Guarding the Imam, protecting the tents of the women folks of the Prophet’s Household, caring for the children, and making a sacrifice to bring water to thirsty camp of Imam Husayn (a.s.) were among the most beautiful and epical manifestation of his life in Karbala. Yazidi forces cut the water supply from 7^th Muharram. On the Day of Ashura, he volunteered to bring water. With his courage, he drove away the hordes of enemies and reached the River Euphrates. Although he himself was thirsty, he never drank a drop of water. He filled the leather water bag and was galloping back, when the coward enemy hiding behind a tree attacked and cut his right hand, he swiftly shifted the water bag to his left hand but alas that hand was also severed. He managed to place it near his chest, but an arrow pierced in the bag and water flown away. An arrow pierced into his eye and he was hit on his head. He came down on the ground, without support of his hands!  

During the lifetime of the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.), Imam Ali (a.s.) was the Standard bearer of the Islamic flag. Hazrat Abbas was the Standard bearer of the Mission of Karbala. His titles are “Bab al-Hawa’ij” “Gate to requests to Allah”, “Abd as-Saleh”, the “Pious one”, “King of Loyalty” and “Water Provider”

Please also refer to my articles; Sermon of Commander Abbas ibn Ali (11/24/2013) and Life and Status of Hazrat Abbas, the Moon of Bani Hashim (4/12/2020) on ZULFIQAR5.BLOGSPOT.COM

 

Sources: Tajdar-e-Wafa by Hujjat-ul-Islam Sayyid Razi Jaffer Naqvi

                  Al-Abbas by Allama Badr Shahin, WIKISHIA.net, Hazrat Abbas bin Ali/Ziaraat.org