HAZRAT ABBAS IBNE ALI, THE COMMANDER OF THE BRAVE ARMY OF IMAM HUSSEIN (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 at which scholars of his era became 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 himself 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 at that time.

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 under his chest, but an arrow pierced it in the bag and water flown out. An arrow pierced into his eye, and he was hit on his head. He came down on the ground, without support from 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 supplications 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

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EXAMPLES OF LIFE AFTER DEATH OR RESURRECTION

 

There was always confusion about how dead would be resurrected on the Day of Judgement or before that Day people who were dead for some time, were revived by the Will of Allah. There are many examples in human history. Some of them are mentioned below:

1.      In Surah Kahef, the story of youths who fled from the oppression of the ruler. Along with their dog, they took refuge in a cave. They supplicated for Allah’s protection and Allah made them sleep for three hundred years and continued monitoring them by turning them over to keep them healthy. The story is narrated in the Surah in detail.

2.      Hazrat Uzair was one of the pious men who was travelling through a village where he witnessed that the roof of the houses fell upon it. He wondered as to how Allah would revive the dead. Allah made him die for one hundred years and when he revived, he was asked by Allah  as to how long he was dead. He replied one day or part of it. He had fig and fruit juice. Allah asked him to look at the food which was in original form. His donkey was dead and disintegrated. But Allah recreated his donkey in front of him.

3.      In Bani Israel, a rich man died and his heir was a young man. His cousin was waiting for his death. After waiting a long time, he killed his cousin and started shouting of the murder himself. He requested Prophet Musa to help identify the murderer. In Surah Baqarah, the incident is mentioned in detail. Allah asked Prophet Musa to ask him to slaughter a specific type of cow and touch a part of it to the dead body and the dead man became alive and gave the name of the murderer.

4.      In Surah Ale Imran, Prophet Iesa says, “I cure blinds, sickness and revive the dead.” He would perform these miracles by the Permission of Allah.

5.      Prophet Musa took seventy people with him to Mount of Toor to listen to the Divine Message. On reaching the mountain, they insisted on seeing Allah. On receiving the request, lightning struck them and everyone was dead. Prophet Musa prayed and Allah revived them all. In Surah Baqarah Ayah 55, “You refused to believe in Musa unless you see Him by your eyes then you were burn to death by lightening then We revived you so that you may be thankful.”

6.      Prophet Ibrahim saw that a part of the dead was lying near water and was being eaten by animals. He wondered as to how Allah will recreate men. In Surah Baqarah Ayah 260, Prophet Ibrahim asked Allah about recreation. Allah instructed him to catch four birds, slaughter them and mix their meat and place it on four hilltops then call them (by the will of Allah). The four birds flew towards him.

7.      In of the factions of Bani Is’raeel, thousands of them fled from their homes to avoid plague. Allah ordered all of them to die and they died and then Allah revived them so that they may be thankful to Allah. Surah Baqarah Ayah 243 refers.

 

Tafseer Mauzui by Ayatullah Jafar Subhani