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 7th 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
(3/26) TAHAWWUR
ALI MIRZA
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