Abbas, the Captain; Abbas, the Commander; Abbas, the brave and strong warrior; Abbas, the Alamdaar (flag bearer); Abbas, the faithful brother; Abbas, the guardian of Umme Kulthoom and Bibi Zainab; Abbas, Sakina's dearest uncle; Abbas, son of Ummul Baneen; Abbas, the lion son of Ali.
Hazrat Abbas (peace be upon him) was born in the holy city of Madina on 7th Rajab/4th Shabaan, 26 AH (645 AD). When the news of his birth reached Imam Ali (peace be upon him), he prostrated himself on the ground as a token of his humble thanks to God. Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) took the baby in his arms and recited the Azan and Iqamah (the calls to prayer) in his right and left ears respectively. Then the new born baby opened his eyes to see the beloved face of Imam Hussain. On the seventh day of his birth, the ceremony of Aqeeqa was performed and Imam Ali named the child 'Abbas'.
It was also Imam Ali's wish that Abbas would be a constant companion of Imam Hussain and be his Standard Bearer at Karbala.
Imam Ali who himself was known as 'The Lion of God' and the 'Gateway to Knowledge' brought up Hazrat Abbas and ably guided him. His gallantry, boldness, courageous outlook, and the art of combat and soldiery were inherited from Imam Ali, and this he proved very well in the battles of Jamal, Siffin and Nahrwan. Imam Hasan taught him patience and tolerance.
His lion-hearted loyalty and self-sacrificing nature were the result of his association with Imam Hussain and Lady Zainab. Physically, mentally, morally and spiritually he was fully developed, besides being an accomplished scholar.
Just as Imam Ali was taught and trained by the Holy Prophet, Abbas was taught and trained by Imam Ali. Ali fully knew the mysteries of life and death, and Abbas had fully imbibed the true spirit of Islam. A man who was brought up, educated and trained by Imam Ali could on no account be attached to this worldly life nor could he fear death, and Abbas fully justified this through his actions.
His remarkable horsemanship made him "Syed-ul-Forosan" (The Chief of Horsemen). His ability to lead people resulted in his being called "Rais-ul-Shujan" (The Leader of the Valiant), and the manner in which he sacrificed his life earned him the title of Afzal-ul-Shohada" (The Choicest of the Martyrs) and "Saqqa" (Water Carrier), because he sacrificed his life in an effort to procure water for Imam Hussain's children in the tragic battle of Karbala. He fully lived up to his name Abbas, which in Arabic stands for Lion. He was called, "Qamar-e-Bani Hashim" (Moon of the Hashimites), because of his imposing appearance.
Abbas treated Hussain like his master. His father, Ali, on his dying bed gave Abbas's hand to Hussain and said: "My son Abbas, Hussain is the son of Lady Fatima. Abbas, you are my son. Abbas, Hussain is your master. You are Hussain's slave. Abbas, take care of Hussain."
Since that day, Abbas had fulfilled Hussain's every wish like a faithful slave. He always treated Lady Kulthoom and Lady Zainab with great respect. He followed Hussain like a shadow. Hussain knew Abbas was like their father, Ali, a brave and strong warrior. He would tell Abbas: "My brother Abbas, keep your sword in its place. Don't take your sword out to fight. We have come to save Islam. Abbas, we have come to teach true Islam. We will teach Islam - not with our swords but with our character. Patience Abbas, patience."
Hazrat Abbas' devotion, respect and affection for Imam Hussain was so deep, that he used to revere the very ground he walked on. In fact, it is said that he used to apply to his eyes the dust from Imam Hussain's feet. He resented anyone taking precedence in serving Imam Hussain. It is said that once Imam Hussain, while present with his holy father Imam Ali in the mosque of Kufa, felt thirsty and asked for water from his servant Qumber. The child Abbas leapt to his feet, and brushing aside the faithful servant, rushed to bring the water for his master himself. In the hurry to carry the water as quickly as possible, he spilt it on his own clothes. His illustrious father stopped in his speech and tears rolled down his cheeks.
When asked by his faithful followers the reason for his tears, Imam Ali uttered those prophetic words which came true some twenty years later: "Abbas who has today wetted his clothes with water in his zeal to quench the thirst of his brother Hussain, will one day soak his very body in his own blood while attempting to quench the thirst of Imam Hussain's children."
The Alam and its Significance
The events leading to the martyrdom of Hazrat Abbas are widely recited on the 8th of Muharram. When the Alams are taken out, accompanied by the beating of chests and heads by the mourners, one will notice a Mashk (a leather water-bag) usually made of metal in remembrance of Hazrat Abbas, who sacrificed his life trying to get water for the children of Imam Hussain who were dying of thirst.When Hazrat Abbas rolled down from his horse after a mortal blow on his head, the Alam and the Mashk stayed linked together and never separated, which is why one sees an Alam with a Mashk attached to it, sometimes with an arrow alongside it.
The life of Hazrat Abbas is an example of unflinching loyalty and love for a brother. It is the story of a warrior who sacrificed and dedicated his entire life for the cause of Islam.
Author : Sakina Abidi (Student of Grade 7, Panjtan School, Melbourne)
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