Abbas Ibn Ali was the son of Ali Ibn Abu Talib and Fatima binte Hizam, commonly known as Ummul Baneen. Abbas is particularly revered by Shia Muslims for his loyalty to his half-brother and third
Shia Imam, Hossein (P.B.U.H.) Ibn Ali (P.B.U.H.), his respect for the Ahlulbait, and his role in the battle of Karbala. Abbas was married to Lubaba binte Obaidullah Ibn Abbas Ibn Abdul Muttalib.
He had three sons, and their names are Fazal Ibn Abbas, Qasim Ibn Abbas, and Obaidullah Ibn Abbas. Two of them were martyred during the Battle of Karbala. The family lineage of Abbas Ibn Ali was
succeeded by Obaidullah Ibn Abbas. Obaidullah then had five sons. The names of Abbas Ibn Ali's grandsons were Abdullah Ibn Obaidullah, Abbas Ibn Obaidullah, Hamzah Ibn Obaidullah, Abraham Ibn
Obaidullah, and Fazal Ibn Obaidullah.
It has been recorded that that the Angel Gabriel informed the prophet Mohammad (P.B.U.H.) what would happen to his grandson Hossein (P.B.U.H.) Ibn Ali at Karbala.[1] Muhammad, Fatima Zahra,
and Ali were saddened by this, so Ali wished for a son to help Hossein (P.B.U.H.) Ibn Ali at Karbala. He asked his brother, Aqeel Ibn Abu Talib, to search for a wife from courageous descent.
Aqeel pointed out Fatima Kelabiya better known know as Ummal Baneen, who was descended from the honored lineage of Hezam Ibn Khalid Ibn Rabi’e Ibn Amer Kalbi. [2] Ali Ibn Abu Talib did not marry
Ummal Baneen (or any other woman) during the lifetime of Fatima Zahra. [3]
Birth & Early Life
Abbas Ibn Ali Ibn Abu Talib was born on Shaban 4, 26 after Hijra (A.H.). He was the son of Ali Ibn Abu Talib the fourth Caliph, and Fatima bint Hizam. Abbas had three brothers, Abdullah Ibn Ali,
Ja'far Ibn Ali, and Usman Ibn Ali. Abbas lived 34 years. It is said that he did not open his eyes after he was born until his half-brother Hossein (P.B.U.H.) Ibn Ali took him in his arms. Abbas
learned the art of war from his father Ali who was the most dangerous warrior of all times. [4]
Abbas never considered himself equal in rank or stature to his half-brother Hossein (P.B.U.H.). On the contrary, Abbas considered his half-brother Hossein (P.B.U.H.) to be his master. Abbas did
not like anyone working for Hossein (P.B.U.H.) except himself. This devotion can be gauged by the following event: At the Mosque of Kufa, Ali Ibn Abu Talib (P.B.U.H.), Hossein (P.B.U.H.), Qanbar
(a companion of Ali), and Abbas were sitting. Hossein (P.B.U.H.) asked Qanbar to bring water because he was thirsty. Abbas stopped him and said, “I will bring the water for my master myself”.
Abbas was young at that time. [4] [5]
Battle of Siffin
Abbas's debut as a soldier was in the battle of Siffin. In 657 CE, Abbas's father Ali (P.B.U.H.)- defender of Islam and Muawiya Ibn Abi Sufyan, governor of Syria & enemy of Islam, were locked
in a struggle for Islam. One of the main battles of this conflict was at Siffin - a place near the Euphrates River. [6]During the course of the battle, Abbas entered the battlefield wearing the
clothes of his father, who was known to be a deadly skilled warrior. Abbas killed many soldiers on the other side with his lightning swordship. For this reason, Muawiya's soldiers mistook him for
Ali(P.B.U.H.) because of his similar deadly art of war. However, Ali (P.B.U.H.) himself soon appeared on the battlefield. Muawiya's soldiers were astonished to see him, and were confused about
who the other person was. Ali(P.B.U.H.) then introduced Abbas by saying, “He is Abbas, (The Moon of the Hashimi family ]])". [4][5]
Battle of Karbala
Abbas showed his loyalty to Hossein (P.B.U.H.) at the Battle of Karbala. After succeeding father Muawiyah Ibn Abu Sufyan as Caliph, Yazid Ibn Muawiyah required Hossein (P.B.U.H.) to pledge
allegiance to him. Hossein (P.B.U.H.) refused to do so. In 60 A.H. (680 CE), Hossein (P.B.U.H.) left Medina, with a small group of his companions and family, to travel to Kufa. The people of Kufa
said that they would support Hossein (P.B.U.H.) if he claimed the Caliphate. On the way, Hossein (P.B.U.H.) and his group were intercepted. They were forced into a detour and arrived in Karbala
on the 2nd of Muharram, 61 A.H. Hossein (P.B.U.H.)'s camp was surrounded and cut off from the Euphrates River. The camp ran out of water on the 7th of Muharram. [7]
Abbas promoted as Commander
On the 10th of Muharram, Abbas was ordered by Hossein (P.B.U.H.) to bring water from the Euphrates river for the small thirsty children. [8] Some of the Yazid's soldiers came against Abbas on his
way to river but were killed because of Abbas's skill in swordship. But one of the enemy injured Abbas by hiding in the trees. Abbas lost both his arms in the war. He could not succeed bringing
water for small thirsty children and died on his way to river. On the death of Abbas, Hossein (P.B.U.H.) was in tears forever. The small children never asked for water after the death of Abbas
and remained thirsty and silent until they were killed or enslaved by the enemies of Islam. ( yazid and his cruel force ). Hossein (P.B.U.H.) declared him "Saqqa" (One who fetches water). [9]
[10] [10]
Abbas and digging of well
On the 8th & 9th of Muharram, Hossein (P.B.U.H.) refused to send Abbas to fight for water. Abbas was extremely eager to fight. Hossein (P.B.U.H.) asked Abbas to dig a well. Abbas and some of
the Banu Hashim men began digging. However, there was no success. [11][12][13] [11]
Abbas, Qasim Ibn Hassan, and Ali Akbar Ibn Hossein (P.B.U.H.)
On the eve of tenth Muharram Imam Hossein (P.B.U.H.) was passing through a camp in which his nephew Qasim Ibn Hassan, his son Ali Akbar Ibn Hossein (P.B.U.H.) and brother Abbas were sitting and
were discussing a matter. He stood beside the camp and heard their conversation. Ali Akbar was saying that tomorrow he would be the first person to sacrifice his life on Hossein (P.B.U.H.). Abbas
interrogated him and said, “You are the son of my Master. How can you fight before me”? Ali Akbar replied, "Uncle, you are the strength of my father. If you go first and die, my father will be
destroyed. And also you are the commander and the commander should not go first". Abbas replied to Ali Akbar, "nephew! A son is the light of his father eyes. If you die first, my brother will be
visionless. Most of all, I cannot bear to see you dying". Qasim was listening to the conversation, and replied, "My dear Uncle! And my dear brother! I will proceed first so that the strength
& vision of my uncle Hossein (P.B.U.H.) remains, and I am also an orphan". Imam Hossein (P.B.U.H.) then entered the camp and held Qasim in his arms and replied "Oh, my nephew don’t ever
consider yourself as orphan. I am like your father." Abbas was not ready for anyone entering battlefield before him. Then, Imam Hossein (P.B.U.H.) explained to Abbas, "We have not entered Karbala
for war". He said, “We could win because we have Banu Hashim men like you. However, our mission here is to serve Islam and now Islam requires our sacrifice. We are here to sacrifice our lives for
this pure & noble religion." [14]
Fight and Death
The Euphrates river was occupied by Yazid's Army to prevent the camp of Imam Hossein (P.B.U.H.) from getting water. Shias believe that Abbas, because of his skill and bravery, could have;
attacked Yazid's army, occupied the river, and retrieved water for the camp alone. However, Abbas was not allowed to fight. He was only allowed to get water. Thus, he went to the river to get
water for Imam Hossein (P.B.U.H.)'s 4 year old daughter Sakina bint Hossein (P.B.U.H.).[12] Sakina was very attached to Abbas, who was her uncle. To her, Abbas was the only hope for getting
water. Abbas could not see her thirsty and crying "Al-Atash" (the thirst). [4]. When Abbas entered the battlefield, he only had a dagger and a bag for water in his hands. Once he had made it to
the river, he started filling the bag with water. Shias emphasize that Abbas's loyalty to Hossein (P.B.U.H.) was so great, that Abbas did not drink any water because he could not bear the thought
that Sakina was thirsty. After gathering the water, Abbas rode back towards the camp. On his way back, he was struck from behind and one of his arms was amputated. Then, he was stuck from behind
again, amputating his other arm. Abbas was now carrying the water-bag in his mouth. The army of Yazid Ibn Muawiyah started shooting arrows at him. One arrow hit the water-skin and water poured
out of it. At that moment, Abbas lost all hope. One of Yazid's men hit his head with a mace and Abbas fell off his horse without the support of his arms. As he was falling, he called, "Ya Akkha"
(Oh Master).[12]
He tossed on the burning sand with excruciating pain. He called for his master. Imam Hossein (P.B.U.H.) immediately came to him lifting his head and taking it into his lap. He said "My brother
what have they done to you?" Abbas replied, "You have come at last, my Master. I thought I was not destined to have a last look at you but, thank God, you are here." Then he said, "My Master, I
have some last wishes to express. When I was born, I had first looked at your face and it is my last desire that when I die, my gaze may be on your face. My one eye is pierced by an arrow and the
other is filled with blood. If you will clear the eye I will be able to see you and fulfill my last dying desire. My second wish is that when I die, you should not carry my body to the camp. I
had promised to bring water to Sakina and since I have failed in my attempts to bring her water, I cannot face her even in death. Besides, I know that the blows that you have received since
morning have all but crushed you and carrying my body to the camp will be back-breaking work for you. My third wish is that Sakina may not be brought here to see my plight. I know the love and
affection she is has for me. The sight of my dead body lying here will kill her." Imam Hossein (P.B.U.H.) fulfilled his wishes. Imam Hossein (P.B.U.H.) asked him for one last thing. Imam Hossein
(P.B.U.H.) said, "Abbas, I too have a wish to be fulfilled. Since childhood, you have always called me Master. For once at least call me brother with your dying breath." Abbas closed his eyes
while repeating, "Hossein (P.B.U.H.) my brother, my Imam". [4]
Shia historians say that this was the first time in his life that he called Hossein (P.B.U.H.) his brother.[15] He was killed on Friday, 10th Muharram 61 Hijri on the banks of the river
Euphrates). Hence, he is called Hero of Al-Qamah (another name for the river Euphrates). His death is generally mourned on the 7th night of Muharram. Shia Muslims mourn the death of all martyrs
of Islam associated with Hossein (P.B.U.H.) in the month of Muharram, the first of the Islamic calendar, mainly in the first ten days. See Remembrance of Muharram. In addition, it has been
recorded that Abbas killed 2415 warriors on the day of Ashura. [16]
Harsh Attitude with his Body
After the battle of Karbala ended, the dead bodies of the slain warriors were lying about without heads. The enemy forces decided to run their horses over the bodies. They did this in order to
give maximum possible damages to the households of Muhammad and Ali.
Grave
Abbas was buried at that ground where he fell from his horse in Karbala, Iraq. Millions of pilgrims visit the shrine and pay homage to it every year. The real grave of Abbas is beneath the
mausoleum, and is present in the shrine. Environmental effects have caused the Euphrates River's direction to change. Nearly 1400 years after the battle of Karbala, the river is flowing across
the grave of Abbas, making a circle around it. It is said that the Euphrates has come to Abbas now. [17]
Honorific Titles
A summary of titles given various people are as follows:
Abu al-Fadl Abbas(Lang. Farsi, Translation "Father of virtue") Abul Qasim (Lang. Arabic, Translation "Father of Qasim") Abu Qurba (Lang. Arabic, Translation "The owner of the skin of
water") Shahen Shah-e-Wafa (Lang. Urdu, Translation "Sultan of Loyalty". Given by Shia's belonging to the Indian Subcontinent) Qamar Bani Hashim (Lang. Arabic, Translation "Moon of the
Hashemites". His father, Ali Ibn Abu Talib announced this title during battle of Siffin) Strength of Hossein (P.B.U.H.) Alamdar (Lang. Farsi, Translation "Flag bearer". Imam Hossein
(P.B.U.H.) announced this title during battle of Karbala) Saqqa (Lang. Arabic, Translation "Who Fetches Water". Sakina bint Hussain called him through this title during the battle of
Karbala.) Afza sh-Shuada (Lang. Arabic, Translation "Most Superior Martyr") Babul Hawa’ij (Lang. Arabic, Translation "The door to fulfilling needs". In accordance with Shias, three
persons are awarded with this title (Abbas Ibn Ali, Ali Asghar Ibn Hussain, and seventh Shia Imam Musa al Kazim). [18][2]
His Merits
Imam Sajjad, Ali Bin Al-Hussein (pbuh), said about his uncle Al-Abbass (pbuh):" Allah's mercy is upon my uncle Al-Abbass Bin Ali, he had favored his
brother, struggled and sacrificed himself for his brother, until his hands were cut. Thus, Allah gave him two wings instead of it to fly by them with the angels in Heaven as He did for Jaafar Bin
Abi Talib. Al-Abbass indeed has a rank according to Allah, the Most High, which is desired by all the martyrs at the Day of Resurrection. "
Imam Al-Sadiq (pbuh) said: “Our uncle Al-Abbass Bin Ali had a penetrating insight and strong faith. He strived by Jihad with Abu Abdellah
(pbuh), did great and passed away as a martyr.”
It was narrated that Al-Abbass Bin Ali (PBUT) was the bearer of his brother, Al-Hussein's, banner (PBUH). When he saw that all the fighters of Al-Hussein (PBUH) and all his brothers and
cousins have been killed, he wept and mourned over meeting Allah, yearned and longed so he carried the banner and headed to his brother Al-Hussein (PBUH) and said:" O brother, Do I have
permission?" Hence, Al-Hussein (PBUH) wept hard until his holy beard become drenched with tears and then said:" O brother! You are the mark of my fighters and our gatherer so if you leave, we
will all be separated and destroyed! Thus, Al-Abbass (PBUH) said:" May your brother's soul be yours, O my master! My heart can no longer bear this earthly world. I want to take revenge from these
hypocrites." Hence, Al-Hussein (PBUH) said:" If you want to strive (do Jihad), then bring some water for these children."
His Ziara
Ziara of Hadrat Abo Al-Fadel Al-Abbas (Pbuh) reported by Imam Al-Sadeq(pbuh):"May the Peace of Allah and the Peace of His close angels, sent prophets, virtuous servants and all the
witnesses and saints and may the pure and pleasant prayers which come and go be upon you, O son of Ameer Almo'mineen. I testify that you have yielded, believed and had been loyal to the
descendant of the Prophet, Allah's prayers be upon him and his household, the messenger, chosen grandson, guiding scholar, informing custodian and the oppressed and persecuted one; hence, may
Allah, His prophet, Ameer Almo'mineen, Al-Hasan and Al-Hussein (pbut) grant you the best rewards for enduring, yielding and advocating. What a great fate you have in the Hereafter! May Allah damn
who killed you, damn who didn't know your right and undervalued your sanctity and damn those who prevented you from reaching the Fourat. I testify that you have been oppressively killed and that
Allah will undertake what he has promised you. I came to you, O son of Ameer Almo'mineen, seeking haven and having a heart that yields and follows you. I am your follower and I am prepared to
advocate you, until Allah sets His order, for He is the Greatest Ruler. I am indeed with you and not with your enemy. I believe in you, in your return and I believe that whoever opposed and
killed you is a disbeliever. May Allah kill a nation that killed you by their hands and tongues.
