Description

LINEAGE

Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A) was born in 647 CE in the holy city of Medina. His father was Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A), who was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). His mother was Fatima bint Hizam (R.A), a woman from the Banu Kilab tribe. Hazrat Abbas (R.A) had three full brothers, named Abd Allah (R.A), Ja’far (R.A) and Uthman (R.A). Their mother Bibi Fatima (R.A) thus became known as Umm al-Banin (mother of the sons).

LIFE

Hazrat Abbas (R.A) is said to have inherited the boldness and bravery of his father Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A), who always carried the victorious standard on the battlefield.

Hazrat Abbas’ (R.A) brothers were all killed in the Battle of Karbala just before him. In the Battle of Karbala, Hazrat Abbas (R.A) was designated by Hazrat Ali (R.A) as his standard-bearer, an indication of his privileged position among the companions. On one occasion, Hazrat Abbas (R.A) helped rescue a group of companions who were surrounded by enemy horsemen.

Hazrat Abbas (R.A) set out for the Euphrates on the eve of Ashura to quench the unbearable thirst of the besieged Ahl al-Bayt and managed to fill his water, but was blocked by the enemy near the riverbank, far from Imam Hussain’s (R.A) camp. Fighting alone, both his arms were cut, and he was then killed.

After the battle, some Umayyad soldiers stripped Hazrat Abbas’ (R.A) garments, and his corpse was thus dishonored. As with Imam Hussain (R.A) and his other companions, the head of Hazrat Abbas (R.A) was severed and brought to Yazid in Damascus.

Hazrat Abbas (R.A) was buried by some men of the Banu Asad tribe from nearby al-Ghadiriyya village, at the same place where he was killed. A tomb was later erected over his grave. Hazrat Abbas’ (R.A) shrine now has a golden dome and is located to the north-east of Imam Hussain’s (R.A) mausoleum.

Hazrat Abbas (R.A) had a young son named Ubayd Allah, born to Lubaba bint Ubayd Allah, the grand-daughter of Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib (R.A). This son was likely taken captive after the Battle of Karbala, and the lineage of Hazrat Abbas (R.A) continued through him.

LEGACY

In the face of overwhelming adversity and outnumbered by the forces of tyranny, Hazrat Abbas (R.A) remained steadfast in his commitment to truth and justice. His unwavering resolve and unparalleled bravery on the battlefield became the stuff of legend, inspiring generations to come.

The tragic loss of Hazrat Abbas (R.A) on the sands of Karbala stands as a poignant reminder of the cost of righteousness in the face of oppression. His legacy serves as a beacon of hope, reminding believers of the eternal importance of standing firm in the face of adversity, upholding truth, and justice, and embodying the noble virtues of selflessness and sacrifice.

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