Description

LINEAGE

Abdullah ibn Ali (R.A) was born in 656 AD in Medina, to Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A) and Fatima bint Hizam (R.A). He was one of Hazrat Ali’s (R.A) sons who was killed in Karbala in 680 and is considered among the martyrs of the Battle of Karbala. Hazrat Abdullah (R.A) had three full brothers, named Hazrat Abbas, Hazrat Ja’far, and Hazrat Uthman. Their mother Bibi Fatima (R.A) thus became known as Umm al-Banin (mother of the sons).

LIFE

Hazrat Abdullah ibn Ali (R.A) was born into the noble household of Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A) and Fatimah bint Hizam (R.A). Growing up in an environment deeply imbued with Islamic teachings, he absorbed the essence of spirituality and righteousness from an early age.

Historians have written about Hazrat Abdullah ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (R.A) that in the battle of Karbala, when the companions of Imam Hussein ibn Ali (R.A) and many of his family were killed, Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali (R.A) called out his brothers in age order and told them to attack on the battlefield. Hazrat Abdullah ibn Ali (R.A) was the first one who was called to fight Umar ibn Sa’d’s army. Hazrat Abbas (R.A) said to him:

“O my brother, you first go to the battlefield, because you don’t have children (to be sad of the kid). I want to see you to be killed in the way of Allah, and to be patient in your martyrdom.”

So, Hazrat Abdullah (R.A) went to the battlefield and recited verses. Then he embarked on the battlefield striking out with his sword. Eventually, Hani ibn Thabit attacked him and struck Abdullah (R.A) on his head, killing him. He was twenty-five years old. Hani ibn Thabit’s name was mentioned in the Ziyarat al-Nahiya al-Muqaddasa and by Ja’far ibn Ali ibn Abi as the killer of Abdullah Talib.

LEGACY

His pivotal moment arrived during the tumultuous period of Yazid’s rule, marked by tyranny and injustice. Refusing to pledge allegiance to Yazid, Abdullah (R.A) stood firm in defense of principles that aligned with the true spirit of Islam, rejecting the oppressive regime.

The zenith of Hazrat Abdullah’s (R.A) legacy resides in his valiant participation in the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. Despite his youth, he displayed remarkable courage and unwavering resolve on the battlefield, alongside his father Imam Hussain (R.A), and other family members. Their stand against injustice and tyranny became emblematic of resistance and sacrifice.

Tragically, the sands of Karbala bore witness to Hazrat Abdullah’s (R.A) martyrdom. Alongside his revered father and other companions, he endured unimaginable hardships, including thirst and deprivation, as they upheld the banner of truth amidst overwhelming odds.