One of the towering figures in the event of Ashura was the half-brother of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), Abul Fadl Al Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him). He was the son of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (peace be upon him) and Ummul Baneen. In Karbala, Abbas was the flag-bearer, perhaps holding the most vital position in Imam Hussain's army.
One of the towering figures in the event of Ashura was the half-brother of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him), Abul Fadl Al Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him). He was the son of Imam Ali ibn Abu Talib (peace be upon him) and Ummul Baneen. In Karbala, Abbas was the flag-bearer, perhaps holding the most vital position in Imam Hussain's army.{mxc}
Abbas was born on 4 Shaban, 26 A.H. Abbas always considered Imam Hussain to be his master. Even at a young age, Abbas wanted to be the only one who served his brother Imam Hussain. The following story may clarify this concept.
At the Mosque of Kufa, Imam Hussain asked a companion named Qambar to bring water because he was thirsty. Abbas stopped him and said, "I will bring the water for my master." Imam Ali then started crying. When he was asked why he was crying he said, "I foresee a day when Hussain and his family will be thirsty and Abbas will not be able to get them the water they desperately need."
Abbas fought for the first time as a soldier in the Battle of Siffeen under the leadership of his father Imam Ali against corrupt and vicious enemies of Islam and humanity. Because of his great skill in the art of war, many mistook him for his father. But the enemies were soon informed, "He is Abbas, the Moon of the Hashimi family."
Let's skip ahead. In the battle of Ashura, on the plains of Karbala, the family of Imam Hussain was dying of thirst and even then Abbas was standing for justice. The army of Yazid had prevented them from water for days. Upon hearing the calls of the thirsty children, Abbas rode his horse and charged through the enemy lines to reach the Euphrates River. He filled a jug of water and began to charge back. However, the enemies overwhelmed him with arrows and stones from every direction. They then attacked him and cut off his right arm.
"I swear by God, if you cut my right hand, I will not stop! I will protect my religion! I will support the Imam who stands firm in his belief -the grandson of the pure and honest Prophet!" exclaimed Abbas. His bravery was epic but the enemies then struck his other arm and knocked him off his horse before killing him.
Abbas was martyred on the plains of Karbala in 61 A.H. His shrine is located near Imam Hussain's shrine in Karbala, Iraq. Abbas is visited by millions every year and revered as a true follower of Imam Hussain and example of dignified patience and resolve.
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