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Back You are here: Home Articles The Companions of Ahlul-Bayt (AS) Hazrat Abbas (AS) Life of Hazrat Abbas (AS) Hazrat Abbas (A.S.) and the Infallible Imams (A.S.)

Hazrat Abbas (A.S.) and the Infallible Imams (A.S.)

 There can be little debate that the catastrophe that engulfed the Islamic nation on the demise of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) was of a staggering magnitude. For the beloved progeny – Ahle Bait (A.S) of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) the sorrow was two-fold. On one hand, they were permanently separated from the beloved Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and on the other hand, this proved to be the trigger for the deluge of tragedies and oppressions that befell them. Hazrat Ali’s (A.S) right to caliphate and successorship to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) was usurped in a most scheming manner. Few could have imagined that there would come a day when Ali (A.S) – the victor of Khaiber and Khandaq would be dragged from his house for allegiance. Janabe Fatima Zahra (S.A), the beloved daughter of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P), had to appeal to the caliph of the nation, in the mosque of her own father, to demand her inheritance and financial dues. Her appeals fell on deaf ears and instead she was recompensed with oppression that first took the life of her unborn son and ultimately her own.

 The demise of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) and his dearest daughter in a span of a few months left an indelible mark on Hazrat Ali’s (A.S) persona. His grief was uncontrollable and his sorrow was beyond description. Allah, the Almighty, alleviated his mourning and distress through a newborn son. This son had the desired effect on all the grieving members of Hazrat Ali’s (A.S) household. Imam Hasan (A.S) rejoiced because his arms were strengthened through the infant. Imam Husain (A.S) saw in him his most trusted aide and standard-bearer. Janabe Zainab (A.S) got a younger brother who would protect her. Hazrat Ali (A.S) held the newborn close to himself and saw in him the nobility of martyrdom and christened him – Abbas, which means a lion. 

Hazrat Abbas’ (A.S) personality

Hazrat Abbas (A.S) is one individual whose advent was awaited with great fervor and anticipation. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) prophesied his unparalleled bravery. Hazrat Ali (A.S), a man of few wants and needs, none the less desired him. Janabe Zahra (S.A) referred to him as her own son. Imam Hasan (A.S) introduced him as his helper and supporter. Imam Husain (A.S) proclaimed about him, ‘may my life be sacrificed upon you’. And once Hazrat Abbas (A.S) was born the Ahle Bait (A.S) took great pride in him and his unique traits.

 Apart from the five infallibles (A.S) from the ‘Incident of the Cloak’, even the Imams (A.S) spoke of Hazrat Abbas (A.S) in a most venerating manner. Imam Zainul Abedeen (A.S) gave testimony to his elevated status. Imam Jafar Sadiq (A.S) acquainted him as ‘Abdus Saleh and one with vision and foresight and Imam Mahdi (A.S) has sent his salutations upon him.

Hazrat Ali’s (A.S) desire 

Hazrat Ali (A.S) was well-aware that there would come a distressing time upon his younger son – Imam Husain (A.S) when the trials and tribulations would engulf him and he would be all alone without a helper and supporter. What was particularly painful for Hazrat Ali (A.S) was his own absence at that delicate moment in history when his son would need him the most. Hazrat Ali (A.S) was seized with a desire to raise a son who would represent him at that moment of Imam Husain’s (A.S) anguish. It was with this objective that Hazrat Ali (A.S) requested his brother – Aqeel: ‘Search for a lady from the Arab tribes with a pedigree of brave warriors so that I may marry her. She will beget a brave son who will be a helper for my son – Husain in Karbala.’ (Tanqeehul Maqaal Chapter of Abbas pg. 28, Asraarush Shahaadat, pg 319, Umdatul Mataalib, pg. 352)

 Janabe Aqeel’s quest led him to the personality of Janabe Fatima Kelabiyya (S.A) who Hazrat Ali (A.S) finally married. This union resulted in the birth of Hazrat Abbas (A.S), who gained the titled.  

Ameerul Momineen (A.S) was blessed with two sons who had no equal in the heavens and the earth. For him to desire another son like Hazrat Abbas (A.S) tells us something about the latter’s glorious personality. For not only was Hazrat Abbas (A.S) just his son, but he was his emissary in the battle of Karbala, one of Islam’s greatest struggle against falsehood and tyranny. Hazrat Abbas (A.S) was to be the defendant of Imam Husain’s (A.S) right, which is why Hazrat Ali (A.S) put everyone under the care of his eldest son and successor – Imam Hasan (A.S); but when it came to Hazrat Abbas (A.S) he directed him under the supervision of Imam Husain (A.S).

Hazrat Abbas (A.S) in Ziarat-e-Nahiyah

We find Imam Zamana (A.S) reminiscing about Hazrat Abbas’ (A.S) indomitable bravery in Ziarat-e-Nahiyah,

‘Peace be upon Abul Fazlil Abbas, the son of Ameerul Momineen (A.S), who sacrificed his life for his brother. He protected him through his soul and in his struggle to fetch water, lost his arms. May Allah curse his killers – Yazid b. Riqaad Al-Haibi and Hakeem b. Tufail Al-Mataaiee.’

Hazrat Abbas’ (A.S) sacrifice is an intercession for the nation

Aga Darbandi writes, ‘When the Day of Judgment shall dawn, the people shall be gathered in a state of intense anxiety and apprehension. Under these circumstances, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) will request Hazrat Ali (A.S) to ask Janabe Zahra (S.A) what she had in store to rescue the nation from chastisement. Janabe Zahra (S.A) will say, ‘The severed hands of Abbas are sufficient for salvaging the nation.’

(Asraarush Shahadat pg. 325, Jawaherul Ayqaan pg. 194, Qamare Bani Hashim pg. 51)

 In this brief statement Janabe Zahra highlights the eminent rank of Hazrat Abbas (A.S) near Allah, which shall result in the intercession of the Islamic nation as a result of his supreme sacrifice, the proof of which are his severed hands.  

Hazrat Abbas (A.S) served the successor of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) till the last breath of his life under the most trying circumstances. Near his Lord he was a virtuous slave and near the Prophet (P.B.U.H&H.P) he was a submissive and obedient Muslim. He submitted completely to the wishes of the Imam of his era and eventually sacrificed his life to safeguard the Imam and thus, earned the latter’s satisfaction and approval. Therefore we find the infallibles (A.S) speaking of Hazrat Abbas (A.S) with such high regard and respect. As devotees of this personality and his ardent lovers, we must strive to emulate the actions of our Master – Hazrat Abbas (A.S) by supporting the Imam of our era till the dying moments of our lives.

Taken from: Al-Muntazar

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