Hazrat Abbas- Epitome of Loyalty & Virtues

Shrine of Maula Abbas at Karbala

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

 “Naam Darpan Hai Mera Lekin Dharam Abbas ka

Her Ghari Rehta Hai Mujh Per Yun Karam Abbaska
Moorti ki ab Jagah MaiN'ne, Saja kar Rakh Diya
Choomta Hoon Subha Uthte He Alam Abbas ka”

“My name is Darpan but my faith is Abbas

Each moment of my life is blessed by Abbas

I have replaced the idol and installed an ‘Alam’(Standard)

I Kiss in the morning the blessed Standard of Abbas.”

The above couplet in praise of Hazrat Abbas by a Hindu poet Darpan illustrates as to how Alamdar-E-Karbala is revered by people of all faiths. He enjoys tremendous respect and love in the hearts of people by being Babul Hawaij-One who fulfills the wishes).

Today is the birth anniversary of Hazrat Abbas. He was born at Medina on 4th Shaban in 26 Hijri.(645 AD). When Imam Ali heard the news of his birth, he  prostrated himself on the ground as a token of gratitude to Allah. Imam Hussain took the baby in his arms and recited the Azan and Aqamat (Calls for Prayers) in his right and left ears respectively. Then, he new born baby opened his eyes to see the beloved face of Imam Hussain. On the seventh day of his birth, Imam Ali named him as Abbas after his Aqeeqa ceremony. Hazrat Abbas not only grew as a tall and handsome man but his personality included each and every lofty characteristic. He was a whole world of virtues and merits, for he had inherited all elements of human perfection from his father and was considered as the epitome of virtue and high moral standards..

He was so handsome that he was famous Qamar-E-Bani Hashim (The  Moon of the family of Hashim.)Hazrat Abbas (a.s.) was also a valiant warrior. He exhibited his bravery in the battle of Siffin as a teenager. He was a faithful and trustworthy advisor. So devoted was Abbas that he never left the side of Imam Hussein.

The greatness of his personality reached its zenith in Karbala. he became the standard bearer of imam Husain’s small army  in the most trying conditions. he also guarded the imam, protected the ladies of prophet’s household, took care of children, tried to dig out wells and volunteered himself to fetch water when he could not bear the plight of thirsty children, including the beloved daughter of Imam Hussain Bibi Sakina. With his courage, he drove away hordes of enemies and reached the banks of the River Euphrates. Although he was thirsty himself, he never drank a drop of water. After filling the goatskin water-carrier, while he was making his way towards the Imam's camp, the cowardly enemy attacked him from all sides. They severed his both hands and finally struck a blow on his head. By sacrificing his life for bringing water and the way he remained loyal to imam till his last breath astonished the world. His life is now considered as the most beautiful and epical manifestation of courage, faith, loyalty, hospitality and affection. He is the only martyr of Karbala who did not have hands to support himself when he came down from his horse to the ground with an arrow struck in his eye.  

Many centuries have passed since he attained martyrdom but  still tens of thousands of pilgrims keep going to Karbala year after year from all parts of the world to pay their respects to the Emperor of loyalty at his magnificent Mausoleum. They offer salutations and  seek his intercession, for he is known for fulfilling vows and many miracles  have occurred at his shrine.

The words  of awaited Imam Mahdi, Allah may hasten his return,  about Hazrat Abbas exhibits his exalted status as follows :

"Salaam be upon Abu'l-Fadl al-Abbas, son of Amir ul-Mu'minin. He preferred his brother to himself, supplied himself with (opportunities of) today for (rewards of) tomorrow, sacrificed himself for his brother, protected him, hurried for fetching him water, and his two hands were cut (for such). Allah curse his killers; Yazid ibn ar-Raqqad and Hukaim ibn at-Tuffail at-Taee…" 

The statement of  Imam Mahdi praises Hazrat Abbas for the noble characteristics that he enjoyed.:the similar views have been expressed by a poet in the following couplet :

“Abbas-e-BaWafa teri midhar mein kiya likhoon
Misl-e-Ali ya Bazu-e-Mushkil Kusha likhoon
Qaim tujh hi se silsilay hain mehr-o-wafa kay
Haq tou yehi hey tujh ko wafa ka Khuda likhoon”

English Translation

“What should I write in your praise, Abbas

Write you like Ali or as his shoulder,

The loyalty flows constantly  from you,

You are truly God of loyalty, Abbas “

(Reference available on request)