Birth of Hazrat Abbas Ibn Ali (RA)

The birth of Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ was a great moment of joy, not only for his father Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, the fourth Rashidun Caliph, but it was also one of the most revered events in the earlier history of Islam. He was one of the sons of Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Fatima Bint Hizam, popularly remembered as “Umm al-Banin (the mother of Sons). He was one of the paternal half-brothers of Hazrat Hassan and Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا. With that reference, Hazrat Abbas Ibn Ali holds a higher status, especially among Shia Muslims, being the son of the first Imam and half-brother of the second and third Shia Imams.

He is more commonly remembered with his title "Abbas Alamdaar”, as he was the standard bearer of Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ in the Battle of Karbala. In the context of the Battle of Karbala, he is also known as “al-Saqqa” (the Water-Carrier), for his courageous effort to bring water for the children and companions of Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ. Other titles attributed to him are “Abu al-Fadl” (the father of Virtues) and “Qamar Bani Hashim” (the moon of Bani Hashim). Hazrat Abbas Ibn Ali inherited his father, Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, bravery and courage, and remained a vital part of his father's military campaigns.

He had a unique bond with his half-brother, Hazrat Hussainرَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ , and continued to support and assist him until his last breath. He was not only the flag-bearer of Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ in the Battle of Karbala but also set an example of loyalty with him, demonstrating the highest level of courage, bravery, and sacrifice. He eventually embraced martyrdom while attempting to bring water from the river Euphrates to quench the extreme thirst of the children and family of Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ on the last day of the Battle of Karbala. Hence, his birth, life, and martyrdom are remembered across the Muslim World, especially among the Shia Muslims, as a blessing for Ahl al-Bayt. 

Birth Details

• Date of Birth – 15^th of May 647 CE (4^th of Sha’ban 26 AH)
• Place of Birth – Medina, Present-day Saudi Arabia
• Father – Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, the fourth Rashidun Caliph and First Shia Imam.
• Mother – Fatima Binte Hizam, commonly known as Umm al-Banin
• His birth was celebrated as an event of immense happiness and joy by the household of Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ. His father gave him the name "Abbas", which translates to "the Lion", symbolizing bravery, courage, and strength, which were defined and reflected in his life and martyrdom.

Early Life and Upbringing

Hazrat Abbas Ibn Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ was born to Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ and Fatima Bint Hizm, in 647 CE. He had three other full brothers, namely, Abdullah, Ja’far, and Uthman. That's why his mother, Fatima Bint Hizam, is remembered with the title Umm al-Banin, the mother of sons.

He was raised under the supervision and guidance of his father, Hazrat Ali رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, and in the most esteemed company of his half-brothers, Hazrat Hassan and Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُمَا. So, he not only inherited the traits of bravery, courage, wisdom, and valor from his father but was also greatly influenced by the personality and character of Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ. In fact, he developed a unique relationship with Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, based on loyalty, love, affection, and respect for him, which played a vital role in shaping his life.

From a very early childhood, he acquired martial skills, in addition to being trained in religious discipline and faith. All this became a part of his personality, which reflected in his role in the Battle of Karbala, where he stood firm on his commitment and loyalty to Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, even after the martyrdom of all his three brothers.

Significance of His Birth

The birth of Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali is highly significant in Islamic history, especially in the context of the role that he was destined to play. He would be serving and defending the truthfulness, in the way of Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ, standing side by side with Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ. The special mission he was destined for was not only due to his family lineage, but perhaps it lies in the expression of divine virtues. He was a symbol of loyalty and sacrifice, due to his firm, rather unwavering devotion to his brother, Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, which led to his ultimate martyrdom for truth and justice, while defending and assisting the Ahl al-Bayt, in the Battle of Karbala. He was given the traditionally most respected role as a Standard-Bearer in this battle.

Even beyond that specific duty, he eventually sacrificed his life while attempting to bring water to quench the extreme thirst of children and companions of Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ. Many accounts report that when Yazid’s forces blocked access to the Euphrates, the only source of water on the battlefield, Hazrat Abbas Ibn Ali managed to reach the river's banks and fill his water-skin. On his way back, he was attacked by an enemy soldier. They severed both of his arms and eventually killed him. This was the display of extreme bravery, courage, and commitment to loyalty with his brother Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, which exemplifies the sacrifice, loyalty, and willingness to fight for the truth and justice, for which he was destined, right from the day he was born. His birth is therefore celebrated as the birth of a hero of Islam, whose life has been and continues to be an inspiration for future generations to fight for truth and righteousness. 

Character and Virtues

The character of Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali was a perfect example of humility, faith, and loyalty, blended with extreme courage, bravery, and valor:

• Personification of Loyalty and Devotion - His character symbolized loyalty and devotion. From the earlier days of his practical life, he remained loyal and devoted to his brother Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, which reached its peak during the Battle of Karbala. In the worst of the circumstances, marked by extreme thirst, hunger, and risk to life, he stood alongside his brother, without even a hint of hesitation or reluctance.
• The Symbol of Bravery and Courage – In his role as the Standard-Bearer, he is commonly remembered as “Abbas Alamdaar”. In recognition and appreciation of his valiant effort to bring water for the thirsty children, he is remembered as “Al-Saqqa”. Both these titles speak of his extraordinary and exemplary courage and bravery. He sacrificed his life and embraced martyrdom just for the cause of Islam, not for any personal gains or glory. 
• An Example of Faith and Piety – Hazrat Abbas Ibn Ali possessed deep faith and strong belief in Allah سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ. All his deeds and actions throughout his life were a true example of devotion, faith, and submission to Allah’s سُبْحَانَهُۥ وَتَعَالَىٰ Will.

Legacy and Remembrance

• Hazrat Abbas Ibn Ali is remembered as a brave warrior for his heroic display of valor in the Battle of Karbala as the Flag-Bearer.
• He is also known and revered as a symbol of devotion and moral excellence.
• The day of his birth is widely celebrated in his remembrance as a hero of Islam. On this day, Muslims across the world remember him to praise his character and virtues.
• The day of his martyrdom is also commemorated as a day of mourning, along with other martyrs of the Battle of Karbala. On this occasion, the Shia Muslims hold a special gathering (Majlis) in remembrance of his heroic efforts in the Battle of Karbala.
• His mausoleum was built on the spot of his martyrdom, alongside that of Hazrat Hussain رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ, in Karbala, Iraq. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Muslims visit his shrine to commemorate his martyrdom. 

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