.

Ansariyan Publications , 2001 .

I have mainly depended upon three books :

1 . Al-Muqarram , Sayyid Abd-ur-Razzaq al-Musawi , Al-Abbas . Ash-Sharif ar-Radhi Publications – Qum . First Edition .

2 . Al-Qarashi , Baqir Sharif , Al-Abbas ibn Ali : the pioneer of dignity and sacrifice in Islam . Mehdiyyeh Publications – Qum . First Edition , 2000 A . D . – 1420 A . H .

3 . Al-Kulbasi , Ayatollah Hajji Mohammad Ibrahim , Al-Khassaaiss ul-Abbasiyya (The particularities of al-Abbas) . Al-Maktaba al-Haydariyya Publications – Qum . First Edition , 2000 A . D . – 1420 A . H .

Besides , I referred to other reference books that dealt with this personality whose heroism and high moral standards are too great to be contained .

As a matter of fact , all books dealing with the tragic story of Karbala have referred , though in brief , to the personality of al-Abbas ibn Ali . Yet , they have not referred to all the topics and details of his life , because his situation in Karbala that was unique and unmatched in all of its dimensions has taken all the time of such authors to make the other niceties of his life , though important and worthy of reference , seem minor if compared to his situations with his brother , family members , harem of the household of Prophet Mohammed (a) and the companions of his brother on that day in Karbala—these situations have still been working as loadstars for everybody who seeks freedom , dignity

, and honor .

This book is of ten chapters related to the whole lifetime of al-Abbas ibn Ali along with factors , matters , and circumstances that contributed in the composition of his great personality , such as the hereditary factors , the family and social environment , and the political circumstances that happened during his lifetime . There is also a chapter dedicated to the discussion of al-Abbas’s moral standards , personality , and capacities that qualified him to play that great role in the greatest saga of Islam , which occurred in Karbala , on the tenth of Muharram , AH 61—the encounter that was inevitable for sake of saving Islam from distortion , if not complete eradication .

Another chapter is dedicated to the words of the Immaculate Imams that were said about al-Abbas ibn Ali . I have also referred to the handsome shrine of al-Abbas that is pilgrimaged by thousands of people every day and is still representing that courageous , enthusiastic hero who had offered his two hands , before he offered his soul , for his Lord and religion and for sake of freeing people from wrong and oppression—the hero whose name has become the sign of valor and courage and whose intercession is sought for solving any problem , no matter how complicated it is , because he has enjoyed a special , exalted rank in the sight of God .

I hope the reader will forgive any , certainly unintentional , neglect or shortcoming that he may notice

in this work . No one , however , is perfect !

Finally , I supplicate to Almighty God to help me , out of His infinite mercy , and lead me , as well as everybody , to success , for His being the one and only source of success .

and sacrificed himself for his brother until he lost his two hands for sake of such . ”

About him , Imam as-Sadiq (a) said :

“My uncle al-Abbas was clear-sighted , steadfastly faithful… etc . ”

About him , Imam al-Mahdi (a) said :

“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) . ”

Al-Abbas , after all , was the righteous servant of God and the epitome of heroism .

between these two , his merits that have become widely known are too numerous to be counted . ”

Ibn Abi’l-Hadid; the Mutazilite , says :

“The merits of Ali ibn Abi-Talib are too great and familiar to be mentioned or detailed . Even his enemies and rivalries could do nothing but confessing of the unmatched virtue of this man whose advantages are unconcealed and excellences are unrestrained . Everybody knows that when the Umayyads held the reins of the Islamic world , they spared no single effort for extinguishing the light of Imam Ali and inventing flaws against him . Moreover , they issued the decisions of cursing him openly from the mimbars of their mosques and sentenced to death everyone who would mention any of his incalculable merits . They also prevented people from reporting any narration that may refer to any of his excellences . Finally , they even prevented people from calling his name on their newborns . Nevertheless , all these procedures exalted Ali’s reputation and took him to more elevated levels . He was like musk whose perfume spreads when it is screened , and like the sun that cannot be screened by one’s palm , and like daylight that is seen by many eyes if one eye is closed against it . ”

Thus was the father of al-Abbas who has every right to take pride in him and learns from his morals , ethics , and excellences .

lady; namely Umm-ul-Banin , who enjoyed excellent lineage and personality . In addition to her high moral standards , she was well known of her loyalty to the Ahl-ul-Bayt and her devoutness . Therefore , she occupied an elevated position in the sight of the Ahl-ul-Bayt who praised her in many occasions and showed her great respect .

Because of such remarkable care for Imam Ali’s sons and daughters , God has given Umm-ul-Banin exclusive positions and made her a means that takes to Him and a way through which the suppliants’ most complicated problems are solved .

On the hands of her noble parents , Umm-ul-Banin was brought up on righteous moralities and the highest ethical standards that she became fit to be the wife of Imam Ali (a) and a compassionate mother for the chiefs of the youth of Paradise .

This great lady gave birth of four courageous sons the elder among whom was Abu’l-Fadhl al-Abbas . He , as well as his full brothers , acquired the qualities of courage and bravery from their mother whose descendants were the most courageous among the Arabs . Umm-ul-Banin , then , contributed in the composition of the personalities of her four sons who showed unmatched courage on the day of Ashura and sacrificed themselves for their religion and its representative; Imam al-Hussein (a) .

knowledge that deals with the investigation of the details of ancestry , occupies a significant position in the society because of the influence of heredity , which has been proved through many scientific researches , on the structure of both individuals and communities .

In addition , many Islamic laws have depended mainly on genealogy , especially in fields of inheritance , taxes , regard of relatives , and blood money of the unintentional killing… etc .

A genealogist , like any other specialist to whom it is referred in matters relating to his special domain , enjoys a substantial position in the religious , social , and ethical affairs .

Aqil ibn Abi-Talib was the most celebrated in this field . In addition to his being the descendant of that unparalleled pedigree , he was the reference to whom people submit in fields of genealogy . He could discern the sources of glory , distinguish the Arab tribes , and tell between the deep-rooted ones and the disreputable .

In the center of the Prophet’s Masjid , Aqil used to be encircled by all those who are interested in genealogy as well as the history and origins of the Arab tribes to listen to him carefully and trust whatever he would tell .

Historians have reported uninterruptedly that Imam Ali (a) summoned his brother Aqil and asked :

“Choose for me a woman who is the descendant of the Arab heroes so that I will marry her and she will give birth of a horseman . ”

Aqil answered his brother

:

“Marry Umm-ul-Banin , from the tribe of Kelab , for no Arab individual is more courageous than her fathers and forefathers . ”

than Almighty God . The holy Quran proves this fact by saying :

“And rely on the Mighty , the Merciful Who sees you when you stand up and (watched you during) your turning over and over among those (ancestors) who prostrate themselves before Allah . Surely , He is the Hearing , the Knowing . ”

Any contrary matter that may be arisen must be interpreted in a way befitting this principle . For instance , the one to whom the holy Quran has referred as being Prophet Abraham’s father was not his father . He was either his uncle or maternal grandfather . All historians have proved that Prophet Abraham’s father was called ‘Tarikh’ , not ‘Azar , ’ as the Quran says —(Consider when Abraham asked his father , Azar , "Why do you believe idols to be your gods ? I find you and your people in absolute error . " —

In addition , the holy Quran , in another situation , refers to the uncle as father : (Were you—believers—there when death approached Jacob ? When he asked his sons , "Whom will you worship after my death ? " They replied , "We will worship your Lord , the Lord of your fathers , Abraham , Ishmael , and Isaac . He is the only Lord , and to Him we have submitted ourselves . " )

Prophet Isaac was the uncle of Jacob . Nevertheless , the Lord has added him to ‘fathers’ .

Prophet Mohammed (s) declared that all his ancestors

were not worshippers of anything other than Almighty God , and were not the products of illegitimate copulation :

“When Allah wanted to create us , He made us in a form of a pillar of light in the spine of Adam . Hence , that light was shining in his forehead . That pillar , then , moved to Shith his successor who received the commandment of his father that he must not put that pillar in any place other than wombs of purified women . With the moving of this pillar of light , this commandment moved with it . Hence , only the celebrities could carry that pillar of light and only the purified women carried it . When it reached the spine of Abd-ul-Muttalib , that pillar was divided into two parts—one went to Abdullah who moved it to the womb of Amina , and the other went to Abu-Talib who moved it to the womb of Fatima bint Asad . ”

Let us now refer briefly to the fathers of al-Abbas :

money of murdering . Allah passed the same in Islam .

For the Koreishites , they did not stop at a limited number of circumambulations around the Kaaba; hence , Abd-ul-Muttalib decided seven circulations for them . In Islam , Allah passed this law .

O Ali , Abd-ul-Muttalib used to avoid dividing by casting superstitious and gambling arrows , worshipping the idols , and having the flesh of an animal that had been sacrificed on the stone blocks . He used to say : I follow the religion of my father Abraham the prophet (a) . ”

Historians have recorded that Abd-ul-Muttalib was one of the prophets’ successors and had full acquaintance with the Heavenly Books . From this cause , he foretold Abu-Talib , his son , about the prophecy of Mohammed (s) . In this regard , Abu-Talib was related to have said : “My father had full knowledge of all the Heavenly Books . He once said : A prophet will be from my offspring . I wish I would catch up his time to believe in him . Hence , anyone of my sons who will catch up his time must believe in him . ”

lie that he had departed life before being Muslim—this fabrication was invented by the pro-Umayyads narrators for nothing more than his being the father of Ali the first enemy of the Umayyads . Hence , they –the Umayyads- and their tails wanted to convince people that Abu-Suffian —the mortal enemy of Islam and the father of Muawiya— died as Muslim while Abu-Talib was atheist .

Allama al-Mejlisi said : “Unanimously , Shia believe that Abu-Talib had never worshipped an idol . They believe that he was one of the successors of Prophet Abraham (a) . ”

Through his poetic verses that are related by all historians , people of reason can clearly identify the reality of Abu-Talib , who was the custodian , guardian , and defender of Prophet Mohammad (s) until he , as well as the Hashemites , was detained in a col to die there rejecting any submission to the enemies of Islam .

Finally , let us refer to the following narration as quoted from Tarikh ut-Tabari; 2/214 and as-Seerat ul-Halabiyya; 1/306 :

Abu-Talib , once , asked his son Ali : “What is this belief you are following ? ”

Ali answered : “Father , I have believed in Allah and His Messenger , and have given credence to him , kept to him , and followed him . ”

Abu-Talib commented : “Certainly , he calls you to nothing but the good . Hence , you must adhere to him . ”

ibn Abi-Talib . It is , also , very difficult for any writer to refer to Imam Ali’s unparalleled personality in any words .

First , Ali was the foremost to embrace Islam . He in fact had never embraced any belief other than Islam :

Prophet Mohammed (s) said : “Ali and I belong to the same tree , while people belong to different trees . ”

Since the earliest steps of his divine mission , Prophet Mohammed (s) appointed Ali as his representative , successor , and supporter :

Prophet Mohammed (s) said :

“This—Ali- is my brother , successor , and representative among you . You thus should listen to and obey him . ”

On the strokes of Ali’s sword , the pillars of Islam have relied :

Prophet Mohammed (s) said :

“Ali’s stroke on Amr ibn Abd-Wudd is equal to the worship of both mankind and jinn . ”

He (s) also said before the conquest of Khaybar :

“I will hand the standard to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger and is loved by Allah and His Messenger . He will come back with conquest . ”

Ali , finally , was the most knowledgeable , most sagacious , most pious , and most eloquent among all Muslims .

Because of the aforementioned golden series of fathers of al-Abbas , he could join glory to honor and decency . He therefore gained all the elements of nobility that resulted in the composition of his matchless personality .

of personalities . According to the law of heredity , individuals may acquire some characteristics from their paternal uncles . The paternal uncles of , al-Abbas , were such unique personalities whose lives and situations have been matters of pride for humanity in general and Islam in particular .

HAMZA

Hamza won the badge of honor from his nephew , the great Prophet Mohammed (s) who named him , ‘Asadulllah wa asadu Rasoulih —the lion of Allah and the lion of His Messenger—’ , for his unique bravery and courage . He defended Islam fearlessly until he was killed during the battle of Uhud . Hence , the Prophet (s) named him as ‘chief of martyrs . ’ Moreover , many narrations confirm that Hamza had considerable knowledge and outstanding rank in the sight of God . Imam Ali , Imam al-Hasan , Imam al-Hussein , Imam Zayn ul-Abidin , and Imam as-Sadiq mentioned Hamza whenever they wanted to take pride in their lineage or whenever they wanted to refer to the foremost Muslims who defended Islam .

TALIB

Talib ibn Abi-Talib had to conceal his embracement of Islam because he lived in Mecca . During the battle of Badr , the Meccans obliged him , as well as others from the Heshemites , to participate with them . The Prophet (s) therefore declared : “There are some individuals who were coerced to participate in this battle against us; hence , you must avoid fighting them if you meet…”

AQIL

Aqil was one of the branches of that immaculate tree .

He embraced Islam from the beginning; therefore , the Prophet (s) had great love for him :

“I love you twice—once for your being Aqil and the other for Abu-Talib’s love for you . ”

Historians have evoked rings of suspicion around the personality of Aqil because he joined Muawiya ibn Abi-Suffian . Some claimed that he left the wing of his brother , Imam Ali , to join Muawiya’s , because his brother deprived him of additional salaries from the public treasury of the Islamic State . Anyhow , everybody agrees that Aqil , during his stay with Muawiya , did not show any loyalty to him or any disloyalty to the wing of his brother . All indications prove that Aqil had to visit Muawiya who imposed strict blockade against the Hashemites after the death of Imam Ali (a) .

DESCENDANTS OF AQIL

The righteous progeny glorifies the ascendants . On that account , the descendants of Aqil were high examples of heroism and defense of their belief . Muslim ibn Aqil , for instance , was that glorious personality who fulfilled his mission so completely until he was martyred . The other sons of Aqil lost themselves for defending their leader , Imam al-Hussein , during the battle of at-Taff , and provided unprecedented examples of sacrifice for their belief . Moreover , among the descendants of Aqil , there have been numerous personalities of piety , knowledge , and writing . Their names are well known all over the Islamic world .

JAFAR

Jafar ibn Abi-Talib was

a great personality . The Prophet (s) chose him for the commandment of his army at the campaign of Mu’ta . Jafar , however , was martyred during that campaign , and the Prophet (s) conferred upon him with the eternal name ‘At-Tayyar , ’ when he said after that event during which both the hands of Jafar were severed :

“Instead of his hands that were cut , Jafar will have two wings with which he will fly in Paradise wherever he wants . ”

The Prophet (s) also said to him :

“You are copying me in physique and morality . ”

give birth of a courageous , immaculate hero whose mission would be supporting his brother in the field of Karbala .

Without hesitation , Aqil advised his brother to propose to Umm-ul-Banin; from the tribe of Kelab , because her fathers and people had been the foremost among others in fields of heroism and courage . Agreeing to his advice , Imam Ali asked his brother , Aqil , to go to that lady’s father and ask her hand for him .

As soon as Aqil mentioned the matter with him , Aamir –Umm-ul-Banin’s father- welcomed and responded with pride .

Some historians have confirmed that Imam Ali married Umm-ul-Banin after the death of his first wife Fatima the Veracious (a) . Others have recorded that Imam Ali had married Imama , daughter of Zaynab daughter of the Prophet , before Umm-ul-Banin .

HER SITUATIONS

Lady Umm-ul-Banin took care of al-Hasan and al-Hussein so remarkably that she asked her husband not to call her with her name , Fatima , so that this name would not remind these two boys with their mother . They , however , found the extreme kindness and sympathy with this lady who could remedy a part of their great loss of their mother who left in their minds deep sadness . Emotionally , Umm-ul-Banin had great love for al-Hasan and al-Hussein because of their perfection and unique morality . She in fact loved them more than her own children . She also preferred them to her sons in care and responsibility . Except this

great lady , history has never seen a fellow wife acting so sincerely with her stepsons . This is because this perfect lady believed that it was her religious duty to take care of the two Imams the love for whom is imposed by God and revealed in the Quran :

Say , "I do not ask you for any payment for my preaching to you except (your) love of (my near) relatives . "

IN THE SIGHT OF THE AHL-UL-BAYT

Umm-ul-Banin had full knowledge of the actual standings and heavenly ranks of the Ahl-ul-Bayt; therefore , she performed her duty towards them so perfectly . Historian have recorded that when she was carried to her husband’s house , al-Hasan and al-Hussein were sick . As soon as she noticed so , she , willingly , went on caressing them , using the nicest language . Since that moment , she went on treating them so kindly . From this cause , she could occupy a great position in the sight of the Ahl-ul-Bayt who had great regard for her , especially for her unique situation of loyalty for Imam al-Hussein (s) .

As soon as she was back home after the tragedy of Karbala , Zaynab , daughter of Imam Ali , visited Umm-ul-Banin for consoling her for the martyrdom of her four sons . Moreover , Zaynab used to visit her on the Eids .

Umm-ul-Banin gave birth of four sons; al-Abbas , Abdullah , Jafar , and Uthman . After the death of Imam Ali , she

did not marry again until she died .

IN THE SIGHT OF MUSLIMS

Like the Ahl-ul-Bayt , this lady occupies a great position in the sights of Muslims . Many believe that she has a great position in the sight of God Who will surely respond to any request that is presented through the intercession of her great position .

It is natural that such a great lady occupies a great position in the sight of God because she sacrificed her four sons for His sake .

AL-HANAFIYYA

Mohammad ibn al-Hanafiyya is another brother from whom al-Abbas learnt courage plus horsemanship and eloquence . During the battle of Siffin , Imam Ali regarded his son Mohammed as his hand . Hence , the son was fighting bravely before his father .

FULL BROTHERS

Abdullah , Jafar , Uthman , Abu-Bakr , and Mohammed al-Awsat—all these brothers were martyred during the battle of at-Taff before al-Abbas .

ZAYNAB

Al-Abbas , too , was the brother of Zaynab al-Kubra , daughter of Fatima az-Zahraa daughter of Prophet Mohammed (s) . She was older than al-Abbas . Like her mother the chiefess of the women of this world , Zaynab was the best example of glory , honor , and perseverance on principles; therefore , she has become the pattern of the virtuous woman who contributes strongly in erecting the ideal human society . She was one of the fragments of prophecy and one of the pieces of Imamate . Besides , she was so knowledgeable , righteous , and sagacious . Like her father , she was so eloquent . This lady had special situations with al-Abbas who engaged himself with her guardianship during the tragic journey to Karbala .

After the martyrdom of her brothers , sons , and nephews , and after she had been taken as captive to the palace of Yazid , Zaynab gave the ever best example of perseverance and steadfastness when she delivered that incomparable sermon before her enemies who tried , uselessly , to humiliate her .

It is now not odd for ,

al-Abbas , to hold all the mental virtues in his unparalleled personality , since his forefathers , father , mother , brothers , and sisters were all models of human perfection .

Ali (a) shaved the newborn’s hair and gave golden and silver alms as weighty as the cut hair . As he had done to al-Hasan and al-Hussein , Imam Ali (a) slaughtered a ram as offering to God on behalf of his baby . These practices are adopted from the Prophet (s) whose words , practices , and confirmations are regarded as authoritative ground , altogether with the holy Koran , for Muslims .

was such a unique horseman and hero . In battlefields , he was fearless . )

the Ziyara of al-Arbaeen :

“Salaam be upon you , Abu’l-Qasim . Salaam be upon you , al-Abbas ibn Ali . ”

Undoubtedly , Jabir was that great personality who spent much of his time in the house of prophecy and Imamate; therefore , he was more knowledgeable than others in the secrets , affairs , and news of this holy house .

returned with them to Medina and learnt from them the religious knowledge and fundamentals in addition to the nobilities of character .

When Imam al-Hasan (a) was poisoned to death , al-Abbas adhered to his brother Imam al-Hussein and his nephew Imam Ali Zayn ul-Abidin (a) . He kept himself with his brother in Medina , Mecca , and Iraq where he protected him as well as his harem until he lost his life for this sake .

Thus , unlike the other sons of Imam Ali (a) , al-Abbas had the characteristic of full adherence to his father , two brothers , and nephew . From that reason , he was a true copy of the Imams in knowledge and morality .

wipe out blood and dust from the face , and asked about his pains . Al-Abbas opened his sights in his brother’s face , looked at him for the last time , and bid him farewell with a smile expressing all meanings of sincerity and loyalty .

As an answer , Imam al-Hussein (a) replied his brother’s farewell not with words , but with tears that dropped on the face of al-Abbas while he was in his last sparks of life . Thus , al-Abbas emitted his last breaths while he was in the lap of his brother and has become the door to him .

Hence , it is recommended for the pilgrims of the tomb of Imam al-Hussein (a) to begin first with visiting the tomb of al-Abbas . This is one of the confirmations of al-Abbas’s being the door to his brother; chief of the martyrs .

The door intended here is the mental and spiritual . Al-Abbas , hence , is the spiritual door to Imam al-Hussein , and this meaning is very far from the familiar meaning of portership or secretariat . Al-Abbas is too far above such meanings and Imam al-Hussein (a) is , too , far above taking doorkeepers or secretaries since he is beyond all material limits .

light and shone upon the lives of Muslims .

He was so bright-faced that the light of his countenance lit every darkness and everybody admired his handsomeness . When it happened that al-Abbas was accompanied by his nephew Ali al-Akbar who is known of his similarity to the Prophet physically and morally , people of Medina used to stop in lines watching their bright-facedness .

The latter undertook this mission so perfectly that God conferred upon him with the bliss of the Well Zamzam . After Abd-ul-Muttalib , Abu-Talib undertook this mission then handed it over to his brother al-Abbas ibn Abd-ul-Muttalib .

On the day of the conquest of Mecca , al-Abbas offered this mission to the Prophet (s) who gave it back to him .

Furthermore , history is full of narrations mentioning that the Prophet (s) served water to his companions in many occasions before and after prophesy .

Imam Ali Amir ul-Muminin , also , served the Muslim army with water at that night before the day of the Battle of Badr . On the day of the Hudaibiya Treaty , Imam Ali served the Prophet and Muslims with water .

When Uthman ibn Affan was blockaded at his house , Imam Ali ordered his sons to send him water .

Finally , during the battle of Siffin Imam Ali allowed the other party to drink from the water which was under his control although Muawiya prevented Imam Ali’s army from reaching the river when he , first , had controlled it .

Like their father , Imams al-Hasan and al-Hussein supplicated to God for rain for people of Kufa when they were afflicted by draught . Because of the Imams’ supplication , the city of Kufa was watered with heavy rain that regained life to it .

After all , history have not forgotten the situation when Imam al-Hussein , after he had left Medina and Mecca and directed towards Kufa ,

served water to people of Iraq :

At the last hours of that night , Imam al-Hussein ordered his servants to fetch water as much as possible . They did although they did not know the reason . In their way , the caravan of the Imam met the army headed by al-Hurr ibn Yazid and they were intolerably thirsty under the heat of that sun and the iron of their military uniform . Only then did the servants of Imam al-Hussein know the reason why their master had asked them to take water as much as possible . Then , the Imam (a) ordered , “Serve them with water and give their horses some . ”

Copying his fathers and two brothers , al-Abbas ibn Ali assumed to himself the mission of serving water and he was completely worthy of it . On every occasion and every opportunity he could seize , al-Abbas served the others with water . On the day of Ashura , more than ever , he also undertook this mission in many situations .

On the seventh of Muharram that year , Omar ibn Saad banned the army , household , harem , and children of Imam al-Hussein from reaching the river or taking a single drop of water . This blockade continued to the tenth of Muharram . This occurred in an area in the middle of Iraq which is known of its dry weather , and it was Summer . Besides , all the conditions of that situation were arising heat

: heat of war , heat of swords and spears , and heat of breaths .

To fetch water in such a situation is really a heroic deed that leaves a great effect on hearts . Hence , Abu’l-Fadhl al-Abbas won this location not only in the hearts of people but also in the sight of God Who conferred upon him with innumerable merits and excellences . Al-Abbas however carried out the mission so perfectly and appreciatively . He fetched water to the camp of Imam al-Hussein three times . The first time was on the seventh of Muharram , as we have already mentioned . The second time was on the ninth of Muharram :

It was not a long distance between the camp of Imam al-Hussein and the River Euphrates when Shemr ibn Thi’l-Jawshan shouted at the camp of Imam al-Hussein : “You can see this water flow like reptiles . We will never let you have a single drop from it until you join Hell . ”

Just then al-Abbas turned his face towards his brother and asked , “We are the right party , are we not ? ”

“Yes , by God , we are , ” answered Imam al-Hussein (a) .

From this answer al-Abbas understood that his brother would permit him to fetch water for those moaning thirsty harem and children . He therefore attacked the troops who were guarding the riverbank and could force them to leave their positions . Thus , Imam al-Hussein and his companions could reach the river easily

and supply themselves with water .

That was the second time of al-Abbas’s watering . The third time was on the tenth of Muharram :

When Imam al-Hussein’s camp lost many of the individuals and seemed to be losing the battle , the Imam shouted , “Is there not any helper who may help us ? Is there not any one who may guard the harem of Allah’s Messenger ? ”

Hearing these words from his brother , al-Abbas approached to his brother , kissed him on the face , and asked for permission for fighting . The Imam did not permit him , but he ordered him to fetch some water for the harem and children .

Carrying out his brother’s orders , al-Abbas carried a skin of water and attacked the troops on the riverside . He could force them to leave their positions… etc .

In some historical references it is mentioned that al-Abbas was conferred with this great epithet of ‘as-Saqqaa’ after he had undertaken the mission of serving water to the caravan of his brother Imam al-Hussein on the ten days of Muharram , AH 60 .

his brother more than once . In the last time , he was martyred there . Hence , he was called ‘Battal ul-Alqami —the hero of al-Alqami . ’

the last breath of his life .

Historians have also recorded that when the Umayyad army raided at the camp of Imam al-Hussein –after his martyrdom- , they robbed everything including the standard , which was borne by al-Abbas . In Syria , Yazid’s sight fell on that standard that amazed him . He noticed that it was completely stabbed except the place of its handle from which it was carried . He asked about the bearer of that standard , and he was answered that it was al-Abbas ibn Ali . Very astonished by the courage of al-Abbas , Yazid turned his face to the attendants and said : “Look at this standard ! It is stabbed in every place except its handle . This clearly means that its bearer was so courage and chivalrous that he faced all stabs and strokes without letting that standard fall from his hand . This is the true loyalty to brothers ! ! ”

Hence , al-Abbas was called ‘Hamil ul-Liwaa —the standard-bearer . ’

that he would leave the wing of Imam al-Hussein and join theirs .

Thus , when al-Abbas was martyred , Imam al-Hussein became helpless . He declared : “My spine is now broken and I have lost every resolution and my enemies are rejoicing at my misfortune . ”

In the same manner , by the martyrdom of al-Abbas , the eyes of his enemies , which could not see rest so long as he was there , became delighted , while the eyes of Imam al-Hussein’s harem and children , which was tranquil and delighted so long as they could see al-Abbas protecting them , lost rest forever .

that puts forth its sprout , then strengthens it , so it becomes stout and stands firmly on its stem , delighting the sowers that He may enrage the unbelievers on account of them; Allah has promised those among them who believe and do good , forgiveness and a great reward . ”

Since obedience is attached to pure worship , al-Abbas was described by Imam as-Sadiq (a) as obedient . In the Ziyara authentically reported to be said by Imam as-Sadiq during his visit to the tomb of Abu’l-Fadhl al-Abbas , the following statement is addressed to al-Abbas :

“Salaam be upon you; the righteous servant (of God) , the obedient to Allah , His Messenger , Amir ul-Mu’minin , al-Hasan , and al-Hussein , peace and greetings of Allah be upon them . ”

camp of his brother , but al-Abbas put them down and their promise was no more than a factor that increased his perseverance on his principles and persistence on defending his beliefs .

Narrators have referred to the great casualties that Yazid’s army suffered at the hands of al-Abbas ibn Ali who was , in the midst of that fighting , smiling . He did fill the fields of that battle with the bodies of their victims , did paint their horses with their blood , and did plant horror and terror in their hearts . His sword was a destroying thunderbolt that inflicted bereavement and fatality upon people of Kufa who were on the opposite party .

The courage of al-Abbas has astonished poets and authors who have gone on describing it in nonesuch styles , and given the best examples of heroism all over history . Since this courage was shown for defending the right and protecting the high values and principles of Islam , its significance has been increasing .

interacted in the mentality of al-Abbas to change him into one of the great individuals of faith , piety , and sincerity . Out of his faith , al-Abbas offered his brothers , sons , and himself as pure sacrifices for the sake of God .

Bravely , al-Abbas fought for defending the religion of God and protecting the principles of Islam that were exposed to eradicative dangers during the reigns of the Umayyad ancestry . He aimed at nothing other than the satisfaction of God and the attainment of the eternal joy of the life to come .

their men , and saw the loneliness of his brother who were encircled by the meanest enemies , intending to kill him so as to ‘win’ the prize of the governor of Kufa . In the midst of all these crises , al-Abbas submitted to his Lord completely without showing any weakness .

, declared : “Iraq is no more than a garden possessed by Koreishites . ” Hence , they regarded the Islamic homeland as a garden at their disposal . On this account , poverty and misery were the two major characteristics of the Islamic homeland . Besides , the righteous and the free people were subjected to humility . Thus , al-Abbas , under the commandment of his brother , opposed this ruling regime and its authorities who , thanks to the self-sacrifices of al-Abbas and his party , collapsed . This was the true loyalty to the Islamic homeland .

LOYALTY TO HIS BROTHER

It is incumbent upon each Muslim to swear allegiance to the Imam who lives in his time . Hence , al-Abbas gave the best example of being faithful to the allegiance to the Imam of his time—al-Hussein (a) . All over history , you cannot find an item of loyalty more exalted than that of al-Abbas to his brother and leader . Hence , his loyalty has become the extremity that attracts every free , honest man .

or known of such feelings of mercy and kindness at any person other than al-Abbas who climbed to the highest summits of glory because of the characteristics of his unique personality ?

the Blessed the Exalted , al-Abbas enjoys a peculiar rank for which all the shahids will hope if they had its like on the day of Resurrection . ”

The previous statement of Imam Zayn ul-Abidin (a) includes the most significant sacrifices that al-Abbas did towards his brother; Imam al-Hussein (a) . For sake of his brother , al-Abbas sacrificed his two hands and went on resisting until he was felled .

For these great sacrifices , God will grant al-Abbas an unparalleled rank that all martyrs will wish if they had its like .

FAITH

Imam as-Sadiq (a) testified to the unmatched character of his uncle al-Abbas when he attached the characteristic of steadfast faith to him . This steadfast faith provoked al-Abbas to challenge the enemies in the fields of jihad and sacrifice himself for his religion .

C . FIGHTING WITH IMAM AL-HUSSEIN

The testimony of jihad is the best proof on the perfection of personality . Hence , Imam as-Sadiq (a) ascribes this great virtue to the personality of al-Abbas because of the latter’s self-evident fighting for sake of his brother; Imam al-Hussein (a) .

ZIYARA OF IMAM AS-SADIQ

After he had visited the tombs of Imam al-Hussein , his household , and the virtuous companions , Imam as-Sadiq (a) ran to visit the tomb of his uncle al-Abbas . He stood on that tomb and recited that famous Ziyara .

Imam as-Sadiq (a) begins this Ziyara by seeking the greetings and salaams of God , His favorite angels , commissioned Prophets , righteous servants , and all martyrs and truthful ones to be on al-Abbas .

He then goes on testifying to his uncle of being submissive , believing , faithful , and sincere :

A . SUBMISSION

Al-Abbas submitted completely to his brother and leader , and followed him from top to bottom until he was martyred for his sake . This unmatched submission was the result of al-Abbas’s full acquaintance with the Imamate of al-Hussein (a) that is incumbent upon every Muslim . Al-Abbas practiced all matters stemming from the divine commandment of the submission to the Immaculate Imams (a) .

B .

BELIEF

Al-Abbas believed in God and gave full credence to his brother . He surpassed all doubts in his belief of the equity of his issue . He believed he was the right while his enemies were wrong .

C . LOYALTY

Imam as-Sadiq (a) testified that his uncle al-Abbas accomplished his duties regarding the pledge of God and the loyalty to the Imam of his age utterly . He supported the right party , stood steadfastly with his brother in the most intensive circumstances , and did not leave him until he was martyred although he lost his two hands . Finally , al-Abbas was created to be faithful; therefore , his loyalty was a natural element of his personality and was also the fruit of the unparalleled loyalty of his parents .

D . SINCERITY

Sincerity is another feature in the personality of al-Abbas to which Imam as-Sadiq (a) testified . Al-Abbas was sincere in his fighting against the wrong and opposing the wrongdoers . He played a great role in the jihad of his brother who took the leadership of struggling the wrong .

In another paragraph of the Ziyara , Imam as-Sadiq (a) showed his great admiration for the great help and huge sacrifices that al-Abbas made for Imam al-Hussein . He sacrificed himself , protected him with his dearest things , and tolerated steadfastly crises and hardships—all for sake of God . God may reward him so remarkably on behalf of Prophet Mohammed , Imam Ali Amir ul-Mu’minin , Fatima az-Zahraa , al-Hasan , and al-Hussein

(a) .

Imam as-Sadiq , in the same Ziyara , testified that his uncle al-Abbas followed the same line of the martyrs of Islam whose blood raised the word of God highly . As he noticed the Umayyads’ attempts to eradicate Islam and take people to the pre-Islamic customs and traditions , al-Abbas , under the leadership of his brother , revolted to keep the word of God high , to achieve victory to Islam , and to defeat the enemies and rivals .

In the last paragraphs of the Ziyara , we notice the great rank of al-Abbas in the sight of Imam as-Sadiq (a) who testified to him that he did not show any shortcoming or retreat and did his best for sake of the religion . Hence , the Imam beseeches to God to confer al-Abbas with eternal happiness , large place in Paradise , and companionship of the prophets , martyrs , and righteous ones .

enjoyed :

The Imam (a) commends al-Abbas for :

1. Preferring his brother; the chief of the martyrs , to himself ,

2. Supplying himself with opportunities of this life for the life to come . This is an indication to his piety , God-fearing , and support for the right and its people ,

3. Sacrificing his brothers , sons , and himself for Imam al-Hussein (a) ,

4. Protecting his brother with his soul , and

5. His efforts to fetch water to his brother and his harem when the other party encircled the Euphrates so as to prevent the party of Imam al-Hussein from having water even for their children and women .

that place . ”

Such buildings have been ceaselessly visited by people for seeking blessings , showing respect , and practicing definite ceremonies and rituals of worship there .

The question of visiting the tombs of the prophets , their successors , and saints has been an uninterrupted tradition quoted from Prophet Mohammad’s words , deeds , and confirmations . Nevertheless , some heretical doctrines claiming belongingness to Islam have arisen problematic matters regarding this point . As if they are the only Muslims believing in the legality of visiting the tombs , the Shia have been accused of believing that it is permissible to visit the shrines of the Prophets , Imams and saints , building them , to seek blessings through them , to pray and make supplications around them . All the other Islamic schools of jurisprudence have shared the Shia in such beliefs .

Not only is the holy shrine of al-Abbas visited by the Shia , but also Muslims from other Islamic sects have been pilgrimaging to that shrine ceaselessly .

The Immaculate Imams of the Ahl-ul-Bayt (a) confirmed the pilgrimage to the holy shrines of the prophets , Imams , and saints and referred to definite rules of conduct to be followed there . They also dedicated definite statements of supplication and greetings to such shrines .

As a matter of fact , the question of constructing shrines on the tombs of certain individual is not an ordinary issue originated from personal views or tendencies . Indeed , it is a divine will having

many dimensions .

First of all , God the Exalted has promised His sincere servants to commemorate their names and mentioning in this world as well as the world to come . One of the signs of their eternity in this world stands for the presence of handsome buildings on their tombs to remind of their situations , ways of life , and piety to the Creator .

As they played the roles of examples during their lives , the pious individuals’ shrines keep in people’s minds these examples that should be followed for winning happiness in this life and the life to come .

The holy shrines , too , have become the shelters of those who are inflicted with worldly disasters and those who seek refuge of God . Under the domes of such shrines all supplications to God are responded , all screams of the repentant are heard , and all cries of seekers of succor are answered .

These holy shrines , finally , have very frequently been the source of many reestablishments of relations with the Lord , many revolutions against individual and shared wrong and injustice , and many returns to God .

some young men of his household to carry the body of his son; Ali , to that tent , and he himself carried the body of al-Qasim; his nephew to the same tent .

It is also related that Imam al-Baqir (a) said :

“Al-Hussein used to put the bodies of the killeds in one place and used to comment : These killeds are just like the killed prophets and sons of prophets . ”

Nevertheless , Imam al-Hussein (a) left the body of his brother al-Abbas in the place where he was felled—on the bank of the River al-Alqami near the dam .

Some historians have mentioned that Imam al-Hussein (a) could not carry the body of al-Abbas because it was wounded so heavily that all the organs were separated from each other .

Others have mentioned that al-Abbas , in his last spark of life , begged his brother to leave him in his place because he was shy to meet Sukaina , daughter of Imam al-Hussein , whom he had promised to bring water .

However , it is now very clear that Imam al-Hussein (a) left the body of his brother in that place for an excellent secret that can be understood only by the well-mannered ones . Anyhow , the Imam was not unable to carry the body of his brother .

Days have uncovered that secret when al-Abbas had that handsome shrine to which thousands of people pilgrimage ceaselessly . Hence , the place where that holy body was felled has become one of the most

considerable areas on this earth . People have sought nearness to God , supplicated to Him to solve their most complicated problems and ordeals , offered to Him the most acceptable rituals of worship , and seen the most miraculous charismata under the golden , shining dome of that holy shrine that contained the holy body of al-Abbas; al-Abbas ibn Ali , the righteous servant of God .

People therefore have recognized the actual standing of al-Abbas in the sight of God and , in turn , recognized the scope of respect that they should bear to this personality who has played the role of the connecting link between people and their Lord .

God the Exalted has willed to grant al-Abbas an idiosyncratic rank in this world as well as the world to come .

Just like the Immaculate Imams , al-Abbas has had a special shrine pilgrimaged by the Imams who passed by that area . We have already mentioned that Imam Ja’far ibn Mohammad as-Sadiq (a) visited the tomb of al-Abbas and recited a special Ziyara , different , in statements , from the Ziyaras recited before the tombs of the other martyrs . In the same manner , the shrine of al-Abbas has had its special ceremonies and rites of Ziyara .

The traditions of Ahl-ul-Bayt (a) have guided us to the location , as well as the ceremonies and rites to be practiced at that holy shrine of al-Abbas .

Ibn Qawlawayh , in his book titled Kamil uz-Ziyara , page 256 , narrates ,

with an authentic series of narrators , that Abu-Hamza ath-Themali related the following saying to Imam as-Sadiq (a) :

“If you intend to visit (the tomb of) al-Abbas ibn Ali , which is on the bank of the Euphrates opposite to al-Haair , you should stop at the gate of the shed and say : Salaam of Allah and Salaam of His angels… etc . ”

Al-Mejlisi , in his book titled Mezar ul-Bihar , records another Ziyara for al-Abbas , as related to the narration of Sheikh al-Mufid and Ibn al-Mash’hadi , defining the same location that is defined by Imam as-Sadiq (a) in the previous narration .

Similar narrations are recorded in Allama an-Nouri’s Tahiyyat uz-Zaair and related to Sheikh al-Mufid , ash-Shahid , and Sayyid Ibn Tawous .

The following statement of Sheikh al-Mufid identifies the location of the tomb of al-Abbas that is decided by the saying of Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a) :

“Except al-Abbas ibn Ali who was buried in a place on the dam in the way of al-Ghadhiriyya , all the members of Imam al-Hussein’s family , peace be upon them , were buried in a hole located beyond the legs of Imam al-Hussein . The tomb of al-Abbas is clear and known… etc . ”

All scholars and investigators have followed this definition of the location . They all have decided that the tomb of al-Abbas ibn Ali is opposite to the holy Haair near the shore of the River Euphrates .

was passing by and irrigating the lands of Karbala . It was the only river in that area .

Neither geographists nor have historians referred to the location and history of this river . Moreover , Imam as-Sadiq (a) did not refer to this name as he mentioned the location of the martyrdom of al-Abbas . However , this name was mentioned in many narratives recorded in authentic , trustworthy reference books .

At-Turaihi , in his book titled al-Muntakhab page 91 , writes down a narration in which there is a reference to the River al-Alqami .

A narration recorded in Medinat ul-Ma’aajiz page 263 Chapter 127 , includes a reference to the River al-Alqami .

Ibn Shahrashub , in his book titled al-Manaaqib; 2/190 , records the narration of al-Mutawakkil’s orders of digging the tomb of Imam al-Hussein (a) . In this narration , he refers to the River al-Alqami .

In Mezar ul-Bihar page 161 , a narration of a special Ziyara to the tomb of al-Abbas is recorded . This narration begins with :

“If you intend to visit Karbala , you should first reside at the shore of the River al-Alqami , undress yourself , wash…etc . ”

This narration is quoted from the famous books of Ziyara compiled by Sheikh al-Mufid and al-Mash’hadi .

All these narrations prove that the name of al-Alqami was known for everybody for many decades . Nevertheless , the reason beyond this name is not known . Some mentioned that a man from the tribe of Alqama dug that river .

In his

book titled Zeenat ul-Majalis and written in AH 1004 , Sayyid Majduddin Mohammad Majdi records that the vizier Saeed ibn al-Alqami gave his orders of ruining that river after he had heard the saying of Imam as-Sadiq (a) addressing to the river :

“How is it that you are still flowing after my grandfather was prevented from drinking from you ? ”

As the River al-Alqami was ruined , the gardens of Kufa were damaged , because they were irrigated from its water .

refer to the other heads , have mentioned that Yazid gave all the heads to Imam Zayn ul-Abidin who attached them to the bodies on the twentieth of Safar . The head of al-Abbas was one of these .

This report seems to be the most acceptable if we take in consideration the events and motives that obliged Yazid to respond to the demands of Imam Zayn ul-Abidin who would surely ask for all the heads so as to attach them to the bodies .

Nevertheless , there are other narrations :

In his A’yaan ush-Shi’a; 4/290 , Sayyid Muhsin al-Amin records :

“In AH 1321 , I saw a place in the cemetery known as ‘Maqbarat Bab us-Sagheer’ in Damascus on whose door there was a rock with the script : This is the burial place of the heads of al-Abbas ibn Ali , Ali al-Akbar ibn al-Hussein , and Habib ibn Muzhahir… A few years later , that burial place was destroyed . When it was reconstructed , that rock was taken away and a tomb was built inside that burial place . On that tomb the names of many individuals whom were martyred in Karbala with Imam al-Hussein (a) were engraved . In fact , that tomb contained only the three aforementioned heads…etc . ”

Had Sayyid al-Amin skimmed through the book of Habib us-Siyar , he would have believed that these three heads were not buried in that cemetery in Damascus . Anyhow , those who wrote the names of these three heroes of Karbala on

that rock in the cemetery had other intentions . Finally , it is not unlikely that these three heads were crucified , not buried , at that place .

in the list of the martyrs and righteous servants of God is another factor helping the discovery of the secret of his having an independent tomb away from the tomb of the other martyrs .

During his visit to the tomb of al-Abbas , Imam as-Sadiq (a) referred to the praiseworthy personality of this hero who possessed alone such a lofty rank because of which all martyrs will wish if they have its like .

On that account , it has become very important to pay a great attention to the construction of the holy shrine of this unique , righteous servant of God .

God , the Exalted , gave the holy mission of constructing this shrine to some individuals who won eternal reputation in this world and will be rewarded abundantly in the life to come , each according to his intention .

Many kings , princes , scholars , and celebrities succeeded each other in constructing this holy shrine , which , day by day , has become in increasing splendor and beauty . Today , it is very gorgeous for its attractive , golden dome that challenges the heavens in elevation and dares the stars in brilliance , its impregnable sanctuary that is as great as throne , its porticoes that are covered by flasks , its yard that is the field of sanctity , and its handsome , golden lobby that is similar to the edifices of Paradise .

Historians have mentioned that Shah Tahmasp , in AH 1032 , decorated the dome of the

holy shrine with tile , built a window on the box that contained the tomb , arranged the porticoes and the yard , built the lobby that lies in front of the first gate of the sanctuary , and sent precious carpets made in Iran .

In AH 1115 , Nadir Shah sent many gifts to the holy shrine and decorated some of the buildings there with flasks . In AH 1117 , the vizier of Nadir Shah pilgrimaged to the holy shrine of Imam al-Hussein (a) , remade the box of the tomb , reconstructed the portico , and presented a chandelier for lighting the holy precinct .

In AH 1216 , the Wahhabis invaded Karbala and robbed all the precious lusters and chandeliers that were in the holy shrines of Imam al-Hussein and al-Abbas . Fath Ali Shah gifted new lusters , chandeliers , and precious pieces of decoration to the holy shrines in Karbala . He also reconstructed the dome on the holy shrine of al-Abbas with tile , gilded the dome of the holy shrine of Imam al-Hussein (a) , and made other constructions .

Hajji Mirza Abd-ul-Karim al-Muqaddas al-Urumi , in his book titled Taqat Raihan , records that Hajji Shukrullah Badal Beg al-Afshari gilded the big hall facing the holy precinct of al-Abbas and spent all his fortune on this work , carrying out the constructions of Sheikh Zayn ul-Abidin al-Mazindarani who died in AH 1309 . He also recorded his name on the western side on the wall of the hall

on the golden plates . This golden script is still present .

In the same book it is recorded that Nasir ud-Dawla gilded the minaret of the holy shrine of al-Abbas .

Sayyid Hasan , the writer of Fadak and other books , has mentioned that the golden small hall facing the first gate of the holy shrine was established by the king of Lakanhu Mohammad Shah the Indian . The wooden shed was established according to the instruction of Sultan Abd-ul-Hamid Khan . Mohammed Sadiq al-Isfahani reconstructed the dome with tile . He also purchased the houses attached to the yard of the holy shrine and increased that yard . He increased the area from the direction of the kiblah to a greater extent . He was buried in a room at the Gate of the Kiblah . He also constructed the yard with tile .

In AH 1355 , Sayyid Murtadha; the custodian of the holy shrine , rebuilt the silver gate lying in the golden hall facing the room of the tomb . On the shutters of that gate he wrote the poem of Sheikh Mohammad Ali al-Ya’qoubi .

The custody of the holy shrine of al-Abbas has been taken by honorable individuals who spared no efforts in managing , servicing , and constructing this holy shrine .

every Muslim man and woman under specific conditions , whereas Ziyara is not obligatory . It is yet very recommended for the innumerable narrations of the Prophet and the Imams regarding the rewards of those who perform such pilgrimages voluntarily .

Simply , Ziyara is to visit the tomb and say any word of greeting , such as ‘Salaam’ . Other narrations have confirmed that it is acceptable to address such words of greetings from any place in the world while directing the face towards the direction of the tomb .

At any rate , it is advisable , according to reason as well as instructions of well-versed scholars , to commit to the statements of the Ziyaras that are related to the Ahl-ul-Bayt (a) , because such statements express deeply the actuality of the owner of the visited tomb and hint at the most accurate conducts to be practiced there .

On that account , it is recommendable for the visitors of the tomb of al-Abbas to follow the instructions mentioned in the saying of Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a) regarding the Ziyara .

In this saying , the Imam instruct the visitor to stop opposite to the body of al-Abbas turning the back to the kiblah , just like visiting the tombs of the prophets and Imams . This expresses the utmost courtesy befitting the elevated rank of al-Abbas . In fact , to visit al-Abbas after his death is same as visiting him during his life . This is because the martyrs are “alive with their Lord

and receive sustenance from Him . ”

The author of Mezar ul-Bihar on page 165 , records that Sheikh al-Mufid , Ibn al-Mash’hadi , and ash-Shahid al-Awwal emphasized that the visitor of the tomb of al-Abbas should , first , stop at the door of the shed and seek permission to enter by saying : “Greetings of Allah… etc . ” He then should enter and throw himself on the tomb and recite : “Salaam be upon you , the righteous servant of God… etc . ” He then should move to the direction of the head to offer the prayer and supplicate to God . He then should return to the tomb , stop at the two legs , and recite : “Salaam be upon you , Abu’l-Fadhl al-Abbas… etc . ”

Although these statements do not show whether it is advisable to stop at a specific side , it is understood that the direction of the kiblah is the intended .

Some scholars however advised of visiting the tomb of al-Abbas before that of Imam al-Hussein (a) , because the earlier is the door to the latter .

It is also advisable to offer the two-Rakaa prayer of Ziyara at the tomb of al-Abbas . During his visit to the tombs of the martyrs of Karbala on the fortieth day after their martyrdom , Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari visited the tomb of al-Abbas ibn Ali and offered a two-Rakaa prayer .

It is also advisable to kiss the tomb . This is proved through the narration of Safwan

al-Jammal who relates it to Imam as-Sadiq (a) :

“… You should then come near the tomb of al-Abbas ibn Ali and say… Then throw yourself on the tomb , kiss it , and say… etc . ”

with regard to the descendant of the commissioned Prophet (a) and his family , the chosen grandson (of the Prophet) , the well knowledgeable guide (to the true religion) , the conveying successor , and the wrongfully oppressed one . (Namely , Imam al-Hussein ibn Ali) .

فجزاكَ اللهُ عن رسولهِ وعن أميرِ المؤمنينَ وعنِ الحسنِ والحسينِ صلواتُ اللهِ عليهِم أفْضلَ الجزاءِ بما صبرْتَ واحتسَبْتَ وأَعَنْتَ، فنِعْمَ عُقبى الدّار .

So , Allah may reward you on behalf of His Messenger , Amir ul-Mu’minin , al-Hasan , and al-Hussein , peace of Allah be upon them , the best reward for your steadfastness , dedication (to the sake of God) , and support (for the right party) . Very excellent be the reward of the eternal life .

لعنَ اللهُ مَن قتلكَ، ولعنَ اللهُ مَن جهِلَ حقّكَ واستخفَّ بحُرمَتِك، ولعن اللهُ مَن حالَ بينك وبين ماءِ الفُرات .

Allah’s curse be on him who killed you . And Allah’s curse be on him who omitted your right , belittled your sanctity . And Allah’s curse be on him who precluded you from having from the water of the River Euphrates .

أَشْهدُ أنّك قُتِلْتَ مَظلوماً، وأنّ اللهَ مُنْجِزٌ لكم ما وَعَدَكُم .

I testify that you were killed wrongfully , and that Allah will verily fulfill His promise that He made with you .

جِئْتُك يا بنَ أميرِ المؤمنينَ وافداً إليكم وقلبي مُسَلِّمٌ لكم وتابعٌ، وأنا لكم تابعٌ ونُصْرتي لكم مُعَدّةٌ حتى يَحْكُمَ الله، وهو خيرُ الحاكمين .

Son of Amir ul-Mu’minin , I have come to you to

present myself before you . My heart is submissive to you and is following you . And I am your follower . I am ready to support you until Allah decides for me . He is surely the Best of all who decide .

فَمَعَكُمْ مَعَكُمْ، لا مَعَ عَدُوّكم . إني بكم وبإيابِكم مِن المؤمنين، وبمَن خ_الَفَكم وقَتَلَك_م مِن الكافرين .

I am verily with you , not with your enemy . I am one of those who believe in you and believe in your Return . I also one of those who deny your opposites and killers .

قَتَلَ اللهَ أمّةً قتلتْكم بالأيدي والألسُن .

Allah may kill the group who killed you with hands and tongues (by giving orders of killing you . )

ثم ادخل فانكبّ على القبر وقل :

You should then enter , throw yourself on the tomb , and say :

السلامُ عليك أيُّها العبدُ الصالحُ المطيعُ للهِ ولرسولهِ ولأميرِ المؤمنين والحسنِ والحسينِ صلى الله عليهم وسلم .

Salaam be upon you; the righteous servant (of God) , the obedient to Allah , His Messenger , Amir ul-Mu’minin , al-Hasan , and al-Hussein , peace and greetings of Allah be upon them .

السلامُ عليك ورحمةُ اللهِ وبركاتُه ومغف_رتُه ورِض_وانُه، وعلى روحِك وبدنِك . Salaam , Allah’s mercy , blessings , forgiveness , and gratifications be upon you , your soul , and your body .

أَشْهَدُ وأُشْهِدُ اللهَ أنّك مضَيتَ على ما مضى به البدريّون والمجاهِدون في سبيل اللهِ، المناصحون له في جهادِ أعدائِه، المبالِغون في نُصرةِ أوليائهِ، الذابّون عن أَحِبّائهِ .

I testify

, and call Allah to witness , that you abided by the same course that was taken by the warriors of (the battle of) Badr and the mujahids for Allah’s sake who faithfully served Him in the battlefields against His enemies , did their bests for supporting His disciples , and defended His intimate ones .

فجزاكَ اللهُ أفضلَ الجزاءِ وأكثرَ الجزاءِ وأوفرَ الجزاءِ وأوفى جزاءِ أحَدٍ ممّن وَفى بِبَيْعَتهِ واستجابَ له دعوتَهُ وأطاع ولاةَ أمرِهِ .

So , Allah may reward you the best , the maximum , the most abundant , and the most conclusive reward that He may give to anyone who fulfills his homage , answers the call (of the religion) , and obeys his (divinely elected) leaders .

أشهد أنّك قد بالغتَ في النصيحةِ وأعطيتَ غايةَ المجهودِ .

I testify that you served (the Lord) extremely sincerely and exerted all your efforts (in this regard) .

فَبَعَثَكَ اللهُ في الشهداءِ، وجعلَ روحَكَ مع أرواحِ السُّعَداءِ، وأعطاك مِن جِنانِهِ أفسَحَها منْ_زِلاً وأفضَلَها غُرَفاً، ورفعَ ذِكْرَكَ في عِلِّيِّينَ، وحَشَرَكَ مع النَّبِيِّينَ والصِّدّيقين والشّهداءِ والصّالحينَ، وحَسُنَ اولئك رفيقاً .

Allah may attach you to the shahids , add your soul to the souls of the happy ones , give you the largest abode and the most handsome room in His Paradise , exalt your mention in Illiyyin , join you to the prophets , the veracious (ones) , the shahids , and the righteous (ones) . Very excellent is the companionship of such ones .

أَشهدُ أنّك لم تَهِنْ ولم تَنْكِلْ، وأنك مضَيتَ على بَصيرةٍ مِن أمرِكَ،

مُقتدِياً بالصّالحين ومُتَّبِعاً للنّبيّين .

I testify that you did not lag behind and did not turn away the face , and that you left this life with full awareness of the truth , following the examples of the righteous ones and sticking to the prophets .

فَجَمَعَ اللهُ بيننا وبينك وبين رسولِهِ وأوليائِهِ في منازِلِ المُخْبِتين، فإنّه أرحمُ الرّاحِمين . So , Allah may gather us with you , His Messenger , and His disciples in the abodes of those who practiced humbly (with their Lord) . He is certainly the most Merciful of all the merciful ones .

any sin (that I did) without forgiveness , any care without relief , any illness without cure , any defect with covering up , any (source of) sustenance without expansion , any item of terror without pacification , any disunity without reunification , any absent one without guarding and approaching (him to me) , and any single need whose settlement achieves your gratification and my good , among the many needs of this life as well as the life to come without settlement . You are the most Merciful of all the merciful ones .

ثم عد الى الضريح فقف عند الرجلين وقل :

You should then return to the tomb , stop at the side of the legs , and say :

السلامُ عليكَ يا أبا الفضلِ العَبّاسِ بنَ أميرِ المؤمنين .

Salaam be upon you , Abu-al-Fadhl al-Abbas , son of Amir ul-Mu’minin .

السلامُ عليك يا بنَ سيدِ الوصيّين .

Salaam be upon you , son of the chief of the successors (of the prophets . )

السلامُ عليكَ يا بنَ أوّلِ القومِ إسلاماً وأقدَمِهِم إيماناً وأقومِهِم بدينِ الله وأحوطِهِم على الإسلام .

Salaam be upon you , son of the foremost to (the embracement of) Islam , the first one who believed (in God) , the best one who served the religion of Allah , and the most knowledgeable of Islam .

أشهدُ لقد نصحتَ للهِ ولرسولهِ ولأخيك، فنِعْمَ الأخُ المُواسي .

I testify that you served Allah , His Messenger , and your brother sincerely . You were the most excellent consoling brother .

فَلَعَنَ اللهُ أمّةً قَتَلَتْكَ،

ولعنَ اللهُ أمّةً ظلمتْكَ، ولعن اللهُ أمّةً استحلّتْ مِنك المحارِمَ وانتهكت حرمةَ الإسلام .

So , Allah’s curse be on the group who killed you . And Allah’s curse be on the group who wronged you . And Allah’s curse be on the group who violated your sanctities and infringed the sanctity of Islam .

فنِعْمَ الصابرُ المجاهدُ المُحامي النّاصِرُ، والأخُ الدافعُ عن أخيه، المجيبُ الى طاعةِ ربّهِ، الراغبُ في ما زَهَدَ فيه غيرُهُ مِن الثوابِ الجزيلِ والثناءِ الجميل .

You were the most excellent steadfast fighter , protector , supporter , and brother who defended his brother , responded to the obedience to his Lord , and worked desirably for gaining the abundant reward and the nice tribute that others refused .

فألْحَقَكَ اللهُ بِدَرَجَةِ آبائِك في جنّاتِ النّعيم .

So , Allah may attach you to the rank of your fathers in the gardens of bliss .

اللّهمّ إني تعرّضتُ لزيارةِ أوليائِكَ رغبةً في ثوابِكَ ورجاءً لمعرفتِك وجزيلِ إحسانِك، فأسألُك أن تُصلّيَ على محمدٍ وآلِهِ الطّاهرين وأن تجعلَ رِزقي بِهِم دارّاً وعَيشي بهم قارّاً وزيارتي بهم مقبولةً وحياتي بهم طيّبَةً وأَدرِجْني إدراجَ المُكرَّمين واجعلني ممّن ينقلِبُ من زيارةِ مشاهدِ أحِبّائِك مُفلِحاً مُنجِحاً قد استوجَبَ غُفرانَ الذُّنوبِ وسَترَ العُيوبِ وكشْفَ الكروبِ إنّك أهلُ التّقوى وأهلُ المغفِرة .

O Allah , I have done the pilgrimage to Your disciples out of my desire for (winning) your reward and my wish to recognize You and Your abundant benevolence . So , I implore to You to send Your blessings to Mohammad and his immaculate family and make my sustenance ,

by their intercession , flow copiously , my living delightful , my pilgrimage rewardable , and my life pleasant . And make me take to the conduct of the honored ones and make me one of those who win success and prosperity and deserve forgiveness of sins , covering up of defects , and relief of disasters after their return from the pilgrimage of the shrines of Your intimate disciples . You are surely worthy of being feared and worthy of forgiving .

فإذا أردت وداعه فادنُ من القبر الشريف وودّعْه :

If you intend to take leave , approach the holy tomb and say :

أستَودِعُك اللهَ وأسترعيكَ وأقرأُ عليك السلامَ .

I seek , through you , the guard and custody of Allah and I say Salaam to you .

آمَنّا باللهِ وبرسولهِ وبكتابهِ وبما جاءَ مِن عندِ اللهِ . اللّهمّ فاكْتُبْنا مع الشاهِدين .

We have believed in Allah and in His Messenger and in His Book and in that which he conveyed from Allah . O Allah , record our names with the witnesses .

اللّهمّ لا تجعلْهُ آخِرَ العهدِ من زيارتي قبرَ ابنِ أخي رسولِكَ صلّى اللهُ عليه وآلِهِ وارزُقْني زيارتَهُ أبَداً ما أبْقيتَني واحشُرني معهُ ومع آبائِهِ في الجنانِ وعَرّفْ بيني وبينه وبين رسولِكَ وأوليائِكَ .

O Allah , do not make this pilgrimage to the tomb of the son of Your Messenger’s (peace of Allah be upon him and his family) brother the last one . Grant me opportunities to visit him so long as You keep me alive , and join

me to him and his fathers in the paradises , and introduce me to him , to Your Messenger , and to Your disciples .

اللّهمّ صلِّ على محمدٍ وآلِ محمدٍ وتَوَفَّني على الإيمانِ بكَ والتّصديقِ برسولِكَ والوِلايةِ لِعَلِيِّ بنِ أبي طالبٍ والأئِمّةِ مِن وُلْدِهِ عليهم السلامُ والبراءةِ من عدُوّهِم فإني قد رضِيتُ يا ربّي بذلِكَ وصلّى اللهُ على محمدٍ وآلِ محمدٍ .

O Allah , send Your blessings to Mohammad and the family of Mohammed and take me to you abiding by the believing in You , giving credence to Your Messenger , being faithful to Ali ibn Abi-Talib and the Imams; his descendants , and disavowing their enemy . My Lord , I have accepted such . Allah may send blessings to Mohammad and the family of Mohammad .

ثم ادع لنفسك ولأبويك وللمؤمنين والمسلمين واختر من الدعاء ما شئت .

You may then supplicate to God for yourself , your parents , the faithful believers , and the Muslims . You may choose any statement of supplication you like .

in the holy shrines and under the domes covering the tombs of the righteous individuals upon whom God conferred with items of His unique kindness and benevolence .

One of these righteous individuals was Abu’l-Fadhl al-Abbas who won worthily the epithet of ‘the righteous servant of God’ . He preceded others in the field of offering everything he had for God’s sake; therefore , the All-benevolent God rewarded him with the best rewards in this world and the world to come , and his holy shrine has become the refuge of the fearful and the center of answering the prayers .

The holy shrine of al-Abbas has been showing countless charismata that most people witnessed and reported to one another .

Some of these charismata have taken the form of solving the most complicated problems brought to God through the intercession of al-Abbas . Some have taken the form of uprooting completely the incurable diseases that professional physicians could not treat . Some have taken the form of giving victory to the weak , oppressed ones . Some have taken the form of discovering the most mysterious secrets . After all , under the holy dome that covers the tomb of al-Abbas all questions are answered and all problems are solved—all by the permission of God Who instructs us to seek means that take us to Him :

Believers , have fear of God . Find the means to reach Him and strive hard for His cause so that you may have everlasting happiness .

Those who want (God’s true

guidance) should seek means to their Lord .

Let us now refer to some charismata shown at the holy shrine of al-Abbas .

- Sheikh Abd-ur-Raheem at-Tustari (died in AH 1313) recounted :

In the holy precinct of the tomb of Abu’l-Fadhl al-Abbas there was an Arab boy , who was paralyzed , tied to the window covering the tomb . With this boy I saw a man , who seemed to be his father , entreating earnestly al-Abbas to give cure to the boy . Soon after that , the boy stood up and shouted : “Al-Abbas cured me ! ” People who were present there gathered around the boy and tore his clothes for seeking blessings through them…

- Sayyid Ahmed al-Haairi recounted :

I was with a group of the servants of the holy shrine of al-Abbas when a man went out in a hurry . He was putting his hand on the root of his pinkie from which blood was flowing . We were told that this man had despised al-Abbas who cut his pinkie . On the widow covering the tomb , we found the pinkie of that man without a single drop of blood .

Sheikh Hasan Dakheel recounted :

It was very hot that midday when I visited the holy tomb of al-Abbas . Nobody was in the holy shrine except that sixty-year old servant whose mission was to supervise the shrine . Not too long after that a woman hiding all her organs came in with a sixteen-year old boy who was

dressing the garb of the Kurds . A tall white Kurdish man came in after them . Ignoring the rituals people used to do in that place , the man seemed to be disrespecting the holy shrine and the tomb . He turned the back to the tomb and went on looking at the swords and precious pieces hanged there . Few minutes later , something strange occurred . That man , as if he was electrified , was beaten to the window . His face turned to red and all his organs were cramped… the man was taken to the holy shrine of Imam al-Hussein (a) . In his way , people began to gather as they noticed the man’s unusual state . He was tied to the window on the tomb of Ali al-Akbar . He could sleep there . When he woke up , he recited the shahada and declared his submission to the Imamate of the Twelve Imams (a) whose names were mentioned by him . He then told that a tall man , near the holy tomb of al-Abbas , seized him firmly and went on beating him with a stick he had in the hand and reproaching him for following the wrong path ! The lady who accompanied him then narrated her story with this Kurdish man :

This virtuous , polite man asked my hand from my brothers after he had done them a great favor . They , as well as I , agreed .

After marriage , I asked my Sunnite husband to permit me to pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Imam al-Kadhim and Imam al-Jawad in Baghdad , but he refused claiming such pilgrimage’s being a sort of superstition . When I became pregnant , I asked him to vow he would pilgrimage to the holy shrines if the baby would be male . He did , but he did not fulfill his vow when I gave birth of a boy . He promised he would fulfill his vow when the boy would be fifteen years old . As I insisted on the pilgrimage , the man agreed and I could pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Imam al-Kadhim where I asked to show my husband a charisma that would cause him to follow Shiism and show respect to the Imams . Unfortunately , the husband’s sarcasm at the Imams increased . We then visited the holy shrines of Imam al-Hadi and Imam al-Askari in Samarra . Nevertheless , my husband was not guided to the right path . As soon as our feet trod on the dust of Karbala , I said to myself : “I will first visit the tomb of al-Abbas and entreat him to show a charisma due to which my husband will believe in the Imamate . If this will not occur , I will neither visit the holy shrine of his brother , Imam al-Hussein , nor will I pilgrimage to Najaf to visit the holy shrine of his father

, Imam Ali Amir ul-Mu’minin . ” Now , you have seen what happened in the holy shrine of al-Abbas .

- Sayyid Ibrahim al-Bahbahani recounted :

One week after my marriage in AH 1351 , I had flu accompanied by high fever . The physicians of Najaf , including Dr . Mohammad Zaki Abazha , treated me , but uselessly . As my disease was increasing , I decided not to see any physician . A few moths later , a committee of four physicians decided that I would die in a month .

In Muharram , AH 1354 , my father went to a village called ‘al-Qasim’ to recite the tragic saga of Imam al-Hussein (a) , in the memorial gatherings for that anniversary . My mother , who was in an incessant state of weeping , was tending me .

At the seventh night of that month , I saw in sleep a tall , good-looking man asking me to give a sermon in the memorial gathering held in that anniversary . He also asked me to go to Karbala and mention the saga of al-Abbas there . For three times , that man asked me to do that thing . When I woke up , I told my mother of that dream . She was delighter and decided to take me to the holy shrine of al-Abbas . None responded to her suggestion because of the bad state I had . Finally , some relatives decided to put me in a coffin

because I was unable to ride anything .

As soon as we arrived in the holy shrine , I slept there and saw that very man who reproached me for delay and asked me to recite the saga of al-Abbas . I woke up with terror , but I immediately fainted . When I recovered consciousness , I was very healthy . Everybody who was in the holy shrine , the yard , and even the market gathered around me with cries of Allahu Akbar and La Ilaha illa (A)llah . Policemen attended , asked people to leave , and took me out to the hall facing the holy sanctuary…

Referring to this charisma , many authors , such as Sayyid Salih al-Hilli , Mohammad Ali al-Ya’qoubi , Sheikh Ali al-Jeshi , Sayyid Hassoun Radi al-Qizwini , Sayyid Mohammad Reda al-Hindi , Sheikh Abd-Ali Hussein , Ja’far at-Turaifi , Sheikh Kadim as-Sudani , Sheikh Hasan Sebti , Sayyid Nuri Salih al-Baghdadi , and others , composed poetic verses that perpetuated the occurrence .

- ‘Mkhelef’ was the name of a man who lived in al-Muhammara and was inflicted with a chronic illness in his legs which were as thin as fingers . Most of the inhabitants of al-Muhammara knew that man and his illness . Creeping on his buttocks and hands , Mkhelef used to be present at the memorial gatherings held for commemorating the tragedy of Imam al-Hussein (a) . He used to sit under the mimbar with the legs extended . Sheikh Khaz’al

, chief of the province of al-Ahwaz southern Iran , had a Husseiniyya in which the ceremonies of the consolation of Imam al-Hussein were held . On the seventh day of Muharram that year , people , as usual , stood up for slapping on their chests as expression of their deep sadness for the martyrdom of al-Abbas . In the midst of their slapping and shouting , the crowds observed that Mkhelef was standing among them shouting , ‘I am Mkhelef . Al-Abbas enabled me to stand up on my legs . ’

As they noticed this miracle , people rushed upon Mkhelef and tore his clothes as each one tried to take a piece of it for seeking blessings . Sheikh Khaz’al then ordered his officials to take Mkhelef to one of the rooms of the Husseiniyya and prevent people from reaching him .

When people asked him what had happened , Mkhelef recounted :

As people were slapping and shouting , I fell into a slumber under the mimbar . I saw a tall , handsome man on a horse asking me : ‘Mkhelef , why do you not slap for al-Abbas ? ’ ‘Sir , ’ I answered , ‘I cannot because of that which you see . ’ As the horseman ordered me to stand up , I asked him to give me his hands so that they will help me stand up . He said , ‘I do not have hands ! You may hold on the stirrup of the

horse and stand up . ’

Thus , the holy tomb of al-Abbas has been , day and night , visited by various kinds of people : a needy who seeks God’s charity , an ailed who searches for cure from the Lord , a grieved who hopes for relief from God , a terrified who seeks succor , and an involved who seeks solution—all through the intercession of al-Abbas , and all return with pleasure and happy-heartedness as the intercession of al-Abbas , as usual , achieves success .

sons; al-Fadhl , Hamza , Ibrahim , al-Abbas , and Ubaidullah . All these were honorable , virtuous authors .

Al-Fadhl was such an eloquent , religious , and courageous personality that caliphs respected him . He was named ‘Ibn al-Hashimiyya –son of the Hashemite lady-’ . He had three sons; Ja’far , al-Abbas al-Akbar , and Mohammad .

Abu’l-Abbas al-Fadhl ibn Mohammed ibn al-Fadhl ibn al-Hasan ibn Ubaidullah ibn al-Abbas was a famous orator and poet . He composed some poetic verses eulogizing his forefather; a-Abbas .

Hamza ibn al-Hasan ibn Ubaidullah ibn al-Abbas copied his forefather; Amir ul-Mu’minin . His grandson Mohammed ibn Ali—the famous poet resided in Basra and died in AH 286 .

Ibrahim Jardaqa was another descendant of al-Abbas . He was jurisprudent , man of letters , and well known of his ascetics .

Abdullah ibn Ali ibn Ibrahim wrote some books , such as the book titled al-Ja’fariyya . He died in Egypt in AH 312 .

Al-Abbas ibn al-Hasan ibn Ubaidullah ibn al-Abbas was a great celebrity among the Hashemites . He visited Baghdad during the reign of Harun ar-Rashid . He was one of the most celebrated poets .

Abdullah ibn al-Abbas was also a famous personality for his virtue and celebrity . When he was informed about Abdullah’s death , al-Ma’moun— the Abbasid caliph said : “All people are the same after your departure , son of al-Abbas ! ”

Abu’t-Tayyib Mohammed ibn Hamza enjoyed a good personality . He was also well known of his regard of relatives and virtue . He

had big fortunes in Jordan where he was killed in AH 291 . His descendants were called ‘sons of the martyr . ’

Ubaidullah ibn al-Hasan was the governor and qadi of Mecca and Medina during the reign of al-Ma’moun .

Abu-Ya’li al-Hamza ibn al-Qasim ibn Ali ibn Hamza ibn al-Hasan ibn Ubaidullah ibn al-Abbas ibn Ali was one of the most celebrated men of knowledge . He was great hadithist who instructed many famed scholars and wrote many books , such as Kitab ut-Tawhid , Kitab uz-Ziyaraatu wel-Menasik , and many others in various fields of knowledge , especially in Ilm ur-Rijal and Ilm ul-Hadith . Many scholars described him with remarkable words of praise .

In a village called ‘al-Hamza’ and lying in al-Jazira , central Iraq , between the Euphrates and the Tigris , there lies that handsome shrine which was built on the tomb of al-Hamza and has been incessantly visited by people .

Finally , books of history are full of names of great personalities among the descendants of al-Abbas ibn Ali .

, by the participation of other clans , to blockade and boycott the Hashemites completely; therefore , they detained them in a col for three or four years . Nevertheless , this decision failed due to a divine miracle .

As soon as the Hashemites lost their chief; Abu-Talib , the Koreishite clans decided to assassinate the Prophet whom God protected and instructed to move to Yathrib most of whose inhabitants embraced Islam .

By means of seductions , threats , and the Jews , the Koreishites tried to force people of Yathrib , which lied on the way of their commercial artery and threatened their trade-off with Syria with cessation , to forsake the Prophet . They failed , too .

Hence , they decided to engage themselves in a war against the Hashemite Prophet . They fought against him in the battles of Badr , Uhud , and al-Khandaq… and they failed .

They used the Jews as a weapon against him… but they failed .

They also sought the support of the Persians and the Romans… but they failed .

After eight years of his migration , the Prophet surprised the Koreishites when he conquered their capital; Mecca , with an irresistible army . Thus , the Koreishites had to give up and surrender to the Prophet .

Afterwards , the Prophet declared public amnesty to the chiefs of the Koreishite clans and gathered them in the Holy Masjid under the swords of his soldiers to explain to them their arrogance , tyranny , denial of the Verses of

God , malice towards the Prophet of God , wronging the Hashemites and Muslims , and waging wars against Islam .

He then released them , and they have been called ‘the released ones . ’

decision was the Heavens . It was Almighty God Who selected and appointed Ali , followed by the Immaculate Imams of his progeny , as the next leader of the Islamic umma after the Prophet . This decision was conveyed by the Prophet from the earliest stage of the march of Islam . In almost all occasions that gathered Muslims , the Prophet confirmed that Ali would succeed him in the leadership of the Islamic umma . The event of Ghadir Khum is a clear-cut proof on our claim . Ahead of about one hundred thousand Muslims whom were gathered in that terribly hot weather , the Prophet (s) raised Ali’s hand to declare that this man must be regarded as the leader of everyone who adopted the leadership of the Prophet , and ordered the present ones to convey this decision to the absent , including the coming generations . In addition , he gave orders of holding special ceremonies on that occasion and took the pledge of all Muslims—men and women to recognize the leadership of Imam Ali . The anniversary of that occasion is still celebrated by Muslims who fulfilled their pledge to the Prophet .

As a hopeless endeavor , the Koreishite chiefs , supported by some Koreishite individuals who were among the first converts to Islam but showed loyalty to the Koreishite conspirators , came to the Prophet to suggest that he had better cancel his decision of appointing Ali as the coming leader… etc . But the Prophet refused their

demand , emphasizing that the matter was God’s not anyone’s desire .

The Prophet used nice policy with those defeated chiefs . For instance , he appointed their military commander; Abu-Suffian ibn Harb , as a tax collector . But , they kept on their plots and wicked intentions . They , once , demanded with autonomy , but the Prophet (s) reproached and threatened to fight them with his hero; Ali ibn Abi-Talib . He also predicted that the Koreishites would not stop plotting against Islam unless they are submitted by force .

Finally , the Koreishites despaired of the success of any plot as long as the Prophet was alive . Hence , they prepared new matters that would be done after his death .

which Abu-Bakr was decided as the new leader of the Islamic umma . When Imam Ali , supported by the faithful companions of the Prophet , denied the decisions of that meeting considering the whole matter as violation to the Prophet’s instructions , the head of the founding members of that meeting , namely Omar ibn al-Khattab , declared openly the main cause that made them hold such a meeting and decide such a decision . He said to Imam Ali : “We dislike for you , the Hashemites , to have both prophecy and leadership . ”

Showing his limitless malice towards Islam and Prophet Mohammed (s) , Abu-Suffian found through such divergence the best opportunity that must be seized for striking Islam and disuniting Muslims . He equipped his relatives with weapons and led them to the door of Imam Ali’s house to tell that he , as well as that well-equipped army , was ready to support him if he would declare war against the other party who usurped his divine right of leadership . Imam Ali understood Abu-Suffian’s real intention very well and rejected his suggestion .

So , the Hashemites lost their position that Almighty God selected for them . Nevertheless , this does not cancel their being the real leaders of the Islamic nation and the ones whose instructions must be followed since they have been the successors of the Prophet according to divine instructions .

After many events , Abu-Bakr came to power and appointed Omar ibn al-Khattab as his successor

.

Omar ibn al-Khattab , as being the caliph—the political-religious head of Muslims , appointed Muawiya; son of Abu-Suffian the mortal enemy of Islam and the leader of these armed forces against the Prophet and his companions as the governor of Damascus . It is ironic that a man who was to become the political-religious head of a province in the Islamic State was born into a clan that rejected Prophet Muhammad (s) in his home city , Mecca , and continued to oppose him on the battlefields after he had emigrated to Medina , and did not convert to Islam until the Prophet conquered Mecca and obliged its inhabitants to follow his religion .

Another irony was the plan that Omar ibn al-Khattab made for choosing the next caliph who was Othman ibn Affan .

his turn to understand the current and the coming events .

The policies of Othman ibn Affan brought about a general disorder in the intellectual and doctrinal lives of Muslims . These policies were aimed at taking the Ahl-ul-Bayt away from the political centers in the state and subjecting them to the illegitimate ruling authorities . Hence , the political and administrative positions were given to definite persons who belonged to the clans of Umayya and Aal-Maeet . The Hashemites and their partisans were prevented from holding any position .

All the offices of the Islamic State became in the hands of the Umayyads who went on creating crises among Muslims . It is indisputable that the great majority of such governors did not have any Islamic trend and were directed to work against the real Islam of Mohammed and his family (a) . Moreover , they lacked familiarity with and expertise in the Islamic laws and the requirements of the Islamic Sharia .

As a result of such policy , some troops of the Islamic army left Iran and Egypt to Medina and demanded Othman with rectifying his policies and removing the Umayyads from the offices of the state . Unfortunately , he did not respond , and the revolters found no means other than assassinating Othman after they had encouraged by the most celebrated personalities who accompanied the Prophet . So , they killed Othman and could get rid of his dishonest policies of favoring his relatives to the others and spreading entrepreneurship in the Islamic

world .

the true Islamic course .

Imam Ali , also , taught the society how to fulfill their responsibilities before God , watch the general situations of the Islamic State , save the society from deviation , revolt against the unjust rulers , and work purely for sake of God .

These were the principles that made al-Abbas ibn Ali stop with his brother Imam al-Hussein who revolted against the unjust rulers who violated the sanctities of the Islamic society and enslaved Muslims . In fact , al-Abbas , being the son of Imam Ali , was the worthiest of learning and applying the instructions of his father to himself and working on propagating them among people .

Imam Ali (a) also used all weapons for fighting poverty and removing its ghost away from the Islamic society . He therefore supplied the needy people with residential places , eliminated unemployment , monopoly , and usury .

He finally stopped all sorts of favoritism; the distinctive feature of the reign of Othman ibn Affan who favored his relatives at the expense of the others . Thus , equality took its purest form during the reign of Imam Ali (a) .

All these reforms canceled out the private interests of the Koreishites , especially the Umayyads , who did their best to do away with Imam Ali and his policies . They therefore formed different opposite powers who waged wars against him .

First of all , there was Aisha (the Prophet’s widow and the first caliph’s daughter) whose limitless malice against Imam Ali

controlled her completely to the degree that she rode on that red camel against which the Prophet (s) warned her and led an army against the legal authority of the Islamic State; namely , Imam Ali .

One can feel the big irony when he recognizes , through authentic reports , that this very Aisha was a direct reason for the assassination of Othman ibn Affan against whom she rallied people and whom she described as non-Muslim . When she was informed of his death , she prostrated herself to God as a sign of thanks , but when she was informed that Ali held the position of leadership , her situation was converted and she cried : “Othman was killed wrongfully . I must take revenge upon his killers . ”

She then gathered troops and directed to Basra where she faced the army of Imam Ali who overcame and could capture her . Out of his remarkable and unmatched moral standards , Imam Ali honored the mutinous lady , released her , and sent her home .

In the midst of all these events , al-Abbas was watching , with heedful heart , the opposite powers and watching his father’s wise treatments of the situation . In fact , his father’s behaviors were the best lessons that lead him to occupy the first place in the field of heroism , sacrifice , and perseverance on principles .

Continuing the series of their enmity against the right party in general and the Hashemites in particular , the Umayyads

formed an opposite power that faced and waged war against Imam Ali .

Muawiya , being the governor of Damascus since the reign of Omar ibn al-Khattab , declared armed mutiny against the legal authority of the Islamic State and could gather the ignorant ones , the hypocrites , the opportunists , and the former officials of Othman’s government whose ill-gotten properties were confiscated by Imam Ali to be distributed fairly among all people , to form an army of mutineers .

Muawiya’s troops directed towards Iraq and camped in Siffeen on the Syrian-Iraqi borders . First , they occupied the two banks of the River Euphrates so as to prevent Imam Ali’s army from water . Out of their extreme inhumanity and brutality , the Umayyads used the blockade of water as a weapon against their rivalries . They did the same thing with Imam al-Hussein , his household , and his companions when they occupied the two banks of the River Euphrates and prevented Imam al-Hussein’s army from having water .

As Imam Ali noticed that Muawiya’s troops would not permit his army to have water after they had refused his calls to peace , he allowed his army to attack . They could defeat Muawiya’s army and occupy the two banks of the river . Some of the commanders asked Imam Ali to prevent Muawiya’s troops from having water , but he , out of his incomparable mercy and feelings of responsibility towards human beings in general and Muslims in particular , refused that request

and permitted the other party to have water which is allowable to all creatures .

Unfortunately , Muawiya , his family , and his group did not thank for Imam Ali this unique situation . On the contrary , they rewarded Imam Ali’s son and household evil when they prevented them , even their newborns and women , from having water .

When all efforts of peace failed , Imam Ali had to fight the other party . In the last stage of that war which lasted for two years causing ten thousands of casualties , Imam Ali was about to achieve victory and put an end to that war , but Muawiya turned to a trickery . He asked his defeated soldiers to impale copies of the holy Quran on their lances and call that the judge of the Quran should be sought .

Deluded by such false cries , some divisions in Imam Ali’s army responded to these calls and asked Imam Ali to submit . The Imam tried his best to convince the deluded ones , the hypocrites , and the agents , but uselessly . He therefore had to submit to their demand of the arbitration of the holy Quran . Muawiya suggested that he would choose a man as his representative and Imam Ali should choose one as his representative . Under the pressure of the mutinous groups in Imam Ali’s army , the Imam had to accept Abu-Musa al-Ash’ari as representative . Muawiya chose Amr ibn al-Aas the disreputable swindler . Before

holding the session of arbitration , Amr ibn Al-Aas fooled al-Ash’ari by claiming that they both should judge of denouncing both Ali and Muawiya so as to save Muslims from such fitnah—Civil war . Moreover , Amr could convince al-Ash’ari to ascend the mimbar first and denounce his leader—Imam Ali .

Before the two parties , al-Ash’ari ascended the mimbar and denounced Imam Ali . When he came down , Amr ascended and called people to follow the ‘legal’ leadership of his leader—Muawiya !

This farce of arbitration , which ended with deposing Imam Ali as caliph and appointing Muawiya as the new leader , folded the last page in the holiest Islamic government that aimed at achieving ideal social justice . However , the hypocrites and the Koreishite clans , especially the Umayyads , succeeded in overthrowing this government and replacing it with the reign of the Umayyad dynasty that brought about the most appalling tragedy—the massacre of the Prophet’s household .

lives . For instance , Mohammed ibn al-Hanafiyya , son of Imam Ali , showed great heroism in the battles led by his father while he was twenty year old or maybe less .

Some historians have mentioned that al-Abbas supported his brother Imam al-Hussein who led the division that defeated Muawiya’s troops and occupied the two banks of the River Euphrates during the battle of Siffeen .

Historians , also , have referred to the following narration :

During the battle of Siffeen , a sublime , courageous young man of about seventeen year old putting a veil on the face advanced for fighting . Muawiya , seeing that people feared that warrior , asked Abu’sh-Shaathaa to fight with him . Abu’sh-Shaathaa refused claiming that he was too courageous to fight with such a young warrior . He suggested he would send one of his seven sons to fight . That young warrior could kill all the sons of Abu’sh-Shaathaa who became angry and decided to fight with that warrior himself . The warrior could kill Abu’sh-Shaathaa and return to the camp . Showing their admiration of the heroism and courage of that young warrior whom nobody knew , the companions of Imam Ali recognized that he must have been one of the Hashemites . When Imam Ali removed that veil from the warrior’s face , he was al-Abbas .

Al-Khawarzmi , in his book titled Manaqib ut-Talibiyyin; 147 , records the following incident :

Kuraib the strong soldier in Muawiya’s army advanced and could kill three of the

horsemen of Imam Ali’s army . He then challenged Imam Ali . Saddened by this challenge , Imam Ali called his son al-Abbas who was mature and ordered him to ride off his horse and take off his clothes . The father put on his son’s clothes , rode on his horse , and asked his son to dress his clothes and take his horse so that Kuraib will not shrink in fear and withdraw fighting…

These two incidents emphasize that al-Abbas ibn Ali participated in the battle of Siffeen with his father and brothers .

Some historians , however , have denied the participation of al-Abbas ibn Ali in that battle , claiming that it was al-Abbas ibn al-Harith , not al-Abbas ibn Ali , who attended that battle .

This is in fact not accurate , because there are other narrations , recorded in books of history such as al-Khawarzmi’s Maqatil ut-Talibiyyin; 105 , referring to the roles of al-Abbas ibn al-Harith in that battle .

Imam sent some messengers to convince them to change their opinions , but they did not respond . They went on shedding the blood of innocent people and spreading horror among Muslims .

As a second attempt , Imam Ali decided to visit them hoping he would take them back to the right path . Although he proved their being wrong through undisputable proofs , the Khawarij insisted on mutiny . As Imam Ali noticed that they formed a great danger against the Islamic society , he had to wage war against them . In a place called an-Nahrawan , a horrible fighting occurred between the Khawarij and Imam Ali’s army . In that war , the Khawarij were killed completely and none was saved except nine persons .

By the way , al-Abbas ibn Ali , probably , did not participate in this battle , because historians have not referred to any situation for him in this battle . At any rate , some historians believe that Imam Ali prevented some of his sons , including al-Abbas , from fighting in the battles of Siffin and an-Nahrawan because he wanted to save them from death .

After the ordeal of the Khawarij , Muawiya went on enhancing his power through the many raids that he made against some territories of Kufa; the capital of the Islamic State . He also occupied Egypt to take it out from the control of Imam Ali .

Those ordeals that inflicted the Islamic world saddened Imam Ali very much since he felt

the coming ordeals , which would be more horrible .

The Khawarij held a conference in Mecca and decided to get rid of Imam Ali , Muawiya , and Amr ibn al-Aas because , as they thought , those three persons were the reasons beyond people’s disorder . The ruling authority of Mecca knew about that meeting and , probably , supplied one of the conferee with money to facilitate his mission of killing Imam Ali .

The man , Abdur-Rahman ibn Muljim , came to Kufa and went on preparing for doing his mission with the help of the hypocrites of that city .

At the nineteenth night of the holy month of Ramadan , Imam Ali went to the mosque for leading the collective Fajr prayer . When he raised the head after the prostration , the infidel struck him on the head with his sword . As soon as the Imam felt the stroke , he smiled and declared : “By the Lord of Kaaba , I have won . ”

He was carried to his house where his sons , daughters , and harem gathered around him . The Imam distributed his sights among his sons as he predicted each one’s role in the future . The Imam looked at his son al-Abbas with sights of affection and emotion when he remembered the divine prediction regarding this courageous son and the role that he would play in supporting the religion of God . He then instructed his sons on the high moral standards , commitment

to the right , and perseverance on principles .

As the poison of the sword that struck the Imam spread to his entire body , death crept to him in sure steps . The Imam then departed life .

His elder son , Imam al-Hasan , along with his brothers , prepared the funeral rituals of his body . They washed his body , put it in the coffin , and carried it to the burial place in Najaf .

From the conduct of his father , along with the problems and ordeals that happened during his reign , al-Abbas learnt how to stand everything for sake of keeping the principles and achieving justice on this earth . He did believe in the brilliant goals to which his father called and for the application of which he sacrificed everything including his holy soul .

These lessons contributed greatly in creating that high spirit enjoyed by al-Abbas ibn Ali .

of infidelity .

All these ordeals encouraged Muawiya to declare war against the Imam . Thus , Muawiya gathered his powerful army and directed towards Iraq .

Accompanied by a few divisions of his army , Imam al-Hasan directed towards al-Madaain where he resided . Peace treaty with Muawiya was the only solution that would save the Imam’s soul and save Muslims from disunity and apostasy . Thus , Imam al-Hasan had to sign a peace treaty with Muawiya .

After that peace treaty , Imam al-Hasan , along with his household and brothers including al-Abbas , left Kufa to Medina . He resided there and began spreading his knowledges among seekers of studies and conferring upon the needy and the poor with his abundant generosity . By the presence of Imam al-Hasan , Medina regained its leading position as the spiritual capital of the Islamic world .

The bitter trials that Imam al-Hasan encountered opened the eyes of al-Abbas on new facts regarding the nature of both the society and the ruling authorities .

with all of its disadvantages , which Muawiya exerted all efforts for confirming them as an alternate for the principles of Islam .

Under the shades of the Umayyad reign , vice , immorality , despotism , and corruption spread all over the Islamic provinces . Muslims had to encounter insufferable ordeals that tested their perseverance on their principles and the scope of their faith and steadfastness against misfortunes .

Muawiya , first of all , directed towards the policy of eliminating the Islamic attentive personalities , such as Hijr ibn Edi , Amr ibn al-Hamq , Rushaid al-Hujari , Saad ibn Abi-Waqqas , Abd-ur-Rahman ibn Khalid , Abd-ur-Rahman ibn Abi-Bakr , and , finally , Imam al-Hasan .

He then dedicated all his possibilities to antagonizing the Ahl-ul-Bayt because they acted as oppositionists , represented the genuine and true trend of Islam , and belonged to that great Prophet who smashed the glories of the other Koreishite clans , especially Muawiya and his father who had stood against him openly as possible as they could until he conquered their city , captured them , and , then , set them free .

He established a faction of fabricators whose missions were to invent words , ascribed falsely to the Prophet , praising the other companions (of the Prophet) so as to be a front against the Ahl-ul-Bayt , invent other words dispraising the Ahl-ul-Bayt , and invent a third collection of words praising the Umayyads . Unfortunately , the influence of these inventions have still been effective and

many Muslims have been still deluded by such fabrications that were aimed at deceiving the Islamic nation by taking it away from the actual leadership that God , His Prophet Mohammed , and intellect have selected .

Muawiya , also , issued a formal decision ordering the officials of his government to revile at Imam Ali openly from the mimbars of Masjids all over the Islamic State .

Furthermore , Muawiya used the teaching institutions for achieving his blind goals of eradicating the Ahl-ul-Bayt . Hence , the new generations were brought up on malice against the Ahl-ul-Bayt .

All the same , the policies of Muawiya have failed and he was terribly disappointed . Amir ul-Mu’minin Ali ibn Abi-Talib has been the world’s song of human perfection and freedom , while the Umayyads have become nothing but a corruptive germ detested by everybody .

All these policies of persecution and grievous forms of discrimination that the Ahl-ul-Bayt had to suffer during the reign of the Umayyads increased in the mentality of al-Abbas the necessity of the struggle against oppression . He also believed in the obligation of revolting against the Umayyads for sake of fulfilling the religious duty and saving the Muslim community against the deviations and wrong policies of those illegitimate rulers .

The gravest danger that Muawiya brought to the Islamic nation was his naming Yazid; his lascivious son as the next ruler of the Islamic State .

Historians have unanimously mentioned that Yazid ibn Muawiya was empty of any humanitarian value . He was sunken in sins

and crimes . He declared openly that he had not believed in God or His Prophet and that he had had one and only mission—to eradicate the Prophet’s progeny so as to revenge himself against the Prophet and his family who killed many of his fathers and humiliated the others .

Finding his faithless son as the best one to achieve the evil aims of his fathers and him , Muawiya appointed Yazid as the coming leader and instructed him to do some matters that achieve the continuity of the Umayyad dynasty as absolute rulers of this nation .

Even during the funeral ceremonies of Imam al-Hassan , the Umayyads aroused a seditious matter when they prevented the holy body of the Imam to be buried beside the holy body of the Prophet . They exploited the malice that Aisha bore against the Ahl-ul-Bayt for achieving their wicked purposes .

Moreover , they threw the coffin of the Imam with darts . As he could no longer stand the situation , al-Abbas tried to attack the Umayyads and tear them into pieces with his sword , but Imam al-Hussein stopped him and asked him to comply with the will of the dear deceased who ordered them not to shed a single drop of blood because of a matter concerning him .

Thus , the funeral ceremonies were ended peacefully and the holy body of Imam al-Hasan was buried in al-Baqee .

When Muawiya surpassed the limits and adopted policies in violation of the interests of Muslims , Imam al-Hussein ,

in Medina , denied and exerted all efforts for exposing Muawiya’s policies and called Muslims to revolt against such an illegitimate authority . The secret agents in Medina reported all these activities to Muawiya who was frightened; therefore , he forwarded a message to the Imam threatening him with severe procedures if he would not stop . The Imam answered with a strongly-worded message in which he renounced Muawiya’s policies by mentioning his horrible political events and declared an opposite situation against that government .

During the season of the hajj , Imam al-Hussein held a political conference by the participation of a good number of Muhajirs , Ansar , and their followers . He delivered a sermon in which he referred to the harsh ordeals that the Prophet’s household , as well as all Muslims , had had to encounter during the reign of Muawiya . The Imam also asked the attendants to convey his message to everybody they trust so that Muslims would not be deluded by the mean policies of Muawiya and his agents .

the goals and believed in the necessity of applying them to humanity in general and the Muslim society in particular . He was one of the most important characters of the march of that revolution . He supported his brother , believed in his movements , and trusted his standards . Since the Imam left Medina , al-Abbas did not leave him for even a single moment . Hence , you can find the ghost of al-Abbas attending every item of Imam al-Hussein’s march until he lost his life for the sake of that great uprising .

Let us now refer to some chapters of Imam al-Hussein’s revolution .

his rejection of Yazid’s leadership and his call to mutiny against him .

Marwan ibn al-Hakam who attended that situation burst forth to agitate the fire of sedition . He addressed to al-Waleed : “If he departs you without taking the homage from him , you will never be able to take it any time else before numerous victims from both parties will fall . Detain him so as to take his acknowledgement of allegiance to the new caliph . If he does not give it , you should then behead him . ”

Looking at Mawran with contempt , Imam al-Hussein said to him : “Is it you or he who will kill me ? By God I swear , you , the mean one , have lied . ”

He then turned to al-Waleed and said :

“Emir , we are the household of prophecy , the core of the divine mission , the object of the visiting angels , and the center of the (divine) mercy . Allah commenced (the creation) with us and will seal with us . Yazid is a faithless man . He drinks wines , kills the respectful soul , and declares lechery openly . My example does not acknowledge allegiance to his . But , let both of us wait until morning and see which one is more meritorious of the caliphate –the religious and political leadership of the Islamic nation- and of being acknowledged for homage…”

By these words , Imam al-Hussein , indifferent to the ruling authorities and their threats

, rejected paying homage to Yazid and declared the reason beyond such rejection .

against the illegitimate leadership of the Umayyad dynasty .

Meanwhile the ruling authorities in Mecca feared very much after they had noticed the Muslims’ frequentation to Imam al-Hussein and their reporting that the Imam is worthier of the leadership of the Islamic nation than the descendants of Abu-Suffian who waged wars against Islam .

The governor of Mecca , Amr ibn Saeed al-Ashdaq , hurried to the Imam and said with wrath : “What has brought you to the Holy House of God ? ”

With a tone of confidence and quietness , the Imam answered : “I have come to seek the refuge of Allah and this House . ”

As this procedure threatened the Umayyad government , the governor of Mecca sent a message to Yazid telling him about all details . As he read the message , Yazid sent a note to Abdullah ibn Abbas in which he threatened Imam al-Hussein (a) for such movement and asked him to interfere for preventing the Imam from revolting against his government . Abdullah ibn Abbas answered Yazid’s note by advising him not to oppose the Imam since he left Medina because the ruling authorities there did not respect his standing and personality .

Hence , the Imam resided in Mecca for some time during which all his movements and activities were reported to Damascus; the capital of the Umayyad State .

Sulaiman ibn Sard al-Khuzaai , and delivered enthusiastic speeches in which they referred to the various sorts of persecution and torture that they suffered during the reign of Muawiya , and agreed on paying homage to Imam al-Hussein (a) and rejecting Yazid’s power . In the same time , they sent a delegation to Mecca to urge the Imam to come to them for forming a government and declaring their city as the capital of the Islamic State as it was during the reign of Imam Ali (a) .

Furthermore , people of Kufa sent thousands of messages in which they expressed their serious determination to support the Imam and sacrifice their souls and fortunes for him . They also charged him with the responsibility of what they had suffered if he would reject .

In the sight of Imam al-Hussein (a) , all these matters impose on him the legal responsibility of responding to the calls of the persecuted people .

Hence , he decided to send his cousin Muslim ibn Aqil to Kufa for inspecting the real situation there . After the report of Muslim , the Imam would see whether it is obligatory upon him to lead that revolt or not .

As he arrived in Kufa , Muslim resided in the house of al-Mukhtar ibn abi-Ubaida ath-Thaqafi . As the Shia knew about this matter , they hurried to al-Mukhtar’s house , received Muslim warmly , gathered around him , and appealed to him to accept their declarations of allegiance to Imam al-Hussein (a) .

Responding

to their request , Muslim opened a register in which he recorded the names of signers whose number reached eighteen thousand on the first few days . Day by day , the number was increasing .

It is worth mentioning that the ruling authorities of Kufa , though they knew everything about these procedures of revolution , kept silent because their head , an-Numan ibn Bashir al-Ansari , did not show loyalty to Yazid who opposed Ansar and because an-Numan’s daughter was the wife of al-Mukhtar whose house was the center of Muslim .

Naturally , the pro-Umayyad hypocrites did not like this situation; therefore , they contacted with the capital and informed Yazid about everything . They also demanded him with dismissing an-Numan and appointing a new governor who would be able to eradicate the revolution and subjugate people of Kufa to his government . These news terrified Yazid who summoned Sirjawn , his personal consultant , and asked for an advice . The skillful consultant advised Yazid to appoint Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad , the terrorist , for holding the position of governorship of Kufa . Like his father , Ubaidullah , who was the governor of Basra , was empty of any human tendency . He was ready to commit the ugliest crimes against humanity . Yazid , hence , wrote the decree of naming Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad as the governor of Kufa besides Basra . Ubaidullah was also ordered to direct towards Kufa for eradicating the revolution there and killing the envoy of Imam

al-Hussein; Muslim ibn Aqil .

and its chiefs , and went on plotting for eradicating it .

Next morning , Ubaidullah gathered the people in the Grand Masjid of Kufa to tell them about the new decision of appointing him as the new governor . He promised the obedient and threatened the disobedient and the mutineers with harsh punishment . He then showed items of horror by putting to death some individuals before he had interrogated them . He also filled the prisons with innocent people . All these means were taken for controlling the country completely .

As Muslim knew about Ubaidullah’s coming to Kufa , he changed his residential place . He moved to the house of Hanii ibn Urwa—one of the most celebrated personalities of Kufa , who welcomed his hospitably and received his partisans to plan for the revolution .

The success that Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad achieved in the political fields is ascribed to the series of plans that he made . The introductory step that he betook was spying on the movements of Muslim to circulate his political activities and realize his points of power and weakness . Ubaidullah chose his servant , Miiqal for this mission . He gave him some money and ordered him to contact with the significant members of the revolution by claiming that he shows loyalty to the Ahl-ul-Bayt and that he had come to Kufa as he heard the call of Imam al-Hussein (a) .

Miiqal could first reach Muslim ibn Awsaja—one of the celebrated personalities of the Shia and show him false

loyalty . Unfortunately , Muslim ibn Awsaja was deceived when he showed Miiqal the residential place of Muslim ibn Aqil . Thus , Miiqal frequented about the place and could comprehend everything about the expected revolt and report to his master; son of Marjana .

The second and most dangerous process that Ubaidullah did was arresting Hanii ibn Urwa who was the chief of the tribes of Mithhaj—the great majority of the inhabitants of Kufa . This procedure spread a big wave of horror among people of Kufa and sent a destructive strike to the expected revolution .

Before Ubaidullah the tyrant , Hanii denied the accusation that he had Muslim ibn Aqil in his house . Hence , the ruling authorities summoned Miiqal the spy to testify of the truth . However , Hanii refused to give up his guest to the authorities . But the tyrant ordered his servants to draw Hanii near him and went on beating him on the face with a bar he had in the hand . He then ordered Hanii to be detained in one of the rooms of the palace .

This procedure shook the feelings of the tribes of Mithhaj who , under the leadership of the traitor Amr ibn al-Hajjaj , pushed themselves towards the palace . Amr shouted so as to make Ubaidullah hear him : “I am Amr ibn al-Hajjaj , and these are the celebrities and chiefs of Mithhaj . Yet , we are not denouncing our loyalty to you nor are we mutinying against

you . ” Furthermore , Amr said words of surrender and humility for which Ubaidullah did not care . He then asked Shuraih the judge to see Hanii and then tell his tribe about his state . The judge entered the cell of Hanii who shouted : “How strange this is ! Have my people all died ? If only ten persons from my tribe come to me they will certainly save me . ”

When Shuraih left him , he said to people of Mithhaj , “I have seen your chief . He is alive . He has ordered you to go home . ” Amr ibn al-Hajjaj shouted : “Well , he has not been killed . Thanks to God . ”

As if they have been granted the one and only opportunity to escape a lightless jail , people of Mithhaj turned their faces back and ran away . It seems that there had been a secret agreement between the chiefs of Mithhaj and Ubaidullah on killing Hanii , otherwise they would have attacked the palace and saved their chief .

Muslim ibn Aqil knew about the situation of Hanii who was an important member of the expected revolution; therefore , he declared openly the revolution against Ubaidullah . Thus , about four thousand warriors joined him . Ubaidullah was delivering a speech when he heard the noise of the revolters whose numbers were increasing and were directing towards the Palace of Governorship . Like a dirty dog , Ubaidullah hurried towards the palace .

He had only thirty policemen; so , he used the meanest means that would save him—war of nerves . As he knew the mentalities of people of Kufa very well , he ordered the traitorous chiefs of Kufa to slip among the troops of Muslim ibn Aqil and spread the rumors that the armies of Syria would soon punish those who joined Muslim’s army , the government would deprive those who joined Muslim of their salaries and economic resources , and that martial laws would be applied to them . These rumors acted as bombs on the heads of people of Kufa most of whom declared , “We should not engage ourselves in questions of policy ! ”

Before long , most of them left Muslim who led the rest to the Masjid for prayer . Even during the prayer , the others left and Muslim , as he finished the prayer , found himself alone ! That night , he could not find a house to settle in . He therefore had to wander alone in the ways of Kufa . Only a noble lady called Tawaa had the courage to let Muslim in . As she served him food , Muslim refused to eat or drink because he was thinking of the fate that Imam al-Hussein (a) who was in his way to Kufa after he had received a message from Muslim telling him that the way was paved for his revolution , would face after the betrayal of people of Kufa . Son

of Tawaa , however , knew the whole story of his mother and with the first sparks of that morning he hurried to inform the ruling authorities about the matter .

Three hundred horsemen , led by Muhammad ibn al-Ashaath , attacked the house of Tawaa , but Muslim faced them with such an unprecedented courage that he inherited from his fathers . He alone could defeat those horsemen and kill a great number of them . The mean ones however began to throw stones and fireballs on Muslim who too overcame them .

When Muhammad ibn al-Ashaath returned to Ubaidullah and asked him for more troops and weapons , the latter said with astonishment , “I have sent you to capture one man ! But he did this to your troops ! ”

Ibn al-Ashaath answered , “Do you think you have sent me to bring an ordinary man from Kufa or Hira ? You have sent me to capture a courageous lion and a hero from the family of the best men in whose hands cutting swords are lying . ”

Ubaidullah supplied Muhammad ibn al-Ashaath with more troops and weapons , but Muslim the hero kept on fighting against them so bravely . This facing took a long time during which Muslim suffered thirst and the troops of the ruling authorities were increasing around him , though they were too terrified to attack him . Finally , they stabbed him with their lances until they could capture him . People of Kufa who betrayed him crowded

to see how he was taken to the Palace of Governorship . Near the palace , Muslim felt thirsty and asked for water . Somebody served him water , but Muslim could not drink because the cup was filled with blood .

Before Ubaidullah the tyrant , Muslim ibn Aqil was very courageous when he refused submitting to the tyrant who ordered Bukair ibn Hamran to take him to the surface of the palace and behead him . He also ordered Hanii to be killed before the individuals of his tribe who showed subjugation .

The dead bodies of Muslim and Hanii were trailed on the ground in the streets of Kufa as a sign of terrorism and scorning the adherents of Muslim; the representative of Imam al-Hussein (a) .

was holding fast on the standard , which was flapping on the heads of his brother and his harem to fill their hearts with tranquility and peace , and was undertaking all the affairs of the women and children in that caravan .

During that march , scathing thoughts repeatedly intruded on the mind of Imam al-Hussein . He believed that he , as well as his household , would be killed at the hands of the evil , faithless gang who sent him tens of missives asking him to lead them against the regime .

In his way , the Imam met the famous poet , al-Farazdaq , who revealed the actual state of people of Kufa . He said : “People’s hearts are with you , but their swords are with the Umayyads . Act of God descends from the heavens , and He does only what He wills . Every day , God has a definite act . ”

The Imam assented to al-Farazdaq’s opinion and told him about his determination to continue his march of jihad for sake of protecting the sanctity of Islam and that the result would be either victory or martyrdom .

As the caravan reached a place called Zuroud , a man came from the direction of Kufa . He informed two of the Imam’s companions that he witnessed the martyrdom of Muslim ibn Aqil and Hanii ibn Urwa . This news broke the hearts of the Imam and his household and companions . As the harem knew about it ,

they wept heavily as everybody realized that people of Kufa breached their pledges to the Imam and they would face the same fate that Muslim had faced .

The Imam turned his face to the sons of Aqil ibn Abi-Talib and said : “After the killing of Muslim , what do you see ? ”

They answered : “No , by God . We will never return unless we take our revenge or face the same fate that Muslim faced . ”

The Imam supported their opinion and repeated their words .

The caravan continued and received another grievous news—the martyrdom of Abdullah ibn Yaqtur whom Imam al-Hussein (a) sent to Kufa to meet Muslim ibn Aqil and know what happened to him . The policemen of Kufa arrested Abdullah and brought him before their master Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad who ordered him to ascend the mimbar and curse Imam al-Hussein . The man observed the order , ascended the mimbar , and shouted with loud voice : “People , I am the messenger of al-Hussein son of Fatima (the Prophet’s daughter) . He asks you to support him against this bastard and son of bastard— son of Marjana… etc . ”

Expressing his extreme anger , Ubaidullah ordered his police to throw Abdullah ibn Yaqtur from the surface of the palace to the ground .

Imam al-Hussein , after he had received this grievous news , gathered his companions and said : “Our adherents –in Kufa- have disappointed us . Hence , I permit all of you to leave me and

I free you from the pledge that you took with me . ”

The greedy ones who followed the Imam for gaining spoils or mundane affairs left him , and none remained except the choice ones who followed him since they had believed he was the right .

Thus , the caravan marched with a few individuals of excellent companions , prime household , harem , and children . As they reached a place called ‘Shuraf’ the Imam gave the orders of fetching as much water as possible from the springs there . A few steps after these springs , one of the companions saw something like date-palm trees and shouted to make the others notice so . Some of those who had full knowledge of that area realized that it was nothing but arrowheads and ears of horses . Imam al-Hussein , too , realized that these were the vanguards of the Umayyad army . He therefore asked his companions whether they knew a near place to hide in . some referred to the Mount Thu-Husam to the left .

As the Imam’s caravan directed towards that location , the massive troops –of about more than one thousand horsemen as some historians have confirmed- under the commandment of al-Hurr ibn Yazid ar-Riyahi whom Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad commissioned to wander through the desert until he would meet and capture the caravan of Imam al-Hussein , caught them . It was midday when al-Hurr’s troops were too thirsty to continue their march . Seeing this situation , the Imam

felt pity for them and ordered his companions to give them from the water they had with them . Even the horses of that army were given water .

After that , the Imam delivered an articulate sermon to the troops of that army . He said :

“People : This is only an argument intended to release me from the responsibility that lies on me with regard to Allah and you . I came to you only after I had received your missives and your messengers who asked me to come to you since you had no leader and since you desired to be guided to the right guidance through my leadership to you . If you are still bearing this very tendency , then here I am . Show me pledges and covenants due to which I will be sure of your intentions . But if you dislike my coming to you , I will leave you and return to the place from which I came . ”

Because most of the individuals of that army were among those who sent missives and asked the Imam to come to them and paid homage to him via his representative Muslim ibn Aqil , they could not answer him .

As time of the Dhuhr Prayer fell , the Imam ordered the muezzin to declare it . He then turned his face to al-Hurr and asked whether he would lead the collective prayer for his companions . “We will follow you in prayer , ” answered al-Hurr politely .

When they performed the Asr Prayer , the Imam delivered another sermon :

“People : if you fear Allah and recognize the people of the right , this will surely please Him more than anything else . We—the Ahl-ul-Bayt are worthier of holding the position of leadership than those who claimed it falsely and governed you by means of wrong and oppression . If you will dislike us and ignore our right and change your minds that you had expressed in your missives you sent to me , I will surely leave you…”

As he knew nothing about these missives , al-Hurr asked the Imam , “What are these missives you are mentioning ? ”

The Imam ordered one of his companions to fetch them and show to al-Hurr who , as soon as he saw them , was shocked . He then said to the Imam , “We are not among those who wrote these missives . ”

Afterwards , the Imam wanted to leave that place and return home , but al-Hurr prevented him and said , “I will not leave you until I lead you to Kufa to be present before Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad . ”

“Death is nearer to you than doing so , ” the Imam answered and ordered his companions to ride and direct towards Medina . But al-Hurr prevented them . The Imam said to him , “What do you want from us ? ”

“I want to lead you to Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad , ” answered al-Hurr .

“I will not follow you ,

” said the Imam .

“And I will not leave you , ” answered al-Hurr .

War was about to break out , but al-Hurr could save the situation by saying , “I was not ordered to fight you . I was only ordered not to leave you before I lead you to Kufa . If you refuse , you may take a way that takes you neither to Kufa nor Medina so that I will write a report to Ubaidullah and hope God will save me from fighting you . ”

Hence , the Imam’s caravan took another way southward and al-Hurr’s army watched them .

In a place called ‘al-Baidha’ , the Imam delivered a sermon . He said :

“People : the Messenger of Allah said , ‘For anyone who knows an unjust ruler that is violating Allah’s sanctities , breaking the pledge of Allah , going against the Sunna of the Prophet , and treating the servants of Allah with means of sin and oppression and avoids denying so by a deed or a word , it will be incumbent upon Allah to take him to the place he deserves (i . e . Hell) . ’

am the worthiest of bearing the mission of denying their acts . I have received your missives and your messengers who reported to me that you paid homage to me and that you would neither let me down nor disappoint me . If you keep your homage , you will certainly do the right thing . I am al-Hussein son of Ali and Fatima; daughter of the Messenger of Allah . My soul will be with yours and my harem will be with yours . (i . e . they will face the same fate that you will face . ) I however am the example that should be followed . But if you break your homage and pledge , this is in fact not strange from you . You have already done it with my father , brother , and cousin (Muslim ibn Aqil) . He who believes you is surely deceived . Anyhow , you have only missed your opportunity of success and neglected your chance of safety . He who breaches is only doing ill to himself . Allah will surely find me a substitution . ”

After this sermon , al-Hurr said to the Imam , “I only want to advise you . I am sure that you will be killed if you fight . I swear it . ”

The Imam answered , “Do you threaten me with death ? Will misfortunes depart you if you kill me ? I really do not know what to say to you . But I

will copy the saying of that man from the (tribe of) Aws whom his cousin threatened with death while he was going to defend the Prophet (s) . He said :

I will go on , and death is not shameful for the hero

Who intends good and fight for his Islam

And sacrifices his soul for the righteous men

And defies the perished ones and departs the wrong ones

If I live I will not regret , and if I die I will not be blamed

It is certainly sufficient humility to live in humbleness

As he heard these words from the Imam , al-Hurr left him and realized that he decided to sacrifice his soul for sake of saving Muslims from the oppression and wrong of the Umayyad rulers .

The caravan went on and the troops of al-Hurr were preventing it from directing towards the desert and trying to push it towards Kufa . Meanwhile , a rider came out . It was a man carrying a message from Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad to al-Hurr : “As soon as you receive this message , lead al-Hussein to a derelict place in the desert where there is no shelter or water . I have also ordered the man who carried this message to you to haunt you until you carry out this order . ”

As Imam al-Hussein (a) wanted to reside in a place near a spring or a shelter , al-Hurr prevented him and recited Ubaidullah’s message . As the situation attained its climax , Zuhair ibn al-Qain; one of the

sincere companions of the Imam , suggested that they would fight against al-Hurr and his troops , but the Imam rejected and said : “I will never begin fighting . ”

Al-Hurr then obliged the Imam to reside in a place , and the Imam had to respond .

“What is this place called , ” asked the Imam .

“This is Karbala , ” answered one of the companions .

“Allah : I seek Your protection against agony and ordeal , ” supplicated the Imam (a)

He then turned towards his companions and said :

“This is the place of agony and ordeal . This is the place where we , as well as our riding animals , will reside and our blood will be shed . ”

Al-Abbas , accompanied by the heroes of the Prophet’s household and the Imam’s companions , hurried to pitch tents for the harem whom were reigned by horror as they imagined the coming events on this land .

The Imam then raised his hands upward for supplicating to God . He said :

“Allah : We , the household of Your Prophet Mohammed , have been banished away from the sanctum of our grandfather and have been aggressed by the Umayyads . Allah : Take vengeance upon those who oppressed us and support us against the wrongdoers . ”

He then turned his face towards his household and companions and said :

“People are certainly the slaves of this world . The religion is only a slaver on their tongues . They turn it wherever their livelihood demands

. If they are examined by misfortunes , the religious will be very little . This world has changed , snubbed , and its good has turned tail . Nothing has remained from it except a thing that is as scanty as the leftover of a cup and a mean life that is like a noxious grazing . Have you not noticed that the right is ignored and the evil is not forbidden ? This is sufficient for making the believers desire for meeting Allah rightfully . I consider death as happiness and life with the wrongdoers as boredom . ”

By these words the Imam informed his household and companions about the coming ordeals that they would face and declared his readiness to fight against the wrong party to the last spark of his life .

As they heard his words , those unmatched individuals who paved the way of freedom to humankind through their unparalleled situations spoke before their leader to show him their readiness to participate with him and continue the way whatever the sacrifices would be . The first companion to speak was Zuhair ibn al-Qain :

“Son of God’s Messenger : We have understood your words . We may stop supporting you if we understand that this world will perpetuate for us for good… etc . ”

Another hero , namely Burair ibn Khudhair , said similar words . Then came the turns of the other heroes who declared their situations of perseverance on their principles and their readiness to sacrifice their souls for

their leader , Imam al-Hussein , who represented the genuine trend of Islam . Anyhow , the other companions said similar words before the Imam who thanked them for their feelings and blessed them .

In Kufa , Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad felt happy when he was informed that the vanguards of his army seized Imam al-Hussein . He therefore began to plan for the next step; whom should he choose for the commandment of the army who would kill the Prophet’s dearest one ? As he reviewed the names of the candidates , he could not realize any individual meaner and more vicious than Omar ibn Saad . At first , Omar refused to fight against the Imam , but Ubaidullah who selected him for this mission threatened he would dismiss him from the governorship of Ray –currently Tehran- . Thus , he accepted and began his campaign towards Karbala with four thousand horsemen . As his troops arrived in Karbala , they joined the army of al-Hurr ibn Yazid there .

In Kufa again , Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad gathered people and spoke : “People : As you tried the descendants of Abu-Suffian , you have found them as exactly as you like . You have also known your leader Yazid as good and praiseworthy man . He treats his subjects kindly , gives everybody his deserved share of the public treasury , and honors people out of his wealth . He has ordered me to give each of you one hundred dirhams monthly as an addition

to your fixed shares of the public treasury . He has also ordered me to call you to participate in the campaign against his enemy al-Hussein . Hence , you should listen to and obey him…”

Unfortunately , most of them carried out this orders and composed a huge army against Imam al-Hussein’s . Afterwards , they traveled to Karbala and occupied the two banks of the River Euphrates .

Some historians , however , have mentioned that three days before the encounter , Imam al-Hussein was prevented from water . This in fact was the most horrible misfortune that he faced . The strange thing is that the band of the Umayyad army took pride in this criminal act that challenged all humanitarian values . One of them , for instance , shouted at Imam al-Hussein , “Hussein : you can see water flow like reptiles . You will not taste it before you die…”

Expressing his joy at this situation , Amr ibn al-Hajjaj addressed to the Imam , “Hussein , this is the Euphrates . Dogs , donkeys , and pegs are licking its water . But we shall prevent you from having a single drop from it…”

ibn Hilal to tell him that it is impossible to let him take water to Imam al-Hussein . But al-Abbas and the other heroes did not pay attention to the criminal’s words; therefore , they encountered a battalion of the Umayyad army . However , the two parties did not encounter any casualty . The result was that al-Abbas and his companions reached the river and filled up the twenty skins they had with water and came back .

Since that day , or maybe before , al-Abbas was given the honorable name of ‘as-Saqqaa —the provider of water . ’

face , “Curse you and curse your grant of reprieve . How dare you say such words while son of God’s Messenger is not saved from danger ? ”

These words were enough to express their real situation; they were ready to protect the Imam until he is saved or they lose their lives .

It was afternoon on Thursday when the vanguards of the Umayyad army forwarded for fighting against the Ahl-ul-Bayt . Imam al-Hussein was sitting near his tent with the sword in his hand when Abu’l-Fadhl al-Abbas turned his face and said : “They have come to you . ” The Imam then asked his brother to identify their intents . He said to him :

“May I sacrifice myself for you , brother ! Ride on and meet them to ask about their intentions . ”

With twenty horsemen , al-Abbas hurried towards that army and asked what they wanted . “The Emir has ordered us to call you to submit to his orders , otherwise , we will fight you , ” answered they .

As al-Abbas turned back to tell his brother about their intention , Habib ibn Muzhahir delivered a sermon to that army in which he admonished and warned them against the divine punishment they would face if they fight against the family of the Prophet . However , some of them answered him impudently .

When he heard the words of his brother , Imam al-Hussein said to him : “Go back to them and try your best to delay them until

tomorrow morning so that we , this night , will pray to our Lord Who knows that I love praying for Him , reciting His Book , and supplicating to Him . ”

Al-Abbas conveyed these words to the Umayyad army . Omar ibn Saad , because he feared that others would bear his situation to the Emir , offered the suggestion to Shemr who was his only competitor . The other however did not say anything , but Amr ibn al-Hajjaj intruded , “How strange this is ! Even if they are from the non-Arabs we will respond to their demand ! ! ”

As others supported Amr’s opinion , Omar ibn Saad accepted to postpone waging war against the camp of the Imam .

Thus , the fighting was postponed for a night and Omar ibn Saad’s army waited whether the Imam would respond to them or fight .

On that night , Imam al-Hussein gathered his companions and household and foretold them of the fate that they would face tomorrow . He also permitted them to leave him since the other party wanted him , not anyone else .

As soon as the Imam finished his words , Abu’l-Fadhl al-Abbas , representing the Ahl-ul-Bayt , said to his brother :

“Why should we do so ? Is it for that we will live after you ? No ! We supplicate to the Lord to forbid it . ”

The same situation was shown from the sons of Aqil , and the other companions who showed their readiness to sacrifice

their souls for their Imam .

Hence , the all spent that night with worship and acts of obedience to Allah . They were waiting for the dawn of that day on which they would obtain their highest goal in this life; martyrdom .

have led every deviant to the right path . However , the Umayyad army could not understand the Imam’s words because they were too ignorant to understand anything other than criminality . In addition , they could not say a single word as an answer .

The Imam then addressed to some of them and reminded them of the missives they had sent to him , but those individuals denied the whole matter !

Qays ibn al-Ashaath then asked the Imam to submit to the Umayyads , but the Imam refused declaring his unchangeable situation :

“No , by Allah . I will never submit to them like the humble and will not flee like slaves . ”

The Imam’s companions , then , spoke similar words before the Umayyad army , but uselessly .

Finally , the Imam decided to advise them again so that none of them would excuse he had not known the matter clearly . He opened a copy of the holy Quran on the head , wore the turban of Prophet Mohammed (s) , proceeded towards them , and said :

“So then , fie and grief be on you , O group . When you appealed for our help grievously and we hurried for your help exhaustingly , you unsheathed against us a sword that had been in our right hands and ignited against us the fire that we had struck against your and our enemy . You therefore formed groups surrounding your allies and became the support of your enemies although they did not

spread justice among you and you lost any hope in them . In addition , you noticed no heresy or new opinion that came out of us . Why did you –woe to you ! - not leave us when swords were sheathed , malice was hidden , and the decision was not taken . But you hurried to the sedition like locusts and fell on it like the falling of butterflies (in fire) . Damn and away with the idols of the umma , irregulars of the parties , deserters of the Book , expectorants of the Shaitan , distorters of the meanings , extinguishers of the traditions , avowers of the bastards , and the mockers who divided the Quran believing in some parts and rejecting others . By God I swear , your disloyalty is expected because it is entwined with your arteries and it recurred in your origins . You therefore are the bitterest fruit that causes its caretaker to choke and gives good taste for its usurper . God curse the disloyal ones who disregard their firm oaths after they have already appointed God as their Guarantor .

The bastard , son of the bastard , has forced me to choose one of two things — either fighting or ignominy . Ignominy is impossible for us . Allah , His Apostle , the (faithful) believers , chaste laps , jealous noses (individuals) , and noble souls (personalities) refuse for us to prefer obedience to the mean to the death of the

honorable . I am advancing to them with this family despite the alliance of the enemies , their great numbers , and the betrayal of the supporters . They will soon ride their horses , war will flare up , and the necks will be lapped . My father (peace be upon him) foretold me about so . So , plan against me without delay . I trust God who is my Lord as well as yours . It is God who controls the destiny of all living creatures . It is my Lord who knows the right path .

O Allah , prevent them from the drops of the heavens and impose upon them years of draught like these which you imposed on the people in the time of Prophet Joseph , and set up upon them the man of Thaqif as absolute master so that he will treat them unjustly and make them drink from bitter water , for they have belied and disappointed us . You are certainly our Lord . On You we rely , in You we trust , and to You everything returns . ”

At these moments , the conscience of al-Hurr ibn Yazid woke up . He began to think of his destiny if he would fight against Imam al-Hussein who represented the right party and the true religion of God . Finally , he decided to join the Imam . He went to Omar ibn Saad and said :

“Do you really want to fight against this man ?

”

“Yes I do , ” answered Omar , “I want to fight against him as intensely as possible . ”

“Why do you not respond to his calls and accept one of the options he had offered ? ” asked al-Hurr .

“I would do if it is my right to choose . But the matter is not mine . It is your Emir’s , ” answered Omar .

Only then al-Hurr realized that Omar ibn Saad was fully ready to fight Imam al-Hussein (a); therefore , he directed towards the Imam and proceeded as he felt sorry for his past deeds against the Imam .

When the Imam conferred upon him with pardon , al-Hurr turned the face towards the troops of Omar ibn Saad and went on addressing to them words of reproach and blame for disappointing the Imam . Anyhow , al-Hurr’s words did not find any place in the hearts of those troops .

stop against those huge well-equipped numbers and show unprecedented scenes of courage and bravery . Then Omar ibn Saad gave the orders of waging a wide campaign during which all the detachments of the Umayyad army fought against the Imam’s companions . Although half of the Imam’s companions were killed during that campaign , they combated extremely courageously and could cause great losses to the Umayyad army .

After this general campaign , the other companions of Imam al-Hussein began to wage individual campaigns against the other party . In fact , their unparalleled heroism frightened the whole camp of the Umayyad army and caused it great losses; therefore , Amr ibn al-Hajjaj cried at them , “Do you know against whom you are fighting ? You are fighting against the most courageous horsemen of this country . They will keep killing anyone of you who intends to face them . By God I swear , if you only throw at them stones , you will kill them . ”

Omar ibn Saad agreed on Amr’s opinion and ordered his forces to leave facing those heroes . He then gave the orders of waging a general attack against the companions of Imam al-Hussein . Nevertheless , the companions caused great losses to the attacking forces to the degree that Urwa ibn Qays asked the general commander of the army to supply him with more men and weapons .

Omar ibn Saad then had to call al-Hussayn ibn Numair and supply him with five hundred bowmen who could wound

the riding animals of the Imam’s companions . Thus , all the companions , including al-Hurr ibn Yazid , had to fight against their enemies on feet . This fighting , which was described by historians as the fieriest all over history , continued to midday .

In the midst of that horrible scene of fighting , Abu-Thumama as-Saidi; one of Imam al-Hussein’s companions , raised his head to the sky then turned his face towards the Imam and told about the time of the Dhuhr prayer . As a result , the Imam asked his companions to demand with cease fighting so as they would offer the prayer . They responded to this demand , but as soon as the Imam and his companions stood erect for the prayer , the Umayyad army began throwing at them darts . Saeed al-Hanafi made his body as the armor that protected the Imam , while he was praying , from these darts . When the Imam finished his prayer , Saeed was heavily wounded that he fell dead .

The other companions continued fighting for sake of their Imam courageously until they all were killed .

It is worth mentioning that al-Abbas ibn Ali participated in the campaigns and fought bravely and was given the missions of saving the companions when they were encircled by the Umayyad army .

After the companions came the turn of the youth of the Prophet’s household . The first one to advance was the young man who was the most similar to Prophet Mohammed

(s) in creation , morals , and personality . That young was Ali al-Akbar son of Imam al-Hussein .

The Imam felt greatly sad when he knew for certain that his son would proceed for fighting . He therefore raised his beard towards the heavens and complained to the Lord against the gang who fought against him and would be ready to kill his dearest one .

The Imam as well as the harem of the Prophet’s household saw off Ali al-Akbar with tears , cries , and moaning .

The young proceeded declaring the principles for which he was fighting and his tremendous determination to protect the religion of God even if this would cost him his life . He then encountered the enemies and showed indescribable courage and heroism to the degree that historians have described his fighting by saying , “Ali’s fighting reminded the enemies of the attacks of his grandfather Amir ul-Muminin . ” In the midst of the fighting , Ali was seriously thirsty because the enemies deprived them of water . He therefore had to return to his father and ask for some water . But the father had nothing to do . He had no single drop of water to give to his son . Painfully he apologized for his son and promised that the Prophet would very soon give him a drink of water that would save him from thirst forever .

The young then went to the battlefield and fought courageously despite the many wounds that he had in the

body . The whole camp of the Umayyad army complained about the great losses that the young son of Imam al-Hussein caused to them; therefore , Murra ibn Munqith decided to kill him . So , he stabbed him with the spear from the back and struck him with his sword so heavily on the head . Ali held fast on his horse’s neck since he thought that the horse would take him towards his father’s camp . Unfortunately , the horse took him towards the enemies’ camp who encircled him and cut his body into pieces . The air carried the son’s cries to his father who hurried to him and found him in the last sparks of life . He put his cheek on his son’s body which was cut into pieces and shed tears for him .

In this horrible situation , al-Abbas was with his brother and felt the same painful feelings for the great catastrophe that inflicted their camp by the martyrdom of Ali . Zaynab , the mistress of the Prophet’s harem , moaned for the martyrdom of her nephew and the Imam was touched by that painful situation .

After that , the young descendants of Aqil ibn Abi-Talib rushed for jihad so as to sacrifice their souls for their leader . Like their forefathers , they fought courageously and caused great losses to the Umayyad army . However , they were all martyred . They were nine young men .

Then came the turn of the descendants of Imam al-Hasan

. They also pushed themselves for protecting their uncle and defending their religion . Among them was al-Qasim whom is described as the moon in brightness . Before he fought against the enemies , he had declared , “My uncle al-Hussein will not be killed while I am alive . ”

The Imam however did not permit al-Qasim to fight , but the young insisted importunately and went on kissing his uncle’s hands and feet and begged him to let him fight . Hence , the Imam had to permit him with weeping eyes and burning heart . Like the other heroes of the Hashemites , al-Qasim fought bravely and killed numbers of the Umayyad army . In the midst of the fighting , his sandal thong was cut . As he nodded down for repairing it out of his disdain , one of the criminals of the Umayyad army seized that opportunity and struck al-Qasim on the head . He fell down and cried at his uncle who hurried towards him and killed that criminal .

The Imam then carried the dead body of his nephew and threw it beside the dead bodies of his son and the other martyrs .

Then sons of Zaynab , daughter of Imam Ali went for fighting . They also were killed . Then none remained except the brothers of Imam al-Hussein .

Al-Abbas was watching all these crises and misfortunes patiently and was waiting for the proper opportunity to begin fighting against the enemies and take revenge upon them .

After the

martyrdom of the youth of the Prophet’s household , al-Abbas directed towards his full brothers and said to them : “Brothers , proceed for fighting so that I will be sure that you have done sincerely for sake of Allah and His Messenger and I will surely avenge your blood . You have no children . ” He then turned his face towards his full brother Abdullah and said : “Proceed for fighting until I will see your martyrdom and offer you as sacrifice for Allah . ” All his brethren welcomed his call and went for fighting against the enemies courageously . One by one , they all were killed before their elder brother al-Abbas who stood near their dead bodies and shed tears for these bright faces .

who were gravely thirsty . Hence , al-Abbas directed towards the Umayyad army by words of admonition and warning against God’s torture . He directed his speech to their commander : “Omar ibn Saad , this is al-Hussein son of the daughter of Allah’s Messenger . You have killed his companions and household . These now are his children and harem . They are thirsty and I ask you to give them water . Nevertheless , he is still calling you to let him go to Rome or India and leave Hijaz and Iraq for you…”

None from the Umayyad army could answer al-Abbas except Shemr who said to him , “Son of Abu-Turab , if the whole surface of this earth is water controlled by us , we will not give you a single drop of it before you submit to the leadership of Yazid . ”

Hence , al-Abbas had to report this situation to his brother . Meanwhile , he heard the cries of the children because of thirst and saw the changes of their faces and the dryness of their lips . Therefore , he decided to fetch them water . He rode his horse , took a skin with him , and pushed himself towards the River Euphrates . The Umayyad troops flew away and he alone could occupy the bank of the river . His heart was as hot as fire because of thirst , but when he extended his hand to the water and tried to drink , he remembered

the thirst that his brother , as well as his children and harem , felt in these moments; hence , he threw the water from his hand and said :

My soul , you must be preceded by al-Hussein

And you must not continue to exist after him

Al-Hussein is about to drink from cups of death

While you want to drink from this cold water

No , by Allah ! This is not my religion !

After this tremendous situation of altruism that exceeded all dimensions of time and space , al-Abbas filled the skin he had with him with water and took the way back to his brother’s camp . For the meantime , the enemies surrounded him from every side and tried to prevent him from taking that water to his brother’s camp . Al-Abbas spared no efforts in fighting against them and causing them big losses .

Chased by terror and fear , the enemies were fleeing away from al-Abbas who copied the courageous situations of his father . However , one of the filthy hypocrites of Kufa waylaid him behind a date palm tree , struck him from the back on his right hand , and cut it . Nevertheless , al-Abbas the hero did not care for so when he held the standard in his left hand and went on saying :

By Allah , if you cut my right hand

I will keep on defending my religion

And that true-tongued Imam

Who is the son of the pure Prophet

A few moments later , another man hid behind a tree

, struck al-Abbas with a sword on his left hand , and cut it . Although he was bleeding and suffering these wounds besides thirst , al-Abbas held the skin of water with his teeth and ran trying to take the water to his brother’s children and harem . Meanwhile , a spear hit that skin and caused that water to drop on the ground . Seeing this scene , al-Abbas stood in sadness and perplexity . He did not know what to do . A few moments later , another man attacked him with an iron post and struck on the head . Al-Abbas fell to the ground and shouted : “Peace be upon you , Abu-Abdullah ! ”

As the Imam heard these words of farewell , he hurried toward the River al-Alqami where al-Abbas fell . He pushed himself among the troops of the enemies and threw himself on the body of his brother . Expressing the grave misfortune that he suffered by the martyrdom of his brother , Imam al-Hussein shouted : “My spine is now broken and I have lost everything and my enemies are rejoicing at my misfortune . ”

No one can describe the real feelings that Imam al-Hussein felt after the martyrdom of al-Abbas . However , historians have mentioned that he , as he was leaving the dead body of his brother , could hardly move his feet . He directed towards the camp while he was wiping off his tears . His daughter Sukaina received him with

the question , “Where is my uncle al-Abbas ? ”

Here the Imam wept and told her about her uncle’s martyrdom . The daughter had nothing to do other than moaning aloud . The situation was more difficult for Zaynab who put her hand on her heart and shouted aloud : “O , brother al-Abbas . We have certainly lost everything as we lost you . ”

It was surely grave misfortune for Imam al-Hussein and the Prophet’s harem who filled that place with cries and moaning for their guardian and protector . The Imam also participated them in weeping as he shouted :

“We have surely lost everything as we lost you , Abu’l-Fadhl al-Abbas . ”

This hadith is unanimously narrated by all historians of the two sects of Islam; Sunni and Shia .

5. Masjid –mosque- is the Muslim place of worship .

6. We—the Shia—believe that the Immaculate Imams whose father is Ali ibn Abi-Talib follow the divine directives in all their religious and worldly conducts . We also believe that they carry supernatural knowledge in all fields of life , because they are divinely chosen for a special mission concerning the question of the existence of this cosmos with all that which is in it . Nevertheless , the Imams , as well as the prophets , peace be upon them all , are required to behave as naturally as possible and to follow the natural laws of this existence . Hence , we notice that the prophets and Imams (a) used their supernatural energies in very limited situations according to the divine instructions . In this regard , we believe that Imam Ali (a) was more knowledgeable than his brother Aqil in the field of genealogy , but he sought his advice when he wanted to choose a wife that gives birth of heroes—according to the law of heredity , just to follow the natural laws that necessitate following the instructions of the specialists in their fields of specialization . To prove this matter we may cite as examples the many reports that conveyed to us that Prophet Mohammed (a) , though he was divinely directed , used to consult his companions in many affairs and follow their opinions —after receiving

a signal of acceptance from the Heavens— . In this regard , God instructs :

“Only through the Divine Mercy have you (Muhammad) been able to deal with your followers so gently . If you had been stern and hard-hearted , they would all have deserted you a long time ago . Forgive them and ask Allah to forgive (their sins) and consult with them in certain matters . But , when you reach a decision , trust Allah . Allah loves those who trust Him . (3 : 159)”

Following the Prophet , all the Sinless Imams (a) had similar situations .

It is to add that because the Prophet and Imams have been the examples of people , they had to behave completely naturally so that people would follow their examples . Hence , Imam Ali , in this situation with Aqil , wanted to guide people to choose women of honorable lineages for marriage and to avoid the inglorious , because mothers play great roles in the natural and educational constructions of their sons .

7. The Holy Quran; Sura ash-Shuaraa (26) , Verses 217-20 .

8. The Holy Quran; Sura of al-An’aam , Verse 74 .

9. The Holy Quran; Sura of al-Baqara , Verse 133 .

10. Abdullah ibn Abd-ul-Muttalib and Amina (bint Wahab) are the parents of Prophet Mohammed , and Abu-Talib and Fatima bint Asad are the parents of Imam Ali .

11. See as-Sirat ul-Halabiyya; part 1 page 20 .

12. See ar-Rawdh ul-Anif; part 1 page 8 .

13. Kaaba is the square-shaped building in the center of the Great Mosque in

Mecca , in the direction of which Muslims must face in offering the obligatory prayer .

14. See Subh ul-Aasha; part 1 page 211 .

15. See as-Sirat ul-Halabiyya .

16. The Holy Quran; Sura of An-Nisaa (4) , Verse 22 .

17. The Holy Quran; Sura of Al-Anfaal (8) , Verse 41 .

18. The Holy Quran; Sura of At-Tawba (9) , Verse 19 .

19. See Sheikh as-Saduq’s al-Mawaaizh .

20. Refer to Bihar ul-Anwar; 9/31 .

21. See Mir’aat ul-Uqoul; 1/326 .

22. The Hashemites are sons and descendants of Hashim ibn Abd-Menaf .

23. To know more about the poetry of Abu-Talib in relation to defending and supporting the Prophet , refer to al-Baghdadi; Khuzanat ul-Adab 1/261 , al-Hujjatu ela ath-Thahib; 45 , and Ibn Abi'l-Hadid; Sharhu Nahj il-Balagha , 3/313 .

24. Refer to Abd-ul-Hussein Sharafuddin , al-Muraja’aat .

25. The whole narration is as follows :

((At-Tabari , in his book of history , records that Ibn Abbas narrated that Ali bin Abi-Talib (a) said :

After the revelation of the Verse , “And warn your nearest relations , ” the Prophet (s) summoned me and said : “Ali , Allah had ordered me to warn my near relatives , but I was unable to bear this order because I knew that they would show me detestable things if I would approach such a matter with them . I therefore kept it secret until Archangel Gabriel came to me and said that my Lord would punish me if I would shun that order . Now , I want you to make some food with meat of a ewe and bring a jar of

milk for us , then gather sons of Abd-ul-Muttalib so that I will speak to them and convey the matter that I was ordered to convey . ”

I did as he asked me and invited them . They were about forty men among whom there were his uncles—Abu-Talib , Hamza , al-Abbas , and Abu-Lahab . When they all attended , he asked me to fetch that food and I did . When I put it before them , the Prophet (s) took a piece of the meat , tore it with his teeth , threw its pieces around the bowl , then said : “Here you are , by the Name of Allah . ” Each one of them took his sufficiency completely and I could see only the places of their hands . I swear by Allah , each one of them ate the quantity that I served to all of them . The Prophet (s) then asked me to serve milk to them . I fetched that jar and they all drank from it . By Allah I swear , each one of them drank the quantity that I served to all of them .

When the Prophet (s) tried to speak , Abu-Lahab overtook and prevented him from speaking . He said : “This man has bewitched you . ” Hence , they left without letting the Prophet (s) speak to them .

On the next day , he said to me : “Ali , that man overtook me and said

the statement that you had heard . They left before I could speak to them . Make for us food like that which you did yesterday then gather them to me . ”

I did and invited them all . He then asked me to serve them the food . I served it for them and he repeated the same thing he had done the previous day . Each one had his sufficiency completely . He then asked me to serve them with milk . I fetched the same jar and they all drank from it to their sufficiency . Then , the Prophet (s) spoke :

“Sons of Abdul-Muttalib , I do not know any young Arab man who has brought to his people a thing better than that which I have brought to you . I have brought to you the goodness of this world as well as the world to come . Allah , Exalted is He , has ordered me to call you to accept this matter . Which one of you will support me in this regard and he will be my brother , successor , and representative ? ”

They all kept silent except me . I said , while I was the youngest , “Prophet of Allah , I will be your supporter in this matter . ” I repeated this statement three times .

The Prophet (s) then took me from the neck and said : “This is my brother , successor , and representative among you . You

thus should listen to and obey him . ”

They left him laughing and saying to Abu-Talib : “He has ordered you to listen to and obey your son ! ”))

This narration is recorded in many reference books such as : At-Tabari’s at-Tarikh; 2 : 319-21 , Ibn ul-Athir’s al-Kamil fit Tarikh; 2 : 22 , as-Seerat un-Nabawiyya; al-Halabi (the Shafiite) 1 : 311-2 , Kenz ul-Ummal; al-Muttaqi (the Hanafite) , Mustadrak us-Sahihayn; Al-Hakim an-Nisapuri (the Shafiite) 3 : 133 , ad-Durr ul-Manthour; As-Suyoutti (the Shafiite) 5 : 79 , al-Musnad; Ahmed ibn Hanbal (the founder of Hanbalism) 1 : 111 , Al-Bidaya wan-Nihaya; Ibn Kuthair 3 : 39 , Tarikh; Abu’l-Fidaa 1 : 119 , Shawahid ut-Tanzil; Al-Hasakani 1 : 485 H . 514 and 580 , Tarikh Dimashq : the life account of Imam Ali ibn Abi-Talib; Ibn Asakir (the Shafiite) 1 : 97-105 H . 133-40 , and Sharhu Nahj ul-Balagha; Ibn Abi-al-Hadid (the Mutazilite) 13 : 210 and 244 .

army of the Meccans . He could cross over that ditch to challenge Muslims . Facing this horrible situation that warned the ultimate defeat of Muslims , Prophet Mohammed (s) declared : “I guarantee Paradise for him who will face Amr . ” None of Muslims responded to the Prophet’s call except Ali ibn Abi-Talib who faced and could kill Amr by one stroke about which the Prophet (s) said that statement .

27. Two campaigns led by Abu-Bakr and Omar against the Jews of Khaybar failed; therefore , Prophet Mohammed (s) declared that he would give the standard of leadership to a man who loves Allah… etc . Next day , the Prophet (s) summoned Ali to give him that standard , and Ali did attack and come back with victory .

28. See at-Tabari , at-Tarikh; 2/282 .

29. See Nukat ul-Hayman; 200 , as-Sirat ul-Halabiyya; 1/304 , Tathkirat ul-Khawaas; 7 , and al-Khissal; 1/38 .

30. See Ibn Abi'l-Hadid’s Sharhu Nahj il-Balagha; 3/82 .

31. See al-Bukhari , as-Sahih; 3/50 , al-Hakim , al-Mustdrak; 3/220 .

32. See Abu-al-Faraj al-Isfahani , Maqatil ut-Talibiyyin .

33. See Ibn Zaydoun , ar-Risala; 1/130 , Abu-al-Faraj , al-Aghani; 15/50 , Bulough ul-Irab; 1/317 , Simt ul-La’aali; 2/890 and others .

34. See Tanqih ul-Maqal; 2/128 .

35. Such as at-Tabari , Ibn ul-Athir , and Abu-al-Fida .

36. Such as Ibn Shahrashub and others .

37. The Holy Quran; Sura of ash-Shura (42) , Verse 23 .

38. See al-Shahid ul-Awwal; al-Majmou’a .

39. See Keshf ul-Ghumma; 159 .

40. See Sheikh as-Saduq , al-Khissal; 2/551 and Sheikh at-Tusi , al-Amali; 557 .

41. See Sibt Ibn ul-Jawzi , Tethkirat ul-Khawaas; 167 and al-Khawarzmi ,

al-Menaqib; 134 .

42. See Ibn ul-Atheer , al-Kamil fit Tareekh; 4/31 .

43. See at-Tabirsi , Alihtijaj; 166 .

44. Azan (Announcement) is the Muslim call to the ritual prayers .

45. Iqama is the prefatory statements of the ritual prayers .

46. See Qamar Bani Hashim; 2/5 and Anees ush-Shia .

47. However , some historians have reported another narration about the naming of Abu’l-Fadhl al-Abbas :

((Umm-ul-Banin swaddled her baby with a white piece of cloth and handed him to his father who held the Islamic ceremonies of newborns , kissed him , passed his hand on the baby’s eyes , ears , and mouth , -so that the baby would see , hear , and say nothing but the right- and asked the mother , “Have you chosen a name for him ? ”

“We will never precede you in such a thing , ” answered she .

The Imam (a) said , “Well then , I choose for him the name of my uncle; al-Abbas . ”

He then embraced the baby to the chest , took the two small hands , and kissed them warmly while he was weeping . He then said , “I predict these two hands will be cut ! ”)) —See al-Kulbasi’s al-Khassaiss ul-Abbasiyya; 71-2 .

48. Ibn-Manzhour is the compiler of the most famous Arabic-Arabic dictionary named ‘Al-Ayn’ .

49. See Ibn Manzhour’s al-Ayn; article : Al-Abbas .

50. See Muntaha al-Irab; article : al-Abbas .

51. See al-Munammaq fi Akhbari Quraish; 437 .

52. See Sirr us-Salsala , Umdat ut-Talib; 356 , and Maqatil ut-Talibiyyin; 84 .

53. Ziyara is the words and practices said and done during the

pilgrimage to the shrines of the prophets , Imams , and saints . Ziyara of al-Arbaeen is the first visit of Jabir ibn Abdullah al-Ansari to the tomb of Imam al-Hussein (a) forty (Arbaeen) days after his martyrdom .

54. Al-Abbas also had other nicknames , such as Ibn-ul-Badawiyya (son of the Bedouin lady) , Abu-Furja (source of relief) , and Abush-Shara (owner of charisma) .

55. See Qamar Bani Hashim; 21 .

56. Excerpted from Oxford Talking Dictionary .

57. See Fursan ul-Haijaa and Abu’l-Faraj al-Isfahani’s Maqaatil ut-Talibiyyin .

58. See al-Qummi’s Muntaha al-Aamal as quoted from al-Mahaasin wa’l-Masaawi .

59. According to al-Kulbasi’s al-Khassaaiss ul-Abbasiyya , this third time of al-Abbas’s fetching water to the camp of Imam al-Hussein was not the last one which resulted in his martyrdom . Al-Abbas had a fourth time of fetching water , and in this very time he was martyred .

60. Such as Tarikh ul-Khamis and Ibn Idris’s as-saraair .

61. The Holy Quran; Sura al-Fat’h (48) , Verse (29) .

62. See al-Kibrit ul-Ahmar; 3/24 .

63. Jihad is religious warfare or a war for the propagation or defense of Islam .

64. Koreishites are sons and descendants of Koreish; the tribe to which Prophet Mohammad (s) belonged . The Umayyads also belonged to Koreish .

65. See al-Khissal; 1/35 .

66. See Thakheerat ud-Darein , 123 (as quoted from Umdet ut-Talib) .

67. See Muhammad ibn al-Mash’hadi’s al-Mazzar .

68. The Holy Quran; Sura of al-Kahf , Verse 21 .

69. At-Tabarani in his books al-Mu’jam al-Kabir and al-Awsat , ad-Darqutni in his book al-Amali , and Abu-Bakr bin al-Muqri in his Mu’jam mention a tradition narrated by Maslama ibn Salim al-Juhani , from Ubaidullah

bin Omar , from Nafi , from Salim , from Ibn Omar that the Prophet Muhammad (a) and his family , said , “He who comes to see me , having no other desire than that of visiting me , of a surety I will be an intercessor for him on the Day of Judgment . ” He commented : “It was mentioned in ibn ul-Muqri’s Mu’jam , “For him who comes to visit me , it will be incumbent upon Allah to make me an intercessor for him on the Day of Resurrection . ”

70. See al-Fadhil al-Qizwini , Tadhallum uz-Zahraa; 118 .

71. See ad-Dam’at us-Sakiba; 337 .

72. See al-Kibrit ul-Ahmar; 1/158 , as quoted from Ixeer ul-Ibadat .

73. Al-Haair , in Arabic , is any low place in which rainfall waters are gathered . This word however is dedicated to the place of the holy shrine of Imam al-Hussein ibn Ali (a) . Some scholars have made a relation between this word and the occurrence of the stoppage of the water that al-Mutawakkil , the Abbasid caliph , released for covering the tomb of Imam al-Hussein , intending to efface its signs . This event is very famous . It has been narrated uninterruptedly by a great number of narrators such as ash-Shahid ul-Awwal in his ath-Thikra , Sheikh at-Turaihi in al-Muntakhab , and Sheikh al-Muhaqqiq in al-Jawahir . The word , al-Haair , however was mentioned by Imam as-Sadiq and Imam al-Kadhim , peace be upon them , and , hence , this proves that it

was used before the reign of al-Mutawakkil .

Tarikhu Baghdad; 2/63 .

98. See Abu-Nasr al-Bukhari’s Sirr us-Salsala .

99. See Abu-Nasr al-Bukhari’s Sirr us-Salsala .

100. Ilm ur-Rijal is that field of Islamic knowledge that studies the manners and qualifications of the narrators of Hadith . Ilm ul-Hadith is another field of knowledge that classifies the words , deeds , and confirmations reported to be said , done , and made by Prophet Mohammed (s) on criteria of authenticity .

101. See , for instance , Sheikh at-Tusi’s ar-Rijal , an-Nejashi’s al-Feherest , al-Amali , Sheikh as-Saduq’s Ikmal ud-Din , and Sheikh Abbas al-Qummi’s al-Kuna wal-Alqab .

102. See Fulk un-Najat , Allama an-Nouri’s Tahiyyat uz-Zaair , and Sheikh Abbas al-Qummi’s al-Kuna wal-Alqab .

103. See , for instance , Umdat ut-Talib , at-Tabari’s at-Tarikh , Tarikhu Baghdad , al-Hujjatu ela ath-Thahib , Thakhirat ud-Darain , Murouj uth-Thahab , al-Isfahani’s al-Aghani , and many others .

104. See at-Tabari’s Tarikh , 2/337 , Ibn Kathir’s al-Bidaya wen-Nihaya , Muslim’s as-Sahih; 3/106 , al-Bukhari’s as-Sahih; 5/1-5-6 , Ahmed’s al-Musnad , and many other reference books of history .

105. See Ibn Katheer’s as-Seera; 3/691 and Husham’s as-Seera; 4/46 .

106. See Hadith ud-Dar (pages 26-8)

107. See Mohammad Baqer Ansari’s What Happened in Ghadir ?

108. See Menaaqibu Aali Abi-Talib; 2/239 , and Sharif al-Murtedha’s Tanzeeh ul-Anbiyaa; 167 .

109. See Abu-Dawoud’s as-Sunan; 1/611 , al-Hakim’s al-Mustadrak; 2/138 , Majmaa uz-Zawaaid; 9/134 , and Kenz ul-Ummal; 13/174 .

110. The incident of Omar ibn al-Khattab’s preventing the Prophet from dictating his will in the last hours of his life is very famous . It is recorded in almost all books of hadith of Sunnis and Shiites . See ,

for example , al-Bukhari’s as-Sahih; 1/37 , 2/132 , 4/31 , 4/ 65-6 , 5/137 , and 7/9 , Muslim’s as-Sahih; 2/16 , 5/75 , 11/95 , and 3/16 , Imam Ahmed’s al-Musnad; 4/356- H . 2992 , Ibn Abi’l-Hadid’s Sharhu Nahj il-balagha; 6/51 , Ibn ul-Athir’s al-Kamilu fit Tareekh; 320 , and al-Ghezzali’s Sirr ul-Aalemeen; 21 .

111. In other reports of this incident , the word ‘we’ is replaced by ‘The Koreishites . ’

112. See Ibn Abi’l-Hadid’s Sharhu Nahj il-Balagha .

113. See at-Tebirsi’s Alihtijaj .

114. All historians , referring to the Battle of the Camel , have recorded the Prophet’s prediction addressed to his wives in general and Aisha in particular : “Which one of you will ride the red camel and will be barked by the dogs of ‘al-Haw’ab’ (a place taking to Basra where the battle of the Camel occurred) ? Aisha : Do not be the one intended . ”

115. It is well known that Aisha used to name Othman as ‘Naathal— a non-Muslim person’ and say : “Kill Naathal for he has converted to atheism . ”

116. See Tathkirat ul-Khawaass and Ibn Kuthair’s al-Bidaya wen-Nihaya; 9/38 .

117. See al-Kibrit ul-Ahmar; 3/24 .

118. See al-Kibrit ul-Ahmar; 3/24 .

119. See Sayyid Mir Al al-Hindi’s Rouh ul-Islam; 296 .

120. See Ibn Qutaiba’s al-Imama was-Siyasa; 1/189 and al-Kheshi’s ar-Rijal .

121. Muhajirs : The emigrants . The early Muslims of Mecca who had to flee their homeland to Medina .

122. Ansar : The supporters . The people of Medina who received , welcomed , and protected the Prophet (s) and the Muhajirs .

123. See Baqir Sharif al-Qarashi’s Hayat

ul-Imam il-Hussein; 2/228-9 .

124. See Baqir Sharif al-Qarashi’s Hayat ul-Imam il-Hussein; 2/255 .

125. Marjana , Ubaidullah ibn Ziyad’s mother , was such a notorious prostitute that everybody all over the Islamic State had heard of her name .

126. See at-Tabari’s at-Tareekh; 6/230 .

127. See Mr’aat uz-Zaman fi Tawarikh ul-Aayan; 89 .

128. See Ansab ul-Ahsraf; 3/181 .

129. See Ibn ul-Atheer’s at-Tareekh; 4/26

130. See Ansab ul-Ashraf; 3/181 .

131. See Ansab ul-Ashraf; 3/181 .

132. See al-Bidaya wan-Nihaya; 8/177 .

133. See at-Tabari’s at-Tareekh; 6/43 .

134. See al-Kamil; 2/288 .

135. See Hayat ul-Imam il-Hussein; 3/203 .

136. See Ansab ul-Ashraf; 3/192 .

137. See Ibn ul-Atheer’s at-Tareekh; 3/291 .

138. See al-Muqarram’s Maqtal ul-Hussein; 297 .

139. See al-Khawarzmi’s Maqtal ul-Hussein; 2/30 .

140. See Hayat ul-Imam il-Hussein; 3/249 .

141. See Sheikh al-Mifid’s Kitab ul-Irshad; 269 .

142. See Maqaatil ut-Talibiyyin; 82 .

143. Abu-Turab is one of the names of Imam Ali Amir ul-Muminin .