The Hindu : Miscellaneous / Religion : Symbol of sacrifice

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Sep 27, 2004

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous - Religion

Symbol of sacrifice

CHENNAI, SEPT.27. Hazrath Abbas (a.s.), son of Hazrath Ali (a.s.) was born in Medina on 4th Shaban 26 A.H. His mother was Fathima Binte Hazam bin Khalid. Hazrath Abbas, whose 1400th birth anniversary is being celebrated worldwide this month, was the brother of Imam Hassan and Imam Hussain, the grandsons of Prophet Mohammed (s.a.w.s.). Hazrath Abbas' life is a multi-dimensional history of ancestry, honourable lineage, knowledge, clemency, courage, munificence, adoration, asceticism, nobility and virtues. It was the desire of Hazrath Ali that this son whom he named Abbas (meaning a dauntless lion) would accomplish the same deeds of valour like him and follow his teachings without fear. It was also his wish that Abbas would be a constant companion of Imam Hussain and be his standard bearer at Karbala.

Hazrath Ali who was also known as the "Lion of God" and the "Gateway of knowledge" brought up Hazrath Abbas and ably guided him till he was 14 years old. The next 10 years were spent under the careful eye of Imam Hassan and the last 10 years with Imam Hussain. Thus it was not surprising that Hazrat Abbas acquired perfection in so many spheres of life. Hazrat Abbas helped the poor and the needy, and discharged his duties towards his fellow beings according to the precepts of Islam. He was pure in his thought, word and deed, lest any of these should displease God. He lived strictly in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the sayings of the Holy Prophet. The occasion for the supreme sacrifice came on the battlefield of Karbala when Imam Hussain was poised against Yezid's forces. It was a battle of good against evil and right against wrong. And, in the history of Islam the battle of Karbala has become an important landmark of supreme sacrifice, great courage and dedication to a just cause.

The life of Hazrath Abbas is an example of unflinching loyalty and love for a brother. It is also the story of a warrior who sacrificed his life for the cause of Islam. It is almost 1400 years since this tragedy occurred at Karbala and still pilgrims keep coming there to pay their respects to the gallant "Moon of the Hashimites" at his magnificent mausoleum. They offer salutations and pray to God seeking his intercession for this is a place where so many vows have been fulfilled and so many miracles are still taking place.

Mir Zahid Hussain,

Chennai.

Chennai.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Miscellaneous

News Update

Stories in this Section

Solution to puzzle No. 8098

The Hindu Crossword No. 8099

Symbol of sacrifice

dated September 27, 1954: Asian-African meet

dated September 27, 1954: Mrs. Pandit, envoy to U.K.

dated September 27, 1954: Ban on `atom bombs'

dated September 27, 1954: Film stars honoured

Weather