3rd of Shaban Birthday Anniversary of Imam Hussein (pbuh)

Republished by Bahaismiran:

Imam Hussain (A.S.), the Doyen of the Martyrs, the Grandson of the Holy Prophet of Islam, the Chief of the Youth of Paradise who saved Islam from complete destruction by his great sacrifice at the battlefield of Karbala was born in the holy city of Madinah on the 3rd day of the month of Shaban in the fourth year after the Hijrah.

In the house of the Holy Prophet, which presented the best image of both the worlds - the heaven and the earth - a child who benefited humanity as if he was Divine Impression reflecting the earth, was born on one of the nights of the month of Shaban (3rd Shaban). His father was Imam Ali, the best model of kindness towards his friends and the bravest against the enemies of Islam, and his mother was Hazrat Fatimah, the only daughter and child of the Holy prophet who had as universally acknowledged, inherited the qualities of her father.

Imam Hussein, is the third Apostolic Imam. When the good news of his birth reached the Holy Prophet, he came to his daughter’s house, took the newly-born child in his arms, recited adhan and iqamah in his right and left ears respectively, and on the 7th day of his birth, after performing the rites of aqiqah, named him al-Hussein, in compliance with Allah’s command.

Hassan and Hussein, the two sons of the Holy Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib and Hazrat Fatimah, our Lady of Light, were respected and revered as the ‘Leaders of the Youths of Paradise’ as stated by the Holy Prophet peace be on him and his progeny.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace be on him and his progeny, had openly prophesied that the faith of Islam would be rescued by his second grandson Hussein, when Yazid, son of Muawiayh, would endeavor to destroy it. Yazid was known for his devilish character and brutish conduct. He was known as the most licentious of men. The people having known and understood the character of Yazid, formed a covenant by which Muawiyah could not appoint Yazid as his successor. This undertaking was given by Muawiyah to Imam Hassan from whom Muawiyah had snatched power. Muawiyah violated this undertaking and nominated Yazid who succeeded his father.

Immediately as he came to power, Yazid began acting in full accordance with his known character. He started interfering in the fundamentals of the faith and practised every vice and wickedness freely with the highest degree of impunity and yet held himself out as the successor of the Holy Prophet, demanding allegiance to himself as the leading guide of the faith. Paying allegiance to Yazid was nothing short of acknowledging the devil as God. If a divine personality like the Holy Imam Hussein had agreed to his authority, it would be actually recommending the devil to humanity in place of God.

Yazid demanded allegiance from the Holy Imam Hussein, who could have never agreed to it at any cost. The people fearing death and destruction at the hands of the tyrant had yielded to him out of fear. Imam Hussein said that come whatever may, he would never yield to the devil in place of God and undo what his grandfather, the Holy Prophet had established.

The refusal of the Holy Imam to pay allegiance to this fiend, marked the start of the persecution of the Holy Imam. As a result he had retired to Medina where he led a secluded life. Even here he was not allowed to live in peace, and was forced to seek refuge in Mecca where also he was badly harassed, and Yazid plotted to murder him in the very precincts of the great sanctuary of Karbalah.

The people of Kufah getting tired of the tyrannic and satanic rule of Yazid, had written innumerable letters and sent emissaries to Imam Hussein to come over and give them guidance in faith. Although Imam Hussein knew the ultimate end of the invitations, he as the divinely chosen Imam could not refuse to give the guidance sought for. When the Holy Imam with his entourage had reached Karbala, his horse mysteriously stopped and would not move any further.

Upon this the Holy Imam declared: ‘This is the land , the land of sufferings and tortures.’

He alighted from his horse, and ordered his followers to encamp there saying: ’Here shall we be martyred and our children be killed. Here shall our tents be burned and our family arrested. This is the land about which my grandfather the Holy Prophet had foretold, and his prophecy will certainly be fulfilled.’

On the 7th Muharram water supply to the Imam’s camp was cut and his torture of thirst and hunger started. The Holy Imam’s camp consisted of ladies, innocent children including babies and some male members of the Holy Prophet’s family; along with a small band of some faithful friends of Imam Hussein who had chosen to die with the Holy Imam, fighting against the devil for the cause of Allah.

4^th of Shaban Birthday Anniversary of Hadrat Abul Fazl Abbas (A.S.)

It was the fourth of Sha’ban in the year 26 AH. In the holy city of Medina, a man came running to the Prophet’s Mosque. He stood for a moment at the door looking among the worshipers for some particular person.

He was excited and when he spotted the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, Imam Ali ibn Abi Taleb (PBUH), he rushed towards him breathlessly, shouting I have good news for you.The man was none other than Qanbar the faithful servant of the Imam.

He wiped the sweat off his forehead and said: my master I am coming from your house now and God Almighty has blessed with another son. I have come to give you this good news and ask what should he be named. Happiness could be seen in the Imam’s eyes. He smiled and said this child has a high status before God. I will come home now. I will name this son Abbas like my Uncle. That day was the fourth of Shaban.

Many experts in psychology believe inheritance; education and the surrounding environment play important roles in forming human beings’ personality. In this regard, Hazrat Abbas grew up under special conditions.

He grew up in a house where worldly ornaments were not important, but which was filled with the light of God and love for humanity and its ethereal values. He grew up among brothers as noble as the Prophet’s two grandson Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein (pe ace be upon them). He grew up in a household on whom the Prophet had asked God to bestow His blessings. This house was the place of hope and refuge of the world.

It was the habit of Imam Ali (PBUH) to cultivate and irrigate the palm groves and then endow them to the needy. Abbas acquired these qualities from his father as well as from his brothers Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein (peace be upon them), the illustriou s sons of the Prophet’s impeccable daughter Hazrat Fatemah (peace be upon her) who had long expired.

He soon adorned himself with the highest human characteristics. Hazrat Abbas’ life was filed with knowledge and love. 
He was wise and knowledgeable as well as tall, handsome and brave. Among the Arabs it was a tradition to name beautiful children Qamar or moon. And Hazrat Abbas acquired the epithet of Qamar-e Bani Hashem or the Moon of the Bani Hashem Clan.He was also polite and patient and this was a reminder of his father’s words that No heritage is worthier than politeness.

Hazrat Abbas, who was brought up in such a congenial atmosphere never sat down without permission in front of his brothers Imam Hassan and Imam Hussein (peace be upon them).

He respected the high status of his brothers as the heirs of his father and the righteous successors of Prophet Mohammad (blessings of Allah be upon him and his progeny). Soon his knowledge and wisdom reached a level in which the scholars of his era become humble before him. Hazrat Abbas since his youth showed signs of bravery and courage alongside his father Imam Ali (PBUH).

During the Siffeen war against the rebel governor of Syria Mua’wiyah ibn Abu Sufyan, when the enemies blocked water to camp of the Muslims, Hazrat Abbas who was in his early teens entered the battlefield with a veil on his face to hid his true identity. Mua’wiyah ordered one of his powerful men Abu Shasa to confront him.

The Syrian arrogantly said: People compare my bravery to a thousand riders, now you want me to fight this young boy? Abu Shasa sent his youngest son to confront him. But his son was soon defeated and killed. Abu Shasa then sent his other son, but to his surprise, he was also killed. Then Abu Shasa fuming with rage swallowed his proud words and personally entered the battlefield seeking to avenge the death in combat of his sons. But the boy was such valiant that he defeated him and made swift work of th e infidel.

At this sight, the Muslim army rejoiced and felt surprised at the bravery of the young masked lad. Imam Ali (PBUH) called the youth and took the mask off his face. Then everyone saw that the brave youth was no one but Hazrat Abbas.

During the era of Imam Hassan (PBUH), Hazrat Abbas stood steadfastly at his side despite the plots of the enemies to snatch away the political leadership of the Ummah from the Prophet’s elder grandson. Despite his courage, Hazrat Abbas always followed th e Imam and was patient.

He retired with the Prophet’s Household to Medina from Kufa in Iraq when the rebel Mua’wiya deceived the Iraqi people and forced Imam Hassan (PBUH) to sign a peace treaty relinquishing the caliphate. Ten years later when Imam Hassan (PBUH) was martyred through poisoning, the divine right of imamate came to rest on the shoulders of the Prophet’s younger grandson Imam Hussein (PBUH). Hazrat Abbas proved loyal and true to the Imam as always.

He was a faithful and trustworthy advisory. So devoted was Abbas that he never left the side of his beloved brother Imam Hussein (PBUH). The height of the greatness of the personality of Hazrat Abbas reached its peak in Karbala and the heroic martyrdom. In chaotic conditions when the people were entangled with worldly desires and succumbed to the offer of posts, he became the Imam’s flag bearer and led his troops. 
Guarding the Imam, protecting the tents of the womenfolk of the Prophet’s household, caring for the children and making a sacrifice to bring water to the thirsty camp of Imam Hussein (PBUH) were among the most beautiful and apical manifestations of his life in Karbala.

In reality in Karbala Hazrat Abbas’ effort to satisfy God and carry out his duty, astonished the world. In Karbala Yazid’s troops cut the water supply to the Imam’s camp. When the young children could no longer tolerate thirst, Hazrat Abbas volunteered to bring them water. But this was almost impossible.

With his courage, he drove away hordes of enemies and reached the banks of the River Euphrates. Although he was thirsty himself, he never drank a drop of water. After filling the goatskin water-carrier, while he was making his way towards the Imam’s camp , the cowardly enemy attacked him from all sides. One of his hands was severed when he was struck from behind.

He fought single-handedly with his left arm, which was also severed by the Omayyud marauders. Nevertheless, he spurred his horse towards the Imam’s camp hoping to take water to the thirsty children. Alas, he was not destined to do so. The enemies burst upon him like a pack of jackals and shot arrows in his eye and at his chest piercing the goatskin water-carrier and making the water flow on the ground.

Hazrat Abbas thus drank the cup of eternal martyrdom in this valiant name and the memory of this great sacrifice will remain eternal in history. In 10th Muharam even many non-Muslims bow at the threshold of Hazrat Abbas in Karbala and beseech God Almighty through him.

Imam Zain ol-Abedin says about his uncle Hazrat Abbas, My uncle Abbas will have such a high status before God on the day of resurrection that all the martyrs will envy him.

Titles of Hazrat Abbas (a.s.)

1-Qamar-e-Banihashem (The Moon Of Banihashem’s Progeny)

This was his most famous nickname. The reason behind that was his good looking face which was resembled to the moon.

2-Saqqa’ (The One Who Brings Water)

This is his another famous nickname.Since he was dealing with bringing water to Imam Hussein (A.S)’s camps and supplying Imam’s thirsty children with water, he was given this nickname.

3-Hamel-ul-Lava’ (The One Who Carries the Flags)

This nick name was given to him because he was the one who carried the flag in Imam Hussein (A.S)’s troop.

4-Raees-e-Askar-al-Hussein (the Commander of Imam Hussein (a.s.)’s troops)

This nickname was given to him because he was the commander of Imam Hussein (as.)’s troops.

Imam Ali Ibn al Hussein (as)

(This is) an account of the Imam after al-Husayn Ibn Ali, peace be on them, the date of his birth, the evidence for his Imamate, the age he reached, (together with) the period of his succession, the time and cause of his death, the place of his grave, the number of his children and a selection from the reports about him.

The Imam after al-Husayn Ibn Ali, peace be on them, was his son, Abu Muhammad Ali Ibn al-Husayn Zayn al-Abidin, peace be on them. He also had the kunya Abu al-Hasan.

His mother was Shahzanan daughter of Yazdigard Ibn Shahriyar Ibn Choesroe. Her name was also said to be Shahrbanawayh. The Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, had appointed Hurayth Ibn Jabir al-Hanafi over part of the eastern provinces. The latter had sent to him two daughters of Yazdigard Ibn Shahryar Ibn Choesroe. Of these he had given his son al-Husayn, peace be on him, Shahzanan and she bore him Zayn al-\'Abidin (Ali Ibn al-Husayn), peace be on him. He had given the other to Muhammad Ibn Abi Bakr and she bore him al-Qasim Ibn Muhammad Ibn Abi Bakr, so that these two (Zayn al-Abidin and al-Qasim) were maternal cousins.

Ali Ibn al-Husayn, peace be on them, was born in Medina in the year 38 A.H. (658/9). He lived with his grandfather, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, for two years, with his uncle, al- Hasan, peace be on him, for twelve years, and with his father, al- Husayn, peace be on him, for twenty-three years. After his father, he lived a further thirty-four years and he died in Medina in the year 95 A.H. (713/4). At that time he was fifty-seven years of age. His Imamate was for thirty-four years. He was buried in al-Baqi with his uncle, al-Hasan Ibn Ali, peace be on them.

His Imamate was confirmed in several ways. One of these was that he was the most meritorious (afdal) of the creatures of God, the Most High, after his father in traditional knowledge film) and practice (\'amal). The Imamate belongs to the most meritorious (afdal) to the exclusion of the less meritorious (mafdul) by rational proofs. Among these there was the fact that he was more appropriate for authority by virtue of his father, al-Husayn, peace be on him, and more entitled to his position after him through his merit and lineage. The one who was entitled through the last Imam has more right to his position than anyone else through the evidence of the verse of next of kin (dhu al- arhaim) and the (Qur\'anic) story of Zacharia, peace be on him.

Another of (the facts which confirms his Imamate) is the necessity according to reason of the Imamate existing in every age. The claim of every (other) claimant to the Imamate during the time of Ali Ibn al- Husayn, peace be on them, was invalid and the impossibility of there being any time without an Imam is confirmed by him (being the Imam).

Another (of the facts which confirms his Imamate) is the fact that the Imamate is established in the offspring (itra) (of the family of Ali exclusively by rational deduction and by a report on the authority of the Prophet, may God bless him and his family. Invalidity of the arguments of those who claim it for Muhammad Ibn al-Hanafiyya, may God be pleased with him, through him (also) belonging to the offspring is established by the absence of the designation of it to him.

Therefore it is established that it belongs to Ali Ibn al-Husayn, peace be on them, since there was no claim for it for any other member of the offspring (of the family) except Muhammad, may God be pleased with him; his exclusion from it was on account of what we have already mentioned.

Another (of the facts which confirmed his Imamate) was the designation of the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family, of him for the Imamate, in the tradition which is related concerning the tablet (lawh) which Jabir reported on the authority of the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family. Muhammad Ibn Ali al- Baqir, peace be on them, (also) related it on the authority of his father, on the authority of his grandfather, on the authority of Fatima, daughter of the Apostle of God, may God bless him and his family.

His grandfather, the Commander of the faithful, peace be on him, designated him during the life-time of his father, al-Husayn, peace be on him, according to the reports which include that. The testamentary bequests (wasiyya) (were made) by his father, al- Husayn Ibn Ali, peace be on him, and they were deposited with Umm Salama for him. He received them when his father died. His father made the request (for these) from Umm Salama, the sign of the Imamate of the one who should request them among men. This part may be known by the examination of the reports and we do not intend in this book to speak about its significance for we will study it thoroughly separately.