The caravan was heading for Shaam (Damascus). The long journey from Karbala was over. When the seized properties from the martyrs of Karbala were shown to Yazid, there was a banner among them which surprised the observers, as it was torn and damaged, but its staff was unscathed. Yazid asked, “who was the bearer of this banner?” They answered, “Abbas Ibn Ali.”
Yazid, in respect of Abbas (PBUH) the bearer of banner in Karbala, arose and sat for three times. Then he said to his fellows, “Look at this banner which is torn and damaged entirely except its handle where the holder has gripped until the last moment.” Then he said, “This is the meaning of devotion to one’s brother.”
Anyone who has read the tragedy of Karbala or has heard about its disastrous events honors the personality of Abbas Ibn Ali (PBUH). He manifested bravery, honor, devotion, loyalty and sacrifice to the extent that even his enemies could not help praising his virtues. History knows no match for him.
On the 8th day of Dhi al-Hajjah, one day before the departure of the caravan of Imam Hussain (PBUH), Abbas Ibn Ali (PBUH) made a speech on the roof of Ka’aba and said, “As long as my father Ali was alive, no one dared to kill the Prophet, and as long as I am alive, no one dares to kill my brother Hussain.” He told the crowd, “Let me tell you the only way of killing Hussain is to kill me and cut off my head. That is the only way you will fulfill your goal.” By these words, he meant that it would be impossible to kill the Imam as long as Abbas (PBUH) were alive. This family do not fear death in the path of the beloved and have no hesitance in supporting and protecting the life of their Imam.
These words show the highest devotion and sacrifice in the path of Imam of the Time (Imam Hussain (PBUH)). He was the one who, not only in words, but also in action, showed his devotion to Imam Hussain (PBUH) and proved his bravery with sacrifice. He aligned his actions to his words. Abbas Ibn Ali (PBUH) made his chest the shield against the offenders of Imam Hussain (PBUH) on the day of Ashura.
Moreover, in the critical moments of war he repeated, “I defend the honor of the heir of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (PBUH&HP) and defeat you with my sharp sword to keep you away from my master Hussain (PBUH). I am Abbas, lover of Hussain and his family; I am the son of Ali, who was approved by Allah.”
Not only his words and actions were accordant, but also his performance was approved by the Imam of his time. When Imam Hussain (PBUH), the infallible Imam, came to him at the moment of his martyrdom, Imam Hussain (PBUH) told him: “Brother, may God grant you sufficient reward; you toiled in the path of Allah and made Jihad the right way.”
(Selection taken from the book “Speaker at the Kaaba” by Ali Asghar Younesian”)
We offer our condolences for the day of Tasu’a, the commemoration of the devotion and the honour, and the sacrifice of that virtuous servant of God, the supporter and defender of the heir of the Prophet of God, the glorious moon of Bani Hashim, Aba Al-Fadl al-Abbas (PBUH) to all the Shia and lovers of the family of the infallibles.