Hazrat Abbas: The Flag-bearer of Faith and Loyalty (Part 2)
Personality and Bravery
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 the 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 the 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.
Other links:
The Banner Holder of Neynava, Hazrate Abolfazl al-Abbas
A night to fly over toward the beloved
The great Prophet (SAW) and His Six True Friends
The Role of Women in Karbala
