A deeply moving Majlis dedicated to the courage, sacrifice, and loyalty of Hazrat ‘Abbas ibn Ali (A.S), the standard-bearer of Karbala and loyal brother of Imam Husayn.
Surah al-Fatiha
Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem
Tonight is the 8th night of Muharram.
We will shed more tears. We will do more matam. Tonight is the night of Hazrat ‘Abbas (A.S) — a night of immense sorrow.
‘Abbas — The Alamdar, the Commander, the Shield of Zainab, the Lion of Ali!
Hazrat ‘Abbas (A.S) was the brave and faithful son of Imam Ali (A.S) and Ummul Baneen. From his childhood, he was raised to protect Imam Husayn (A.S). On his deathbed, Imam Ali (A.S) gave ‘Abbas’s hand to Husayn and said:
“Husayn is the son of Fatimah. You are my son. Serve Husayn. Be his support.”
Since that day, ‘Abbas lived not as a brother, but as a servant of Husayn. He never left his side.
‘Abbas: The Symbol of Loyalty
In Karbala, ‘Abbas remained the right hand of Imam Husayn. Though he was a warrior like his father, Imam Husayn asked him:
“Be patient, ‘Abbas. We are here to teach with our character, not our swords.”
Even when Yazid’s army removed their access to water, ‘Abbas held his sword but obeyed Husayn’s call for sabr (patience).
The Day of ‘Ashura
On ‘Ashura, one by one, companions were martyred. ‘Abbas repeatedly sought permission to fight:
“Master, let me go now. Enough, I cannot bear this anymore.”
But Husayn refused:
“You are my standard-bearer, my strength, my support. How can I let you go?”
‘Abbas watched as his three brothers, Qasim, and ‘Aun–Muhammad were martyred. He became restless.
The Cry of Sakina
At last, Sakina came with her empty mashk:
“Uncle ‘Abbas, I’m thirsty. Please bring me water.”
‘Abbas picked her up and went to Imam Husayn. Husayn saw the empty mashk and Sakina in his arms. Tears welled up in his eyes.
“Go, ‘Abbas. Go bring water. But don’t fight. Leave your sword with me.”
‘Abbas gave his sword, kissed Sakina, and asked her for duas.
He then sought Bibi Zainab’s permission:
“Sister, give me leave.”
She wept:
“Now I know my hijab will be looted.”
Reaching the River
‘Abbas carried the Alam in one hand, Sakina’s mashk in the other, and a spear for protection. He charged toward the River Furaat, defeating anyone who stood in his way.
He reached the river and filled the mashk. Even then, he refused to drink before the children.
“My horse, drink. But only after we take water to Sakina and Ali Asghar.”
The Final Trial
On his return, Umar Saad’s men attacked. Arrows rained down. A sword struck his shoulder. He gripped the mashk with his teeth. Another blow severed his second arm. The Alam and spear fell.
Still, he rode on. The mashk still had water.
Then, an arrow struck the mashk. The water spilled. ‘Abbas lost his strength.
He fell and cried:
“Master! Come quickly. Let me see you once more.”
Imam Husayn rushed. He saw his brother — bleeding, both arms severed.
“‘Abbas, you are leaving me too. What will I do without you?”
‘Abbas replied:
“Wipe the blood from my eyes. Let me see you once more.”
Imam Husayn wiped his eyes. ‘Abbas looked upon his master one final time.
“Brother, just once, call me your brother.”
Imam Husayn said:
“‘Abbas, my brother.”
‘Abbas whispered:
“Don’t take my body to the tent. I don’t want Sakina or Zainab to see me like this.”
He took his last breath.
The Alam Returns
Husayn lifted the Alam. He tied the empty mashk to it.
When Sakina saw the Alam returning, she cried:
“Children, come! My uncle has brought water!”
But when Husayn reached the tent, he cried:
“Z-A-I-N-A-B! Help me. The Alam has come, but the Alamdar has not…”
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaih Raja’oon!
We are from Allah and to Him we shall return!
Matam al-Husayn!
