On the basis of this he was the Chief of the Youths of Bani...

On the basis of this he was the Chief of the Youths of Bani Hashim and according to the unanimity of all the writers and historians he was the most influential and remarkable personality of Kerbala. That is why he was the center of attention of the Infallible Imam. Abbas was the standard bearer of the battalion of Imam Husain (a.s). When except for him none remained on the side of the Imam he sought permission for Jihad to display his martial feats also.

However, instead of according him permission for Jihad, the Imam told him to arrange water for the holy family and the thirsty children who all were on the verge of death. This ferocious warrior who was second only to Ali (a.s) in his martial expertise attacked the army of the enemies, which had surrounded the banks of Euphrates .

There were hardened fighters among them, well versed with the techniques of swordsmanship and archery but Abbas launched a scathing attack on them dispersing the rows and rows of militia to clear his way to water. History records that he slew eighty foes and put his horse into the water. Then he filled the water skin and like a streak of lightning turned to head towards the Imam’s encampment. Now he only concentrated on how he could convey this water to the camps.

The thirst of Imam Husain (a.s) and the parched throats of the young children and ladies had affected him so much that he took a handful of water and threw it back with distaste saying how could the slave drink when the master was thirsty? Can there be a better example of loyalty, devotion and manliness? On his return the army that had fled also came back and surrounded him from all sides but the brave one continued to deflect their attacks and kept on racing his steed towards his destination.

When the foes realized that attacking him from the front was of no use, some of them attacked from the right severing his right arm. However, the valiant warrior said, “By Allah! Even if my right hand is gone I will continue to fight for the sake of religion in this condition.” So saying he transferred the standard to his left hand. Soon however a malicious attacker hit from the left and severed his left hand and the standard came to the ground. At that moment he said, “O life!

Why to fear these infidels? Good news that the mercy of Allah awaits you! These oppressors have severed my left hand also. O Allah!