ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Tale of the Martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s.) [the Kerbala Epic] Part 13 - The Killing of Al-Abbas and his Brothers When Abbas saw the death toll mounting amongst members of his family, he said to his brothers, Abdullah, 0thman and Ja'far, "0 Sons of my mother! Go forth to meet the enemy so that I may bear witness that you kept your covenant with Allah and His Apostle".

He turned to Abdullah who was older than Othman and said to him, "Come forward, brother, so that I may witness your killing and thus be considered (by God)". So, they all fought in the presence of their brother, Al-Abbas till they were killed.

Al-Abbas reached the tether of his patience not to follow in the footsteps of his brethren and companions, especially when he could see that "The proof of the Time", Imam Hussain is getting increasingly beleaguered, his supply root cut, the screams of women and the crying of children, who were thirsty, filled his ears. He, therefore, asked his brother to allow him to meet the enemy in combat.

Since Abbas was the most valued asset Hussain cherished because the enemy are wary of his attack and fearful of his courage, and the women feel safe and secure so long as they saw the standard hoisted, Imam Hussain did not wish to part company with him and said, "0 Brother! You are the bearer of my flag".

* "Hussain placated Abbas, with calm:* * Amity's balm seeks; hurt Islam* * Restrain your wrath, my brother brave,* * A battle, to precipitate, we don't crave,* * 'Tis prudent, now to peer ahead,* * Don't let them act in haste - instead.* * Intellect, sound, they have none* * Antagonism, to them is a thrilling fun* * Nothing is worse than want of zeal* * Its lack can a nation's fortune seal* * But aimless zeal is folly's trap* * In wisdom's fort 'tis a mighty gap* * Their show of passion is not zeal* * This pseudo-zeal only varlets feel.* * Peoples sans vision were destroyed* * The prudent, e'er, vision employed* * Canting spivs they all are,* * Despicable insensates can't look far.* * We hope our "passive defence" does work,* * A "defence offensive" till last we shirk.* * My cool appraisal of this mess,* * Is a genuine effort to forestall distress.* * The stakes are dreadfully high,* * Staggering results it will imply.* * Erupt will battle - will get worse,* * They crave and yearn for the divine curse.* Abbas replied, "I am sick and tired of these hypocrites, and I want to exact my revenge on them".