Al-’Abbas in Arabic Referring to the linguistic meaning of the Arabic al-’Abbas...

Al-’Abbas in Arabic Referring to the linguistic meaning of the Arabic al-’Abbas, Ibn-Manzhour[^5] in his al-Ayn, writes down: Al-’Abbas - the lion that other lions fear and escape[^6] In Muntaha al-Irab, the following is recorded: Al-’Abbas - this name is given to the courageous, the fearless, the strong, and the attacker. It is one of the names of a lion.

Describing al-’Abbas in the battlefields, many historians have likened him to the angry lion.[^7] Describing al-’Abbas ibn ‘Ali, at-Turaihi, in his al-Muntakhab, says: Al-’Abbas ibn ‘Ali looked like an unshakable mountain. His heart was the same as such an immoveable mound because he was such a unique horseman and hero. In battlefields, he was fearless.

His Mother’s Verses Out of her great love for her son, Umm-ul-Banin did her best to protect him from any evil, including the evils of the envious. Hence, she composed the following poetic verses: I seek the guard of the One (God) for him From the eye of every envious - Including the rising one and those who sit The Muslims and the unbelievers The comers and the goers And sons and fathers. [^8] Nicknames Al-’Abbas was called Abu’l-Fadhl (father or owner of virtue).

Some mentioned that he had a son called al-Fadhl.[^9] As a matter of fact, this name represents his personality completely, because he was the owner, leader, and a source of virtues. In his life, he was so openhanded - he used to distribute his virtue and charity to anyone who was directed to him. After martyrdom, he has been the shelter and refuge of everyone who seeks his help. Most surely, God relieves him who turns to Him and implores to Him by using Abu’l-Fadhl as his means and interceder.

Because this is so commonly experienced - the fact is undeniable. Al-’Abbas was also called Abu-Qirba (the owner of the water skin) because he had carried water to the harem of Imam al-Husayn (a) during the battle of at-Taff. He was also called Abu’l-Qasim. This name, however, is not common among historians some of whom have mentioned that al- ‘Abbas had a son called al-Qasim who was martyred during the battle of at-Taff.

Jabir al-Ansari addressed to al-’Abbas during the Ziyara of al-Arbaeen: [^10] “Salaam be upon you, Abu’l-Qasim.