ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Al-Abbas Personality Al-’Abbas ibn ‘Ali was a whole world of virtues and merits. His personality included each and every lofty characteristic. It is however sufficient honor for him to be the son of Imam ‘Ali Amir ul-Mu’minin (a) - the model of human perfection. Thus, al-’Abbas inherited all elements of human perfection from his father and became, in the sight of Muslims, the epitome of virtue and high moral standards.

Let us now refer to some of these elements: Courage Since it denotes the soundness and perseverance of personality, courage is regarded as the highest characteristic of manhood. Abu’l-Fadhl al-’Abbas got this characteristic from his father who was the ever most courageous. Al-’Abbas’ maternal uncles too were recognized for this attribute among all the Arabs.

He was from perfect world that was full of valor; fear never entered his mind during battles in which he participated with his father.[^1] During the battle of at-Taff, al-’Abbas gave the highest examples of heroism and courage. In fact, that battle is seen as the greatest conflict in the history of Islam. Facing large gatherings of Yazid’s army, al-’Abbas manifested himself so bravely that he changed their courageous warriors into cowards and filled the hearts of their troops with horror.

Losing ideas of how to face this great hero, they went on using deceptive ways - they promised they would give him the general commandment of their army if he would leave the camp of his brother, but al-’Abbas put them down. Their promise was no more than a factor to increase his perseverance on his principles and persistence with defending his beliefs.

Narrators have referred to the great casualties that Yazid’s army suffered at the hands of al-’Abbas ibn ‘Ali who kept smiling in the midst of fighting. He filled the battlefield with the bodies of the enemies, painted the horses with their blood, and planted horror and terror in their hearts. His sword served as a destructive thunderbolt that inflicted bereavement and fatality upon people of Kufa who were in the opposing party.

The courage of al-’Abbas has astonished poets and authors who have gone on to describe it in nonesuch styles. It has given the best examples of heroism all over history. Since this courage was demonstrated for defending the right and protecting the high values and principles of Islam, its significance has been increasing over time.