ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Al-Abbas Epithets Epithet is a word or phrase that expresses a quality or attribute which is considered to be a characteristic of the person or thing mentioned.[^1] Epithets then reflect one’s characteristics, whether good or bad.

To al-’Abbas a number of lofty epithets expressing his kind mentality and high moral standards have been ascribed: Bab ul-Husayn Like his father who was the door to the Prophet (S), al-’Abbas is the actual and spiritual door to Imam al-Husayn (a). Because of the high moral standards and great faithfulness of al-’Abbas, Imam al-Husayn used to choose him for every mission and depend upon him in every difficult situation. Likewise, al-’Abbas dedicated himself to being at the disposal of his brother.

He was the protector and defender of the Prophet’s household. It is related that al-’Abbas used to call his brother as ‘Master’. Only on one day and in one situation did al-’Abbas address his brother as brother. That was on the day of Ashura - when he fell down from his horse after his two hands had been severed and he had been struck on the head. In such an hour, a man longs to see the ones he loves for the last time. Only then did he shout as loud as possible - O Brother, reach your brother.

As soon as the Imam heard that voice, he hurried towards its source. He rode out, put his brother’s head in his lap, began to wipe away blood and dust from his face, and asked about his pain. Al-’Abbas opened his eyes to see his brother’s face, looked at him for the last time, and bid him farewell with a smile expressing all meanings of sincerity and loyalty.

As an answer, Imam al-Husayn (a) replied to his brother’s farewell not with words, but with tears that dropped on the face of al-’Abbas while he was having the last sparks of his life. Thus, al-’Abbas emitted his last breaths while he was in the lap of his brother and he has become the door to reaching him. Hence, it is recommended for the pilgrims of the tomb of Imam al-Husayn (a) to begin first with visiting the tomb of al- ‘Abbas.

This is one of the confirmations of al-’Abbas’ being the door to his brother – the chief of the martyrs. The door intended here is the mental and spiritual. Al-’Abbas, hence, is the spiritual door to Imam al-Husayn, and this meaning is very far from the familiar meaning of portership or secretariat.