Abbas: The birth of a lion

Before Karbala became a battlefield of loyalty and sacrifice, before banners were raised and arms were severed, a child was born in Madinah whose life would redefine devotion. The birth of Abbas ibn Ali (as) was not merely the arrival of a son into the house of Imam Ali (as), it was the arrival of a guardian, a standard-bearer, a soul created for unwavering faithfulness.

When Lady Umm al-Banin (as) brought her child into the world, Imam Ali (as) held him with a gaze filled with insight. This was not the look of a father admiring strength alone, but of a leader recognising destiny. He named him Abbas, the lion, knowing that courage would course through his veins, but that courage alone would never define him. This child would be shaped by loyalty before strength, by obedience before honour.

Imam Ali (as) recited the adhan into the newborn’s ear, planting the call of Allah (swt) into his heart. Yet as he held the child’s tiny arms, Imam Ali (as) wept. When asked why, he spoke of a future by the banks of the Euphrates, of hands that would be severed while holding firm to the truth, of a son who would give everything not for leadership, not for recognition, but for Hussain (as). Even in the cradle, Abbas (as) was connected to Karbala.

He was raised in a home where bravery was guided by principle, and strength was always in service of truth. Under the care of Imam Ali (as), Abbas (as) learned that power without obedience is emptiness. From Lady Umm al-Banin (as), he learned humility and devotion. She raised him to see the sons of Fatimah (as) not as brothers alone, but as Imams to be obeyed. She taught him that his life had meaning only in loyalty to Hussain (as).

The birth of Abbas (as) reminds us that greatness is not always in leadership, but often in support. Not in being at the centre, but in standing firm when others waver. Abbas (as) was not born to seek a throne. He was born to carry a banner and never let it fall.

Karbala would later witness his sacrifice, but his story did not begin there. It began in a cradle, with intention, with purity, with a heart trained to say only one thing, “I am with Hussain (pbuh).”

His birth is a lesson for every believer, true honour lies in loyalty, true strength lies in obedience to Allah (swt), and true immortality lies in standing with truth, even when it costs everything.