Celebrating the Birth of Hazrat Abbas (a.s.)
Source: WILADAT Hazrat Abbas (AS)

As the lovers of the Ahlul Bayt mark the 1,400 birth anniversary of Hazrat Abbas (as), the right-hand man of Imam Husain (AS), this becomes a celebration not just to be 'commemorated' in our traditional manner, rather it should be one in which we should truly strive to learn more about this important personality.

After the death of Sayyida Fatimah Zahra (peace be upon her), the Commander of the Faithful approached his brother Aqil and requested him to find him a wife. Recognized for his deep insight into the lineages of the Arabs, Imam Ali (as) wanted a wife who would provide support to his son, Imam Husain (as) at that crucial moment when he would need to face his greatest test. How precise and careful the Imam was in choosing a life partner - he did not look for the most beautiful or the richest woman in Madinah - rather, the most fearing of Allah (swt) and from a spiritually rich family - thus hinting to us the importance of how to choose a spouse.

Aqil directed Imam Ali (as) towards a woman named Fatimah who would later on be known as Ummul Baneen - the Mother of the Sons - to take as his wife.  From this blessed union came the pure seed of Abbas - the brave warrior.

Born into the house of Imaamate, he was blessed with the noble traits of his father and his fore-fathers and that of his mother and her family who were known for their honor, courage and bravery.  Due to these lofty traits which would show up in Al-Abbas (as) later in life, he was given the title of: Abul Fadhl or 'The Possessor of Virtue' while his proper name as Abbas which means, 'The Lion that other lions fear and escape from.' 

One of these noble traits which takes precedence over all others was his loyalty - loyalty to his religion, to his nation, to his homeland and most importantly to his brother and Imam.  This show of devotion which can be summed up in his loyalty to his Imam was exemplified best on the plains of Karbala when he stepped forth to offer himself and all that he had in the way of the faith.