Sayyiduna Abbas ibn Ali رضي الله عنه holds a place of special honour among the family of the Prophet ﷺ. The son of Sayyiduna Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه by his wife Umm al-Banin رضي الله عنها, he was the loyal half-brother and standard-bearer of Sayyiduna al-Husayn رضي الله عنه.
His Titles and Character
He is called Abu al-Fadl, the Father of Virtue, and Qamar Bani Hashim, the Moon of the Clan of Hashim, in recognition of his noble bearing. He was known for his courage, his dignity, and above all his unwavering loyalty to Sayyiduna al-Husayn رضي الله عنه.
A Model of Loyalty and Honour
Sayyiduna Abbas رضي الله عنه stood with Sayyiduna al-Husayn رضي الله عنه in principle to the end, choosing honour and fidelity over any accommodation with injustice. He left this world at Karbala on the 10th of Muharram 61 AH, remembered ever after for a devotion that placed the bond of family and faith above every consideration of this world.
Who was Sayyiduna Abbas ibn Ali رضي الله عنه?
He was the son of Sayyiduna Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه and the loyal half-brother and standard-bearer of Sayyiduna al-Husayn رضي الله عنه, honoured with the titles Abu al-Fadl and Qamar Bani Hashim.
Why is he so honoured in the Sunni tradition?
For his noble character and his complete loyalty to Sayyiduna al-Husayn رضي الله عنه, standing with him in principle to the end — a model of fidelity, courage, and honour.