Ahl al-Bayt Featured Site

Shrine of Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali (AS)

مَرْقَدُ العَبَّاسِ بنِ عَلِيّ

Karbala, Iraq
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The shrine of Hazrat Abbas ibn Ali (AS) — the son of Amir al-Mu'mineen Imam Ali (AS) and Ummul Baneen, and the half-brother of Imam Husain (AS). Abbas ibn Ali (AS) was the commander and standard-bearer of Imam Husain's camp at Karbala. Renowned for his extraordinary bravery, loyalty, and physical strength, he was given the title 'Qamar Bani Hashim' (Moon of the Hashimites) for his renowned beauty and bearing. On the day of Ashura, he made multiple attempts to bring water to the thirsty children of the camp from the Euphrates. On his final attempt he was ambushed — his right hand was cut, then his left, then arrows struck him and he fell from his horse. He died calling out to Imam Husain, carrying the water bag (mashk) that never reached the tents. His shrine stands a short distance from Imam Husain's shrine in Karbala.

Why it Matters

Hazrat Abbas (AS) is one of the most beloved figures in the Karbala narrative. His self-sacrifice, his loyalty to Imam Husain, and his death while attempting to bring water to the children of the camp represent the pinnacle of devotion. He is invoked with the title 'Bab al-Hawa'ij' (the Gate of Needs) — many believers direct their prayers for worldly needs through his intercession. Bohras hold his wiladat on the 4th of Shaban as a day of joy, and his shahadat on Ashura is part of the deepest grief of the day.

Dua when visiting

السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا ابْنَ أَمِيرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا الْعَبْدُ الصَّالِحُ الْمُطِيعُ لِلَّهِ وَلِرَسُولِهِ

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