Iran Press/ Iran news: The day before Ashura is called Tasua which is the 9th day of Muharram. Shia Muslims and other people from different religions, try to commemorate this day more than the first eight days of Muharram as Tasua is attributed to mourning for Imam Hussain’s brother, Abbas (AS), although he was martyred on the day of Ashura like the other Imam Hussain’s companions.
Concept of Brotherhood; Abbas is a true symbol
Brotherhood can be understood on two different levels, a physical and personal level, and a spiritual and social level. Both aspects are important. However, the brotherhood based on blood relationships should be synchronized with the brotherhood based on spiritual relationships. In case of tension between the two relationships, the spiritual brotherhood will take precedence over the physical brotherhood. (“Verily the believers are brethren [of one another].” 49:10).
Imam Zainul Abideen (peace be upon him), the fourth Shia Imam and nephew of Abbas, in his famous the Charter of Rights, writes about the rights of a brother. He says brothers should consider one another as a source of support and protection, and they should be sincere in giving advice and helping one another towards the path of God. He concludes by writing: “…Then if he obeys his Lord and properly answers His call [it is good for all]; otherwise, Allah, rather than your brother, should be your choice and the object of your reverence.”
Abbas courageous brother of Imam Hussain (AS)
Abbas was very stern and firm when he confronted the enemies, but he was very kind, compassionate, and caring towards the good people. The children of Hussain and the clan of Banu Hashim adored him. He was the favorite uncle of Sakina, the four years old daughter of Imam Hussain.
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On the day of Ashura, when Imam Hussain (AS) asked him to get water for the children, he succeeded in gaining access to the stream. He galloped into the stream, got down, and filled the water-bag. As a person who had been thirsty for three days, Abbas could have quenched his thirst, but he did not do so. Legally as well as morally, nothing prevented him from drinking water. But he did not do so. It was his sense of loyalty to Imam Hussain and his love for Hussain’s children that prevented Abbas from drinking the water.
On the way back, he had to pass through some palm trees, and that is where the enemy was hiding behind the trees to attack him from the back. One Yazidi soldier attacked him from behind in such a way that he lost his right hand.
A miniature depicting Abbas (AS) going to fetch water for children
Throughout history, Abbas is a valuable example of brotherhood, because, as evidenced by the great event of Ashura, he brought brotherhood to the highest level for the sake of God's best people. Undoubtedly, this brotherhood is the manifestation of the piety and virtue that he had realized in Abbas (AS), piety that made him equal to the best holiest people ever. 219
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