Abbas (A.S)-The Standard Bearer of Hussein A.S

part 4

Hussein burst into uncontrollable tears. The sight of his brother, whose name was to become a byword for devotion and unflinching faithfulness, laying down his dear life in his arms, was heart-rending.

Abbas was heard to whisper softly:

         My master, I have some last wishes to express. When I was

         born, I had my first look at your face and it is my last

         desire that when I die, my gaze may be on it, too. My one

         eye is pierced by an arrow and the other is filled with

         blood. If you will clear the blood from my one eye, I'll

         be able to see you and fulfill my last dying desire. My

         second wish is that when I die you may not carry my body

         to the camp. I had promised to bring water to Sakina and,

         since I have failed in my attempt to bring her water, I

         cannot face her even in death. Besides, I know that the

         blows that you have received since morning have all but

         crushed you and carrying my body to the camp will be heart

         breaking work for you. And my third wish is that Sakina

         may not be brought here to see my plight. I know with what

         love and affection she was devoted to me. The sight of my

         dead body lying here will kill her.

Hussein sobbingly promised him that he would carry out his last wishes added:

         Abbas, I too have a wish to be fulfilled. Since childhood

         you have always called me master. For once at least call

         me brother with your dying breath.

The blood was cleared from the eye, one brother looked at the other with a longing lingering look. Abbas was heard to whisper:

                           My brother, my brother

and with these words he surrendered his soul to his Maker: Hussein fell unconscious on the dead body of Abbas with a cry:

         O Abbas, who is left to protect me and Sakina after you?

The flow of Furat became dark as winter and a murmur arose from the flowing water as if to protest against the killing of a thirsty water-bearer on its banks.

Source: shia.org

Other Links:

Sheikh Mufid and Imam Sajjad: part 3   

Who is Mukhtar Thaqafi: part 1     

Martyrdom of Ammar Ibn Yasir: part 3   

Who is Mukhtar Thaqafi: part 2    

Black face, Pure Nature