Who is Abbas in Islam
Lineage and Early Life
Al-Abbas was born in Medina on Sha’ban 4, 26 (May 15, 647), into a noble family deeply respected among Shi’a Muslims. His father, Imam Ali, the first Imam, and his mother, Fatima bt. Hizam, later known as Umm al-Banin, came from honored and courageous tribes. After the martyrdom of Lady Fatima al-Zahra, Imam Ali married Fatima bt. Hizam, strengthening the bond between two noble lineages.As a child, al-Abbas studied under his father, gaining deep knowledge and wisdom. It’s said that he learned from Imam Ali “like a pigeon taking food from its mother.” For 14 years, they lived together, and al-Abbas grew in bravery and devotion. Later, he participated in the Battle of Siffin (37/657), where his courage was widely reported, earning him honor and the Teknonym that reflected his noble spirit.
Family Background
Abbas ibn Ali, the noble son of Imam Ali and Lady Ummul Banin, was born into a family celebrated for courage, loyalty, and faith. His parents, Ali ibn Abu Talib and Fatima bint Hizam (Ummul Banin), came from an honored lineage of bravery and devotion. Who is Abbas in Islam? He is remembered as the shining symbol of sacrifice and loyalty, deeply respected by Shi’a Muslims for his unwavering support of his half-brother, Imam Hussain ibn Ali, and his pivotal role in the Battle of Karbala.
He was married to Lubaba bint Obaidullah ibn Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib, and his family lineage continued through his sons—Fazal ibn Abbas, Qasim ibn Abbas, and Obaidullah ibn Abbas. Though two of his sons were martyred in Karbala, his legacy lived on through Obaidullah ibn Abbas, whose grandsons—Abdullah, Abbas, Hamza, Ibrahim, and Fazal ibn Obaidullah—carried his noble name forward. Who is Abbas in Islam? He is the descendant of valor, a man whose very birth was a divine blessing tied to the destiny of Imam Hussain.
Stories tell that the Angel Gabriel informed the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) about what would befall Hussain ibn Ali at Karbala, moving Fatima Zahra and Ali so deeply that Ali prayed for a son who would stand by Hussain. On the advice of his brother Aqeel ibn Abu Talib, Ali chose Fatimah Kelabiyya (Ummul Banin), a woman from a lineage of courage and strength. Out of respect, he did not marry her during the lifetime of Fatima Zahra, showing the depth of his honor and piety. Who is Abbas in Islam? He is the son born from this sacred intention — a hero destined to uphold truth, loyalty, and faith for all generations.
Birth and Childhood
Al-Abbas was born in Medina on Sha’ban 4, 26 AH (May 15, 647 CE). From his early days as a child, he studied under the close guidance of his father, Imam Ali, who was known for his deep knowledge and wisdom. Who is Abbas in Islam? He is the son of a great leader and a student of virtue, learning from his father with humility and love, just as a pigeon takes food from its mother. For 14 years, they lived together, and those years shaped who Abbas in Islam would become — a man of discipline, faith, and strength.
As he grew older, he participated alongside his father in the Battle of Siffin in the year 37 AH (657 CE). Historical records highlight his bravery and calmness on the battlefield, showing that even at a young age, he had inherited his father’s courage and devotion. Who is Abbas in Islam? He is the shining example of knowledge, patience, and valor — a man molded by faith and destined for greatness.
Raised under the guidance of Imam Ali (a)
From his early days as a child, Abbas ibn Ali studied under the close guidance of his father, Imam Ali, who was known for his deep knowledge and wisdom. Who is Abbas in Islam? He is the son of a noble father and a symbol of humility and dedication, learning from Imam Ali with great affection and focus, just as a pigeon takes food from its mother. For 14 years, they lived together, and those years shaped who Abbas in Islam would become — a man of discipline, faith, and strength.
As he grew, Abbas ibn Ali participated alongside his father in the Battle of Siffin in the year 37 AH (657 CE). Historical reports praise his bravery and composure, proving that even at a young age, he had inherited his father’s courage and devotion. Who is Abbas in Islam? He is the embodiment of knowledge, loyalty, and valor, whose upbringing under Imam Ali molded him into a steadfast defender of truth and faith.
Teknonym
Al-Abbas was respectfully known by the teknonym Abu l-Fadl, meaning “Father of Excellence,” a title reflecting his noble character and virtuous deeds. Another kunya, Abu l-Qasim, is mentioned in Ziyara al-Arba’in, where Jabir b. Abd Allah al-Ansari greeted him saying, “Peace be upon you, O Abu l-Qasim; Peace be with you, O al-Abbas b. Ali.
These honored names show how deeply loved and respected he was among the faithful. Who is Abbas in Islam? He is the symbol of loyalty, sacrifice, and courage, a true servant of faith whose noble titles reflect his pure devotion. Through these names, believers remember who Abbas in Islam truly was — a beacon of virtue and unwavering faith.
Abu al-Fadl
The name Abu al-Fadl, also written as Abu’l-Fadl, Abu’l-Fazl, or Abulfaz, is an Arabic male given name meaning “father of virtue.” It is a title that holds deep respect in Islamic history and is most famously associated with Abbas ibn Ali, known as Abu al-Fadl al-Abbas. Who is Abbas in Islam? He is the son of Imam Ali and Ummul Banin, remembered for his unmatched loyalty, bravery, and devotion during the Battle of Karbala. Across regions like Iran and Azerbaijan, the name Abu al-Fadl is revered, symbolizing virtue and courage — qualities that define who Abbas in Islam truly was.
Titles and Honorifics
Among the many titles given to Abbas ibn Ali, one that shines the brightest is Qamar Bani Hashim (قمر بني هاشم), meaning the Moon of Banu Hashim, symbolizing his unmatched bravery, devotion, and valor. He was also called Bab al-Hawa’ij (باب الحوائج) — the Gate to the Requests [from Allah] — for his compassion and spiritual closeness. Other titles like Al-Tayyar (flyer), Al-Shahid (martyr), Saqqa (water supplier), and Standard-bearer reflect his noble faith and everlasting honor in Islamic culture. Who is Abbas in Islam? He is the symbol of courage and loyalty whose titles carry deep spiritual meaning and admiration.
Just like Al-Abbas, known for his bright face and noble presence, a clean grill also shines when cared for properly. I’ve learned that when the light of cleanliness brightens my grill, it brings better flavor and health to my family. A brush clears away burnt darkness, revealing a fresh shine — a reminder of who Abbas in Islam truly was: pure, steadfast, and full of light. Much like the Moon of the Hashemites (Qamar Bani Hashim) glowing over Medina, your grill too can sparkle after a good scrub — a small reflection of who Abbas in Islam remains in the hearts of believers, radiant and inspiring.