(Original Urdu Marsiya by [tbd]; translation by Syeda Raza)

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Abbas is the soul, the essence of Ali

He is the light of Hyder’s eyes, this son of Ali

Matchless in his loyalty, his faith in Husayn

The flag-bearer of the righteous, just like Ali

 

So completely submitted to the will of the Imam

Loving, following, adoring, obeying the Imam

 

Such love among brothers is far and rare

Such submission, such obedience, so much care

Such service, such respect, its unusual to find

Such unconditional loyalty, a love pure and fair

 

Obeying the letter and spirit of Husayn’s words

Total in his faith, unrivaled in his love

 

Following the Imam, as though His shadow, His shield

Ready to defend Him, to serve, to yield

Wherever the son of Fatimah happens to be

Right behind would be Abbas, as though His servant indeed

 

When asked “How are you related to the Imam?”

“I’m His servant”  Abbas would reply, content and calm

 

 When Husayn would say “No, he is a brother of mine”

Abbas would insist that the Imam was being kind

“The Imam’s brother is Hasan, They are Fatimah’s sons

I’m a mere attendant, They are divine”

 

“The Prophet’s grandson is Lady Zahra’s son

While my mother a servant of Fatimah, the Pure One”

 

Husayn’s eyes would tear up hearing Abbas’s words

He would hug Abbas close, His heart would lurch

“You are my guard, my strength”  Husayn would say

“My Maula is kind” Abbas replied, undeterred

 

“Angels, like Gabriel, wait at Your door

I’m far lesser than Your attendants, my position is low”

 

“I am not the son of Fatimah, my Imam, my Lord

She is the epitome of purity, Her position is aloft

The heights of Your stature, the Almighty knows

You’re the grandson of the Holy Prophet of God”

 

“In the garden of Mohammed, You are a fragrant bloom

You’re the essence of Islam, its savior from doom”

 

Such was the relationship between Abbas and Husayn

Now its time to weep, for it’s a tale filled with pain

The brother who thus loved and served the Imam

Must now take leave, part from Husayn

 

Bowing before Husayn, Abbas seeks permission to leave

Husayn, distraught at the thought, is filled with grief

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“Do tell me what pains you Abbas” He cried

“From my feet lift your forehead, my dearest, my pride

What is your wish? What do you seek? Talk to me

If you’re homesick dear brother, leave for Medina instead”

 

“How can I speak my Imam?” Abbas replied

“I continue to live while Your army dies”

 

“Please grant me permission to go to the battlefield

The opportunity to die for Your cause, to succeed

Consider my situation, my embarrassment, my pain

That I live while others die, by sword, spear, or stampede”

 

“While to paradise the Imam’s army departs

I’m left behind, the lone standard-bearer, alas”

 

Hearing Abbas’ wish, Husayn’s heart filled with pain

Heaven’s shuddered at the ache in the sighs of Husayn

Distraught, the Imam said to Abbas

“How could you even think of leaving me alone?”

 

“I’ve grieved many today, make me weep no more

Have pity on my age, my losses, my woes”

 

“You’re the image of my Father, how can I let you go?

I cannot bear your loss, speak of leaving no more

Despite the brutal thirst, now three days old

I didn’t even ask you to fetch water, your parting I abhor ”

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“My heart will not allow me to say goodbye to you

My Abbas, if you leave me, what will I do?”

 

“Do not speak of leaving, make some other wish

Think of my sorrow, do not be amiss

You’ve been my shadow, my companion for twenty-nine years

Do not part from me now, turn away like this”

 

“I love you dear brother, I cannot let you go

Stay with me Abbas, say no more”

 

As the brothers conversed, cries arose from the tents

“Come and see dear Abbas, come Yaa Husayn

Sukayna has passed out, she now lies still”

Abbas rushed inside, hearing of Sukayna’s state

 

Oh what a sight he saw when he entered the camp

The ladies distraught, Sukayna laying in a faint

 

Abbas couldn’t bear to see Sukayna in such a state

Tears rolled down his cheeks as he wept

As his tears fell on Sukayna’s face

She opened her eyes, toward Abbas she looked

 

She whispered “Do not weep my dear Abbas

I just cannot bear this thirst, I am dying alas”

 

“My parched body, for lack of water burns

I crave a few drops, for water I yearn

My heart feels as though it beats in my throat

As though from my body my life is being torn”

 

“Oh Uncle, do not hope for me to live any more

This thirst takes me closer to Death’s door”

 

“Is it possible, you think, to find some water in this land?

Can you save me from this thirst, this unbearable pain?

A few drops of water, is all I need to live

And Abbas cried “I will go get water this instant”

 

“Go fetch the water-carrier, to the river banks I will go

To get water for you, even to Kausar I will go”

 

Hearing this Sukayna hopefully arose

Her tiny body trembled, giddy with thirst

Abbas lifted her in his arms and held her close

Then she brought the water-carrier to him, filled with hope

 

“This is a favor you do for Mother Zahra” she cried

“Hurry back from the river banks, and I will be alright”

 

 

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