History

Hazrat Ali Akbar (PBUH) was born on Sha’ban 11th, 33 AH or 35 AH or 41 AH and was martyred on Muharram 10th, 61 AH in the Battle of Karbala along with Imam Hussain.

His father is Imam Hussein ibn Ali, his mother is Lady Layla the daughter of Abi Murrah bin ‘Urwah bin Mas‘ud al-Thaqafi. He went to the battlefield declaiming:

“I am Ali the son of Hussein ibn Ali? I swear to the Lord of Kaaba, we are the closest family members of Muhammad (PBUH), and I swear to Allah that the son of a strumpet woman (Muawiyah) won’t govern us.”

He was a handsome young man of eighteen. He was also a brave soldier. He had been taught fencing and archery by his half-uncle, Abbas ibn Ali.

Ali Akbar walked out of Imam Hussain’s (as) camp to fight. It has also been narrated that he was one of the best-looking young men in the world; he was handsome, tall and courageous. He asked his father for permission to fight on the battle field. Imam Hussain granted him the permission right away.

When Qassem, Imam Hassan’s son came to ask for permission, Imam Hussain initially wouldn’t allow it, since he was Imam Hassan’s son. Therefore, he had to beg for permission until he would allow him to join them on the battle field. But when Ali Akbar asked for permission, he granted him the permission promptly, since he was his own son.
He then looked downheartedly at his son who was going to the battle field and would not return. He let his eyes release the tears they held, and he cried.

Imam Hussain was loved by the Prophet (pbuh) when he was a child. He loved the prophet back so dearly. Imam Hussain (as) was about six or seven years old when the Prophet (pbuh) passed away. The image of the Prophet was in Imam Hussain’s mind as an everlasting memory and his heart held the love of the prophet.

Then God blessed Imam Hussain (as) with Ali Akbar. By the time young Ali Akbar grew to adolescence, he looked exactly like the prophet; it was the face he loved so dearly, he adored so affectionately. Now his son looked so much like his own grandfather. When he spoke his voice resembled the voice of the prophet (pbuh). His character and manners were the most similar to the prophet: equally magnanimous, equally generous and equally gracious.

Then he said, “Whenever we missed the prophet, we would look at Ali Akbar.” So, as this chivalrous young man left to the battle field, Imam Hussain (as) called out, “O Son of Sa’d! May God leave you without progeny as you have left me without.” Hazrat Ali Akbar went to the battle field; he fought courageously, knocking out many enemies; he then returned and said, “I am thirsty”. Then he returned to the battle field.

When he expressed that he was thirsty, Imam Hussain (as) told him: “My dear! Continue to fight for a bit little longer; and it won’t be too long until you are nourished by the hands of your grandfather, Prophet Muhammad (saaw).” When Imam Hussain (as) said this to Ali Akbar, Ali Akbar raised his voice in the last moment of his life and said, “O’ father, farewell! This is my grandfather the Messenger of God who is sending you greetings and calls on to you to join us.”

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