The College of Islamic Sciences, represented by its Dean, Professor Dr. Muhammad Hussein Abboud Al-Taie, along with its faculty, staff, and students, extends its warmest congratulations and best blessings to the Master of the Age (Imam Mahdi, may Allah hasten his reappearance), our esteemed religious authorities, and the entire Islamic nation on the auspicious occasion of the birth of Imam Ali al-Akbar (A).
A Shining Example of Filial Piety
The relationship between Imam Hussain (A) and his son, Ali al-Akbar, is a remarkable model of positive and fruitful upbringing, reflecting the highest meanings of piety, sacrifice, and loyalty. History records heroic stances of Ali al-Akbar, demonstrating his deep attachment to his father and his unwavering readiness to sacrifice for the truth.
One of the most notable events occurred during Imam Hussain’s journey to Iraq. When they reached Tha’labiyya, one of the stops between Mecca and Kufa, Imam Hussain (A) rested his head and dozed off briefly. Upon waking, he revealed a frightening vision to his companions, saying:
“I saw a voice calling: ‘You are hastening forward, while death is hastening towards you, leading you to Paradise.’”
Hearing this, Ali al-Akbar (A) asked:
“Father, are we not on the path of truth?”
Imam Hussain (A) replied:
“Indeed, my son, by the One to whom all servants return.”
With firm faith, Ali al-Akbar responded:
“Father, then we do not fear death!”
Upon hearing this, Imam Hussain (A) lovingly prayed for him:
“May Allah reward you, my son, with the best reward a father can give his child!”
This conversation reveals Ali al-Akbar’s deep understanding of truth and his complete readiness to embrace martyrdom. He was unshaken by the prospect of death as long as he stood by his father and walked in his path.
Ali al-Akbar’s Bravery on the Day of Ashura
On the Day of Ashura, Ali al-Akbar was the first from the Hashemite youth to step forward and engage in battle, defending his father and family against the Umayyad army. As he entered the battlefield, he recited:
I am Ali, son of Hussain, son of Ali,
By the House of Allah, we hold the Prophet’s decree.
By Allah, the vile-born shall never rule over me!
With my spear, I’ll strike until it bends,
With my sword, my father’s life I’ll defend,
Like a noble youth of Hashim, till the very end!
This verse demonstrates his deep responsibility towards Imam Hussain (A)—he did not merely fight for survival, but openly declared: “I protect my father.” His sense of duty and willingness to sacrifice his life for his father’s cause showcases his ultimate devotion and selfless love.
A father wishes to see his son as a pillar of strength and support, and Ali al-Akbar fulfilled this role completely, offering his soul until he was martyred.
When Ali al-Akbar fell, covered in his blood, Imam Hussain (A) rushed to him, tears in his eyes, his heart shattered. Embracing his dying son, he uttered words that encapsulated his sorrow:
“My son, after you, let this world perish!”
This phrase expressed the depth of his grief, as if the world had lost all meaning after the departure of Ali al-Akbar—the radiant light of his heart.
Prepared by:
M. M. Hassan Abdulhadi Al-Lami
Committee for the Revival of Islamic Rituals and Religious Occasions
