Abbas - The Standard Bearer of Husain

If Abbas could see, would he have recognized his master? With back bent and beard turned white and hoary, on hearing the parting cry of his beloved brother, Husain's plight was such that nobody could have recognized him - such was his transformation. Abbas was now feeling the loving touch of his master's hand. With effort he muttered:

You have come at last, my Master. I thought I was not destined to have a last

farewell with you but, thank God, you are here.

With these words he put his head on the sand. Tenderly Husain lifted his head and again put it on his lap, inquiring why he had removed it from there.

My Master, replied Abbas, the thought that when you will be

breathing your last, nobody will be there to put your head in

a lap and to comfort you, makes me feel that it would be