Umm al-Banin — Umm Abbas

Who She Was

Fatima bint Hizam, known to history as Umm al-Banin (“mother of the sons”), was a noblewoman of the Banu Kilab, famed among the Arabs for the courage and nobility of her lineage. After the passing of Fatima al-Zahra, she was married to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib.

When she entered Ali’s household she asked not to be called Fatima, so that the children of Fatima al-Zahra — Hasan and Husayn — would not be pained by hearing their mother’s name. From then she was known by the title Umm al-Banin, a sign of her humility and love for the family of the Prophet.

Mother of Four Martyrs

She bore Imam Ali four sons: al-Abbas, Abdullah, Ja’far and Uthman. She raised them in devotion to their brothers Hasan and Husayn — and above all al-Abbas, who would become the moon of the Hashimites and the standard-bearer of Husayn at Karbala.

On the day of Ashura all four of her sons were martyred defending Imam Husayn. Al-Abbas fell last, his arms severed as he tried to bring water to the thirsting children of the camp — earning forever the titles Bab al-Hawa’ij, “the gate of needs,” and the loyal guardian of Karbala.

Her Patience and Honour

When the news of Karbala reached Medina, it is said that she asked only about Husayn, telling the messenger that all her sons — and all she had — were a sacrifice for the grandson of the Prophet. Her grief and steadfastness made her a beloved figure, and the people of Medina would gather to hear her mourn at the cemetery of al-Baqi.

To this day believers turn to Umm al-Banin as an example of faith, sacrifice and a mother’s love, and many seek blessings through her name and the name of her son al-Abbas.

The Name of This Site

This website, umabbas.net, takes its name from her — Umm Abbas, the mother of al-Abbas — in honour of her love, her sacrifice, and the family of the Prophet she served so faithfully.