1. Ibn ‘Abd al-Barr writes, “Al-Husayn (as) is the son of ‘Ali ibn Abu Ṭalib (as) and Fatimah (as), the Prophet’s (S) daughter. His nickname is Aba ‘Abd Allah. He was born on the 5th of Sha‘ban in either the third or fourth year of the Islamic calendar [hijrah]. This is the popular opinion which is held by a majority of his companions.”1
2. It is thus recounted in the book entitled, “Akhbar al-Duwal”, “When al-Husayn was born, the Prophet (S) was informed about this happy occasion. He came to al-Zahra’s (as) house, requested to see al-Husayn (as) and held him in his arms.
The Prophet (S) recited first the adhan (the call to prayer) in the newborn’s right ear and next the iqamah (the prelude to prayer) in his left ear. The Archangel Gabriel [Jibra’il] appeared to the Noble Prophet (S) and brought Allah’s orders that the newborn child should be named al-Husayn (as). This was an exact repetition of what had earlier taken place when al-Hasan (as) was born.”2
3. Sibṭ ibn al-Jawzi says, “His nickname is Aba ‘Abd Allah. He was also endowed with the titles Sayyid Wafiyy, Waliyy, Sibṭ, and the Martyr [shahid] of Karbala.”3
Notes:
1. Al-Isti‘ab, vol. 1, p. 143.
2. Akhbar al-Duwal wa Athar al-Awwal, p. 107.
3. Tadhkirah al-Khawass, p. 232.
