Abdullah ibn al-Hasan: The 11-Year-Old Martyr of Karbala
The Brave Grandson of Imam Ali (AS) Who Defended His Uncle Until His Last Breath
Who Was Abdullah ibn al-Hasan (AS)?
Abdullah ibn al-Hasan (AS) was the beloved son of Imam Hasan al-Mujtaba (AS), the eldest grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His lineage was pure, being a grandson of Lady Fatima Zahra (SA) and Imam Ali (AS). Born and raised in the household of the Ahlulbayt, Abdullah was nurtured on the values of courage, truth, and loyalty to the cause of Islam.
At the time of the tragedy of Karbala in 61 AH (680 CE), Abdullah was only 11 years old, a child by worldly standards — but in faith and bravery, he stood taller than most men.
⚔️ The Scene at Karbala
On the 10th of Muharram, after all the companions and family members of Imam Hussain (AS) were martyred, the final battle reached its most tragic moment. Imam Hussain (AS) was left alone, surrounded by thousands of enemy soldiers.
As Imam Hussain (AS) was attacked from all sides, a brutal warrior named Bahr ibn Ka’b raised his sword to strike the Imam.
At that very moment, Abdullah ibn al-Hasan (AS), witnessing the scene, rushed out from the tents, running barefoot and without armor, shouting:
"By Allah, I will never be separated from my uncle!"
His aunt, Lady Zainab (SA), tried to stop him, but how could she restrain a child whose heart burned with love for Hussain (AS)?
🩸 The Moment of Martyrdom
As Bahr ibn Ka’b raised his sword to strike Imam Hussain (AS), Abdullah threw himself in front of his uncle, shielding him with his own small body.
The sword descended — and severed Abdullah’s tiny arm. The boy screamed in pain:
"O uncle!"
Imam Hussain (AS) moved closer to him, held him in his arms, and said:
"O dear son of my brother, be patient! Soon, you will meet your father, Hasan, and your grandfather, the Messenger of Allah."
Even in his final moments, Abdullah did not retreat. As he bled in his uncle’s arms, the cruel enemy stabbed him in the chest, and the young lion of Hasan (AS) surrendered his soul to his Lord — martyred in defense of truth and justice.
🌹 A Symbol of Loyalty and Courage
Abdullah’s martyrdom is not just a tragic story of a child in a battlefield; it is a testament to the timeless values of the Ahlulbayt (AS) — that truth has no age limit, and the path of dignity knows no boundaries of youth or old age.
At an age when most children play, Abdullah chose martyrdom over humiliation. His sacrifice continues to inspire generations of Muslims, teaching us that standing for truth is not bound by age, strength, or circumstance.
✨ Legacy in the Words of Ziyarat
In the Ziyarat al-Nahiya attributed to Imam Mahdi (AJ), the Imam sends peace upon Abdullah ibn al-Hasan, recognizing his sacrifice among the noble martyrs of Karbala.
"Peace be upon Abdullah, the son of Hassan, the youthful martyr who rushed to defend his uncle until his arm was severed and his soul ascended with the martyrs."
Conclusion
The story of Abdullah ibn al-Hasan (AS) is a story of unwavering loyalty, fearless love, and a soul that transcended childhood.
When we remember Karbala, we remember that even the smallest of the Prophet’s family stood like a mountain against injustice. Abdullah’s small body may have fallen, but his name was engraved forever in the skies of honor.