Ayatollah Mohiyeddin Haeri Shirazi the renowned professor of ethics and theology addressed a sitting in Iran where he said that we should practice intellect from the life of Hazrat Abbas A.S.
He said that everyone visits the Shrine of Hazrat Abbas in his own particular way. what we get from him should be long lasting.
He said that sometimes people discuss his personality in a way that don't suite him at all.
He said that when Shimar sent amnesty message for Hazrat Abbas A.S., he didn't bother to reply even. Imam Hussain A.S. ordered him to respond and Hazrat Abbas A.S. said that you want to assassin my leader Hussain A.S. I I should take amnesty?
Similarly he said on Furaat that the son of prophet PBUH is thirsty and should I drink water?
These actions of Hazrat Abbas clear that he was directly in relation with Allah.
During the time of the Moharram Majlises, usually on the 8th, it has become a sort of custom to recite the events leading to the martyrdom of Hazrat Abbas. And when the Alams (replica of the Banner or Standard of the Holy Prophet and the Holy Imams) are taken out, accompanied to the beating of breasts and heads by the mourners, one will notice a Mashk (a leather water-bag), usually made of metal in remembrance of Hazrat Abbas, who sacrificed his life trying to get water for the children of Imam Hussain, who were dying of thirst.
He added that we should practice intellect from the life of Hazrat Abbas A.S.