Water-carriers calling themselves ‘Abbasi

Question

Question: The Bhishti (water-carrier) caste and other water-carriers call themselves ‘Abbasi, because Hazrat ‘Abbas ﵁ too did the work of carrying water; with this in mind the Bhishtis call themselves ‘Abbasi. Some people object that calling oneself ‘Abbasi is impermissible. Please explain, therefore: what is the ruling on their calling themselves ‘Abbasi?

Answer

Hazrat ‘Abbas’s ﵁ carrying of water was not of the kind now current among the water-carriers, who carry water for a wage. Rather, during the Hajj season, for those who came to Makka al-Mu‘azzama for Hajj, he would soak raisins in water and prepare a sweet drink, and with this drink he would host them, taking nothing in return for it; indeed, he regarded this service and…

Source: Fatawa Mahmudiyya

Preview. The full text opens with JavaScript enabled.