During his childhood, Imam Hussain (as) was loved by the Prophet (sawa) and he loved him back, excessively. The Imam (as) was about seven years old when the prophet passed away. The image of the Prophet (sawa) remained in the psyche of Imam Hussain (as) as an everlasting memory; his love for the prophet dwelled in his heart. Then God bestowed the child Ali Akbar (as) upon Imam Hussain (as).
When the child grows up and becomes a teenager Imam Hussain (as) realizes his son’s face is exactly like that of the prophet’s (sawa). The face that he held so dearly was now reflected in this youth, so similar to his grandfather. And when he spoke, his voice resembled that of the prophet (sawa). Moreover, his manners resembled the prophet’s (sawa); he was equally gallant, magnificent and noble.
Imam Hussain (as) said, “Whenever we missed the prophet, we would look at this young man.” In his youth Ali Akbar (as) chose the battlefield and conducted so courageously when he routed a large number of enemies.
Statements made at a Friday Sermon, May 08, 1998