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Author: Abbas

Bibi Sakina (S.A): The Youngest Daughter of Imam Husayn (A.S)

A biography of pain, patience, and purity – from Karbala to Zindan-e-Shaam Name: Ruqayyah bint Husayn (also known as Bibi Sakina, Sukaina) Arabic: سكينة – Meaning: Calmness, Peace of Mind Father: Imam Husayn ibn Ali (A.S) Mother: Bibi Rubab (daughter of the chief of the Kinda, Imra al-Qays tribe) Date of Birth: 20th Rajab, 56 AH (approx. 676 CE) Date & Place of Death: 13th Safar, 61 AH (approx. October 680 CE) – Zindan-e-Shaam (Damascus, Syria) The Life of Bibi Sakina (S.A) Bibi Sakina (S.A) was the youngest and most beloved daughter of Imam Husayn (A.S). She was a lively and radiant child, full of innocence and wisdom far beyond her years. Her sweet, gentle nature won hearts, while her deep devotion to Islam made her a shining star among the family of the Prophet (PBUH). From a young age, Bibi Sakina was known for her love of the Qur’an, punctuality in prayers, and her modesty in observing hijab. Imam Husayn (A.S) often said: “A house without Sakina would not be worth living in.” She brought joy to all, from the children in the Prophet’s household to the elders who admired her pure soul. Her Bond with Hazrat Abbas (A.S) Bibi Sakina had a special connection with her uncle, Hazrat Abbas (A.S). He loved her more than his own children. Her smallest request would become his mission. Throughout the journey from Madinah to Karbala, Hazrat Abbas would ensure she had everything she needed. Sakina would often visit Hazrat Abbas’s home in Madinah just to be with him, and he would ride up to her mehmil on the journey to comfort her, shielding her from any discomfort. In Karbala – From Joy to Tragedy During the siege in Karbala, especially from 7th Muharram onward when water was cut off, Bibi Sakina displayed immense strength. She would share the few drops she had with other children and always offered her portion to others first. On Ashura, she gave her water pouch (mashk) to her uncle Abbas to bring water for the children. When Imam Husayn returned with Abbas’s blood-soaked standard instead, she realised her uncle had been martyred. From that moment, Sakina never again asked for water. That day, she saw her father, brothers, uncles, and companions one by one martyred — including her six-month-old brother Ali Asghar (A.S). But despite losing everyone, she remained patient, comforting the grieving women and never asking for relief for herself. In the Ruins of Shaam – Zindan-e-Shaam After the massacre of Karbala, Bibi Sakina was taken as a prisoner to the court of Yazid in Damascus. The beloved daughter of the Prophet’s household was dragged through the streets, shackled, and imprisoned in Zindan-e-Shaam — a dark, cold, underground prison with no roof and bare stone floors. There, Bibi Sakina endured immense torment. Her earrings were ripped from her ears. Her dress caught fire during the burning of tents. Yet, she remained a pillar of patience. Often, she would look up at the birds flying freely and ask: “Will Sakina ever return home like those birds?” She never smiled again after Ashura. She would cry silently, hiding her tears from her mother so as not to increase her sorrow. The Final Moments of Bibi Sakina (S.A) One night in the Zindan of Shaam, Sakina woke up crying, searching for her father. Her cries echoed in the prison: “O my dear aunt, where is my father? Just a while ago, I saw him in my dream. He kissed me and said: ‘My dear Sakina, you will soon be with me.’ Where is he now?” The Holy Ladies tried to calm her, but nothing could soothe the aching heart of the little orphan. Yazid (L.A.), disturbed by the cries, sent a servant to inquire. When he learned the cause, he mockingly ordered that the severed head of Imam Husayn (A.S) be sent to her in the prison — an act of unthinkable cruelty. When the head of her father was brought to her, she clung to it tightly, sobbing: “Who cut off my father's head? Who martyred my father? Why are we captives?” She continued weeping until silence overtook the prison. At first, the women thought she had fallen asleep, but this was the sleep of eternity. Bibi Zainab (S.A) called out to Imam Zainul Abideen (A.S). The Imam placed his hand on her cold forehead and said in grief: “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihi Raji'oon.” Her Burial in the Dungeon of Shaam In the dark cell of that wretched prison, Imam Zainul Abideen (A.S) dug a grave for his beloved sister. Bibi Zainab (S.A) held the small, lifeless body of Sakina as she was gently laid to rest in the prison floor. Bibi Rubab (S.A) cried out, pressing her face against the grave: “Speak to me, Sakina! Only a word, my child! Speak to me!” The cries of “Ya Sakina! Ya Mazloomah!” echoed through the prison. The stones of Shaam shook with the pain of Ahlul Bayt. Legacy of Bibi Sakina (S.A) Though she was only four to five years old, Bibi Sakina's sacrifice remains one of the most moving chapters in the history of Karbala. Her patience, her purity, and her pain continue to awaken hearts around the world. Her resting place in Shaam (Damascus) is visited by lovers of Ahlul Bayt from all corners of the globe. She lives on as a symbol of innocence martyred, of a child who bore the heaviest grief — yet never lost faith.

A biography of pain, patience, and purity – from Karbala to Zindan-e-Shaam Name: Ruqayyah bint Husayn (also known as Bibi Sakina, Sukaina)Arabic: سكينة – Meaning: Calmness, Peace of Mind Father: Imam Husayn ibn Ali (A.S) Mother: Bibi Rubab (daughter of the chief of the Kinda, Imra al-Qays tribe) Date of Birth: 20th Rajab, 56 AH […]

Tahajjud Prayer – Salatul Layl (Night Prayer After Midnight)

Tahajjud Prayer – Salatul Layl (Night Prayer After Midnight)

How to Pray Salatul Layl (11 Rak’ats Structure) Salatul Layl consists of eleven (11) Rak’ats and is performed in the following sequence: ✦ 1. Nawafilatul-Layl – 8 Rak’ats Each pair (2 Rak’ats) is prayed as: ✦ 2. Salatul Shaf’a – 2 Rak’ats ✦ 3. Salatul Witr – 1 Rak’at (The Final Prayer) In Salatul Witr: […]

Hazrat Bibi Umm al-Banīn (a.s.): The Mother of Loyalty, Devotion, and Sacrifice

Hazrat Bibi Umm al-Banīn (a.s.). Known for her unwavering loyalty to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), her unmatched motherhood, and her spiritual depth, she remains one of the most beloved female icons after the Noble Ladies of the Prophet’s Household: Bibi Fatima az-Zahra (a.s.), Bibi Zainab (a.s.), and Bibi Umm Kulthum (a.s.).

In the rich and sacred tapestry of Islamic history—particularly within the Shia tradition—few personalities shine with the brilliance, devotion, and selflessness of Hazrat Bibi Umm al-Banīn (a.s.). Known for her unwavering loyalty to Ahlul Bayt (a.s.), her unmatched motherhood, and her spiritual depth, she remains one of the most beloved female icons after the Noble […]

Arbaeen (Chehlum) – The 40th Day After Ashura (20th Safar)

Arbaeen, Chehlum, 40th Day After Ashura, 20th Safar, Imam Hussain, Karbala, Ziyarat Arbaeen, Arbaeen Walk, Najaf to Karbala, Islamic History, Battle of Karbala, Sayyida Zaynab.

Arbaeen, also known as Chehlum, marks the 40th day after Ashura — the day when Imam Hussain (عليه السلام), the beloved grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and his loyal companions were martyred in the Battle of Karbala on the 10th of Muharram, 61 AH (680 CE). This day falls on the 20th of Safar in […]

Ziyarah Taziyah – Condolence Salutation on Ashura | Last Hours Recitation for Ahlulbayt (A.S)

Recite Ziyarah Taziyah in the final hours of Ashura Day to offer heartfelt condolences to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Ali (A.S), Lady Fatimah (S.A), and the Imams from the progeny of Imam Husayn (A.S). Honour the pain of Karbala with this deeply spiritual Ziyarah.

Recite Ziyarah Taziyah in the final hours of Ashura Day to offer heartfelt condolences to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Ali (A.S), Lady Fatimah (S.A), and the Imams from the progeny of Imam Husayn (A.S). Honour the pain of Karbala with this deeply spiritual Ziyarah. اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَارِثَ آدَمَ صِفْوَةِ ٱللَّهِ alssalamu `alayka ya […]

Shahadat of Imam Sajjad (A.S.) – Legacy of Patience After Karbala

Shahadat of Imam Sajjad (A.S.) – Legacy of Patience After Karbala (1)

1. Introduction The story of Imam Ali ibn Hussain (A.S.), widely known as Imam Sajjad (A.S.) and Zain-ul-Abideen, is not just a chapter in Islamic history—it is a living legacy of spirituality, patience, and silent resistance. Born into the household of Imam Hussain (A.S.), he witnessed the horrors of Karbala and lived to uphold the […]

Majlis 7 – Hazrat Qasim (A.S) | Bravery and Martyrdom on the 10th of Muharram

Hazrat Qasim

A powerful and emotional Majlis for the 7th night of Muharram, commemorating the bravery and martyrdom of Hazrat Qasim ibn Hasan (A.S), the young son of Imam Hasan. Surah al-FatihaBismillahir Rahmanir Raheem Tonight is the 7th night of Muharram.Our Muharram majaalis continue. We shall shed more tears for Karbala. We will continue our matam, donate […]

Majlis 3 – Janabe John, the noble African companion | 3rd Night of Muharram

Janabe John, the noble African companion

Surah al-FatihaBismillahir Rahmanir Raheem Tonight is the third night of Muharram. As the sacred nights pass, the grief of Karbala deepens. Our tears multiply, our matam becomes more intense, and our remembrance of the Martyrs of Karbala grows stronger. Words like:“Husayn! Karbala! ‘Ashura! Matam! Marsiya! Nawha! Alam! Mashk! Taboot!”— resonate with sorrow in our gatherings. […]

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