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.
