Chapter 1

Who is Bibi Sakina?

Bibi Sakina is the daughter of Imam Hussain (AS), our third Imam. Imam Hussain (AS) was the son of Imam Ali (AS) our first Imam and Bibi Fatima (AS) the only daughter of Prophet Muhammad SAW. Her mother Umme Rubaab was the daughter of Imra al Qays the chief of the tribe of Kinda. Other names that Bibi Sakina (AS) is known by are Sukayna and Ruqaiyya.

Bibi Sakina (AS) was born on the 1st of Rajab in Madina in 57 A.H. Imam Hussain (AS) felt very happy and used to compare her to his mother Fatima Zahra (AS). He called his daughter Kheeratun Niswaan, the best of the ladies just as her grandmother was known as Khairunissa.

Many of the titles that are for Bibi Fatima (AS) are also used for Bibi Sakina (AS). When we read her ziarat, we convey our salams to her as

Taqiya (Pious),

Naquiya (Pure),

Kareema (Noble)  and

Baheeya (Radiant).

Like her grandmother, she is a Mazlooma (Oppressed) and a Shaheeda (Martyr). The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW used to call Bibi Fatima (AS) “Bizatun Minni”, a part of me. Bibi Sakina (AS) is called Bizati Shabab e Ahle Janna, a part of Imam Hussain (AS), the leader of the Youth of Paradise. Just as Bibi Fatima (AS) had to suffer hardship after the death of her father, Bibi Sakina (AS) the beloved daughter of Imam Hussain (AS) faced many trials after Imam Hussain’s shahadat in Karbala. Even though she was so young, she was very patient in the face of suffering and hardship.

She was a hafiz e Quran at four years old, which shows how intelligent and clever Bibi Sakina (AS) was. She had a baby brother called Ali Asghar (AS), who was born on 15th Rajab 60 A.H. Their mother Hazrat Umme Rubaab loved both her children very much and took great care of her two children. Both of them helped their father Imam Hussain (AS) in saving Islam.

Bibi Sakina (AS) gave up her life in the love of her father. She was taken as a captive from city to city and died a martyr in the prison of Damascus, far away from her home. Her death made people aware of how cruel Yazeed was, and made them think about the message of Islam given by Imam Hussain (AS). We must follow his example and  uphold the Truth even if we have to face difficulties.

May Allah’s Blessings and Mercy be upon them both.

Chapter 2

In Madina

When Muawiya died and his son Yazeed became ruler in Shaam, he sent a letter to his governor in Madina, Waleed, saying that Imam Hussain (AS) should do his bayat. Bayat to Yazeed would have destroyed Islam so the Imam refused. Yazeed would have killed the Imam in Madina just as Imam Hasan (AS) had been killed earlier. Imam Hussain (AS) decided to leave Madina so that the reason for his mission would be clear for all people to know.

Bibi Sakina (AS) says that the night before the Imam and all his family left Madina was very sad for theAhlebait. They would be leaving the city of the Prophet, never to return. Her baby brother Ali Asghar (AS) was only two weeks old. Travelling in the hot desert would be hard for everyone, but especially for the children.  Imam Hussain (AS), was taking all his family with him and asked his brother Hazrat Abbas (AS) to make all the arrangements. On the 28th Rajab 60 A.H. the caravan left Madina.

The Imam helped his sister, Hazrat Zainab (AS) to mount the camel and gave his daughter Bibi Sakina (AS) in her care.

Chapter 3

In Makkah

The journey from Madina to Makkah took five days and Imam Hussain (AS) reached Makkah on the 3rd of Shaban 60 A.H. He stayed there for about four months.

The people of Koofah heard that the Imam had left Madina and had come to Makkah. They wrote many letters to him and invited him to Koofah. Bibi Sakina (AS) saw that every day her father got more and more letters from Koofah.

One letter said “We have no Imam here to guide us. Please come to Koofah.”

The Imam decided to send his cousin Muslim Ibne Aqeel (AS) to Koofah so that Muslim (AS) could report to him about their affairs. Hazrat Muslim (AS) had four sons and a daughter, Ruqaiyya, who was about five years old. When he left for Koofah with two sons, Bibi Sakina (AS) saw that her cousin was sad to see her father and brothers go.

Yazeed sent his soldiers, dressed as Hajis, to kill the Imam in Makkah. The Imam could not do Hajj that year and left Makkah sadly and went towards Koofah. On the 8th of Zilhij as others were going towards Makkah for Hajj, Imam Hussain (AS) had to leave for Koofah. He was very sad but knew that if he stayed, then the men sent by Yazeed would shed his blood in the holy Kaaba.

AS means Alaihis Salam

(Peace be upon you)

Chapter 4

Makkah to Karbala

Imam Hussain (AS) began his long journey towards Koofah. It was through a hot desert and for miles there was no water to be found.

Her uncle, Hazrat Abbas (AS) would come up to the camel that had his favourite niece, Bibi Sakina (AS), to check that she had water and food. The caravan would stop and rest for the night.

When they stopped at a place called Salabiya, they saw two riders coming from the direction of Koofah .They brought sad news. Hazrat Muslim (AS) had been killed in Koofah and his young children, Muhammad and Ibrahim were taken prisoner.

Imam Hussain (AS) called Bibi Ruqaiyya (AS) and Bibi Sakina (AS) came with her. He put his hand on Ruqaiyya’s head and kindly said,

“Here are a pair of earrings for you and for Sakina.”

The little daughter of Hazrat Muslim said,

“Are there any news of my father? You are showing me the kindness you show to an orphan.”

Bibi Sakina (AS) hugged her cousin. Imam Hussain (AS) called his sister Zainab (AS) and told her to tell everyone the sad news.

Chapter 5

In Karbala

Imam Hussain (AS) and all their family, including the four-year old Bibi Sakina (AS), arrived in Karbala on the 2nd of Muharram. 61 A.H. She saw her uncle Hazrat Abbas (AS) put up their tents by the river bank. Her father called the owners of the land and bought it.

Bibi Sakina (AS) heard a roar as hundreds of soldiers marched into Karbala. They forced the Imam to move from the riverbank and set up their tents away from the river. More and more Yazeedi soldiers came to fight against the Imam. Soon they blocked the river bank and said no water would be allowed for the Imam and his family.  By the 7th of Muharram all the water that there was with the Imam had run out.

All the children and Bibi Sakina (AS) were very thirsty and cried “Al atash! Al atash! We’re thirsty! We’re thirsty!” They went from one tent to another to ask if anyone had any water for them, but there was no water. The river flowed nearby, but the children of Imam Hussain (AS) were thirsty.

Some of the friends of Imam Hussain (AS) tried to get water for the children. Hazrat Abbas (AS) and some other young men dug a well but no water was found.

On the evening of the 9th Muharram, the Yazeedi army suddenly marched towards the Imam‘s tents. It was frightening for the ladies and little children.  Hazrat Abbas (AS) went to find out what was happening. “Do Bayat or fight” said Umar ibn Saad, the commander of Yazeed’s army.

The Imam asked them to delay the fight till the morning.

Bibi Sakina (AS) heard her father telling everyone they could go if they wanted. She saw the candle put out and in the dark, some people left the Imam.  She could not sleep. After namaz e Shab, when the Imam came to see her, she was still awake. He asked  “Sakina, are you still awake?” She replied, “Baba, I can’t sleep without you.” She hugged him and found comfort in his arms.

She woke up to the sound of her 18-year-old brother Ali Akbar calling out the adhaan “Allahu Akbar! Allahu Akbar!”

It was the day of Ashoor. Everyone said their fajr prayers but as the namaz ended, arrows rained down from the Yazeedi army.

Chapter 6

The Day of Ashoor

The day of Ashoor, 10th Muharram, was the saddest day of Bibi Sakina’s life. It was the day when all her family was killed. She saw all her uncles, cousins and brothers die, one after another.  She heard how all her father’s friends like Habeeb and Zohair were killed. Bibi Sakina (AS) saw her aunt Zainab AS say goodbye to her two sons, Aun and Muhammad.

She saw her aunt, Umme Farwa, weep when her son Hazrat Qasim’s body was brought back, trampled by horses. She tugged at her brother Ali Akbar’s aba, (cloak) as everyone cried, when he was leaving the camp.

Saqqa e Sakina

Hazrat Abbas (AS) was very fond of Bibi Sakina (AS) and he was her favourite uncle. When he saw how thirsty she was, he promised to fetch water for her. That is why he is called Saqqa e Sakina. She gave him her dry mashk. Hazrat Abbas (AS) tied the mashk (water bag) to the alam (flag) and went to the river bank.

Thousands of Yazeed’s soldiers blocked the way, but Hazrat Abbas (AS) bravely fought and was able to go and fill the mashk with water. When he was coming back, the soldiers surrounded him from all sides. They cut his arms and shot an arrow at the mashk. All the water spilled out. Hazrat Abbas (AS) fell  from his horse and called out “Salams on you, my Imam”

Bibi Sakina (AS) and the other children had all been waiting for Hazrat Abbas. When she saw her father return with the alam and her empty mashk, she was very sad. “Where is my uncle?” she asked. The Imam replied, “Alas my back is broken and my strength is gone.” The thirsty children remained thirsty.

Her baby brother

The last to go was her baby brother Ali Asghar (AS), taken from the cradle. When he cried, on hearing the call of his father, Bibi Sakina (AS) went to call her father, “Baba, come and see Asghar! He keeps crying. Can you get him some water?”

The Imam took the baby and asked for water, but instead of giving water for the baby, Hurmula shot an arrow at his neck. Bibi Sakina (AS) had been waiting at the door. But she saw her father bring back her baby brother only to bury him in the hot sand. She hugged her mother and they wept.

The Last Farewell

By the middle of the afternoon there was no one left except her father, Imam Hussain (AS). Bibi Sakina (AS) was very sad. Now it was her father, her dear father who was going.

Imam Hussain (AS) hugged his four year old daughter and said, “My last salaams on you, Sakina.” “Don’t go father,” she sobbed. “Can’t we go back to Madina?” “No we can’t, my dear. The roads are all blocked. No one can enter or leave Karbala now.”

The Imam then went to see his son Ali Zain ul Abideen (AS), who lay ill with fever. He said goodbye to all the Bibis who made a circle and asked the Imam to pass through it. He stepped outside and found his horse waiting. The Imam looked to the right and to the left. There was no one now to help him mount. Where are you Akbar? Where are you Abbas? Where are you Habeeb & Zohair? Will no one help me to mount my horse?”

The horse stopped. “I know you are tired and thirsty but this is my last ride. Let’s go! “he said kindly to the horse. But the horse wouldn’t move and hung down his head. The Imam saw that his daughter Sakina was clinging to the horse and crying “Don’t take away my father!”

The Imam jumped down from his horse and lifted Bibi Sakina (AS) in his arms.

“Why are you here, my child? I had said goodbye to you.” She cried, “Baba, one more time, can I sleep in your arms?” The Imam hugged her, and lay down. After a few minutes he took Sakina in his arms and called his sister: “Zainab, I have to go now. It is nearly the time for Asr. Take special care of my Sakina.”

Shahadat of the Imam

The Imam left and rode out alone. Soon it was the time for Asr. After a brave battle he fell from his horse. He was attacked from all sides and when Bibi Zainab (AS) could not see him anymore, she came out to see. Bibi Sakina (AS) followed her aunt. They could not see him, so they returned to the camp and found that the sky was going dark. A terrible wind blew and the sound of drums could be heard.

Ala ala qatalal Hussain bi Karbala! Hussain has been killed in Karbala!

Bibi Sakina (AS) saw that her father’s horse was running back to the camp. “Where is my Baba?” she cried. The horse rubbed his head at her feet as if to say “Sakina, your Baba has been killed. You are an orphan!”

A sound of wailing came from the sky. The ground trembled. The land of Karbala went dark. The angels wept.

Chapter 7

Shaame Ghareebaan

The sun of Ashoor set and the sky grew dark. The cruelty of the forces of Yazeed increased. First of all they looted the body of the Imam and took away his armour, his helmet, his clothes and even his rings. They trampled his body and then galloped towards the tents.

They looted anything they could find and took away the veils that covered the heads of the ladies.

A yazeedi soldier snatched Bibi Sakina’s (AS) earrings from her ears with such force that they started to bleed. The four year old orphan of Imam Hussain (AS) screamed in pain.

”Baba My Baba! Where are you?”  Then the tents were set on fire. Bibi Sakina AS‘s dress caught fire. She ran out and the fire seemed to blaze even more.

Hameed ibn Muslim, a reporter in Yazeed’s army, writes that he saw a little girl whose clothes were on fire, running this way and that. He tried to put it out.  She said to him “We are the Ahlebait.

Don’t come near.”

When the fire was out, she saw that the man appeared kind so she asked, “Can you tell me the way to Najaf?” He said “Why do you ask?” Bibi Sakina (AS) said,

“My grandfather Ali (AS) is in Najaf. He helps anyone who is in need. I will go and ask him to help us.”

The widows and the helpless orphans ran from one tent to another and were scattered everywhere. Bibi Zainab (AS) and Bibi Kulsoom (AS) gathered all the widows and orphans  together and counted them. They realised that some children were missing.

They went looking and found that two children were lying on the ground. When they picked them up, they began to weep as they realised that these two children were both dead.

“I can’t see my daughter Sakina anywhere” sobbed Umme Rubaab.

“You stay here. I will go and look for Sakina,” said Bibi Zainab (AS) and went towards the battlefield calling, “Sakina, Sakina, where are you?”

Finally she found Sakina (AS) clinging to a headless body, hugging him with both her hands. She was sobbing:

“Baba, come back! It’s dark here! They have looted our home. They have burnt our tents. They have taken my earrings. My ears hurt. They’re bleeding.” “How did you know that this was your father Hussain?” asked Bibi Zainab (AS).  Bibi Sakina (AS) replied, “I came crying Aina Abi? Aina Abi? Where are you father? Where are you father?”

And a sound came from here, saying “Illayya Illaya ya bunayya. Come here, come here, my daughter!”

“Let’s go. Your mother is waiting for you Sakina.” said Bibi Zainab (AS) and picked up her darling niece to take her back to her mother, Umme Rubaab.

Late that night, someone remembered that the widows and orphans were still hungry and thirsty. A little food and water was brought to them. Bibi Zainab (AS) called Sakina first and gave her some water. “Why do you give this to me before everyone else?” she asked. “You are the youngest, Sakina.” replied Bibi Zainab (AS). Bibi Sakina (AS) took the water in her hands and started to go towards the battlefield. “Where are you going?” asked her mother. “I’m going to give this water to Asghar, my baby brother. He is younger than me.” Everyone wept.

Chapter 8

In Koofah

The next morning, the heads of Imam Hussain (AS) and all his family were put on spears and lances. The ladies were made to travel on the bare backs of camels. They were tied up in ropes. Our fourth Imam Zainul Abedeen (AS), who could hardly stand was put in chains.

They were all taken to Koofah to the court of Ibn Ziyad, the governor of Yazeed. The journey through the desert took four days.  Koofah was once the capital city where Imam Ali (AS) had once ruled. Now his family were being brought there as captives.

The head of Imam Hussain (AS) was on a lance, all his family including his sister Zainab (AS) was being taken through the streets and young Sakina (AS), by her side was so thirsty.

The people of Koofah had been told by Ibn Ziyad that the Khalifa had gained victory over a rebel and so they had come out in huge numbers to celebrate. Everywhere there were sounds of rejoicing. The very people, who had invited Imam Hussain (AS) to Koofah to be their guide, now were ready to mock and jeer.

As they passed through a narrow lane, they stopped. In that street, lived Umme Habeeba, who had once served as a servant in the house of Bibi Zainab (AS). She saw heads on lances, she saw a young man who could hardly walk being dragged in chains and she saw a little girl sitting on the bare back of a camel looking so sad and weak. Umme Habeeba did not realise that these people were the family of Imam Ali (AS) and Bibi Fatima (AS), the family of the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW.  “Let me bring you some water” said Umme Habeeba and as she gave the water to Bibi Sakina (AS) she said “When you drink the water, please do two duas for me” Bibi Zainab (AS) said “Sakina do the dua first, then drink the water.” Then turning to Umme Habeeba, Bibi Sakina (AS) asked “What are the two duas ?”

Umme Habeeba said, “My husband is on a journey. Please pray that he returns safely so that my children are not orphans like you. Secondly please pray that I get the ziarat of my Maula Hussain and his sister Zainab.”  Bibi Sakina (AS) lifted her hands in prayer. Bibi Zainab (AS) turned to Umme Habeeba and asked “Would you recognise Zainab if you saw her?”

Umme Habeeba was shocked at the question and realised that it was her Imam’s family who were in the streets of Koofah.

Hussain had been killed in Karbala. Zainab and the rest of the ladies were without their veils and the orphan was four-year-old Sakina, the sweet daughter of Hussain.  The family of Imam Hussain (AS) was then taken to the court of Ibn Ziyad. The holy Imam Zain ul Abideen (AS) was dragged in chains and the ladies and children brought before the evil governor of Yazeed.

Chapter 9

From Koofah to Shaam

The journey from Koofah to Shaam was long and difficult. The camels were made to run and many children fell and died. The mothers would weep and cry but no one listened or stopped. The head of the Imam was carried on a lance by a wicked man called Khooli.

One day as they were travelling, the lance carrying the Imam’s head suddenly stopped. Khooli tried very hard to move it but could not. He came with a whip to Imam Zain ul Abedeen (AS) and said,”Come and see why your father’s head has stopped. I will thrash you with this  whip if you don’t come and get your father’s head to move.”  When the Imam came to his father’s head, he saw that there were tears in his father’s eyes and he was looking towards the desert. His aunt Zainab said “Sajjad, your sister Sakina is missing.” Imam Zain ul Abideen (AS) went looking. He found that she had fallen off the camel.

Bibi Zainab (AS) ran towards the desert. She saw a lady, dressed in black, wiping away Sakina‘s tears and talking kindly to her. “May Allah  reward you for your kindness to my brother Hussain’s orphan” said Zainab. ”Don’t you recognise me? I’m your mother Fatima” came the reply. Bibi Zainab (AS) took Sakina in her arms and brought her back.

The lance carrying the Imam’s head could now be moved. But cruel Shimr came up and tied up the orphan all by herself to the back of the camel with ropes.

As the journey continued and the camels were made to run, the rough skin of the camel hurt Bibi Sakina (AS) so much that she was soaked in blood. The journey to Damascus continued, with more pain and sadness.

As the walls of the city of Damascus came in sight, the caravan was stopped. It was the 1st Safar 61 A.H. Word was sent to Yazeed and he ordered that the city be decorated to celebrate his “victory” over Hussain (AS).

The family of the Prophet was made to wait outside the city for three days while the streets and lanes were hung with flags and decorations. It was the hardest time for our fourth Imam and the ladies. Ash Shaam, As Shaam, Ash Shaam !!! is what he had said remembering his experience.

Chapter 10

Bazaar e Shaam

After waiting for hours at the door of the city of Damascus, the family of Imam Hussain (AS) were taken through the bazaar, which was crowded with people, who had come out to celebrate.  People lined every street. There was dancing and singing on the roads.

In the front of procession on lances were the heads of the martyrs of Karbala. Alongside were the ladies, bare headed as their head scarves had been snatched. The fourth Imam Zain ul Abideen (AS) was dragged along the street, mocked and jeered. As they passed through the crowded streets, they were jostled and went from one side to the other.

In the covered bazaar, there were balconies from where the women of Shaam watched the procession go by. They started throwing dates, sadqa (alms), on the family of the Prophet. Bibi Zainab cried “Sakina, I know you are very hungry but don’t touch the dates. Bibi Kulsoom (AS) turned to the women and said “Don’t you know we are the family of the Prophet. Sadqa is haraam for us.

Chapter 11

In the Darbaar

At the end of the Bazaar were the doors to the palace of Yazeed. But they were not ready and the Ahlebait had to wait for hours yet again. Then they were told to wait because Yazeed was busy playing chess. Finally there was a loud call that they were to be brought before Yazeed.

A rope was brought and all the ladies and children were tied up with one rope and dragged along like slaves. If anyone fell, they would be whipped. Bibi Sakina (AS) saw that her aunt Bibi Zainab (AS) was trying hard to control her tears. It was a  very difficult time for the holy family.

The Darbaar of Yazeed had ambassadors from other countries, leading citizens and more than seven hundred important men, sitting in their finery.

Yazeed sat on his throne, sipping wine and poking fun at the Prophet, the Quran and Islam. The head of Imam Hussain (AS) was placed at his feet in a silver salver and Yazeed kept hurting it with a cane.

The fourth Imam and the ladies were forced to stand in front of Yazeed and listen to his boasting about his evil deeds. Yazeed, drunk as he was, started misusing the Quran saying that Allah had granted him victory over Imam Hussain (AS). Bibi Zainab (AS) could bear it no more. She boldly spoke in the manner of her father Ali (AS) and reminded Yazeed that his victory was short-lived. She spoke so powerfully that there was a stunned silence in the court.

Yazeed then turned to Imam Hussain’s little daughter Sakina and asked “Why do you keep lifting your feet up and down?”

Bibi Sakina (AS) boldly replied “Can’t you see? The same rope that is round the arms of the ladies is around my neck, too. When they stand up, it lifts me up. When they bend down to help me, they are in pain.”

Yazeed ordered that the rope be loosened, and continued: “Why do you cover your face with your hands?” “O Yazeed! we have no veils to cover our faces. My aunts and mother have long hair to hide their faces. My hair is short so I am hiding my face with my hands.”

Yazeed then asked “Did your father love you?” Bibi Sakina (AS) replied “Yes, my father Imam Hussain (AS) loved me very much.” .

“Let us see whether you can make him come to you” said the tyrant.  Bibi Sakina (AS) spread her shirt, looked at her father and said “Baba your love for me is being tested. Come to me.” Everyone in the court was amazed when they saw the head of the Imam rise and go to Sakina. There was loud weeping in the darbaar.

One of Yazeed’s evil men stood up and said “Give me this girl as a slave.” Bibi Sakina (AS) began to weep and looked sadly at her aunt Zainab.

Bibi Zainab (AS) angrily shouted, “How dare you! Have you lost all sense of shame that you want to make the grandchild of the Prophet a slave!”

Just then Hinda, who was the wife of Yazeed but had the love of Ahlebait in her heart, heard the name of the Prophet Muhammad SAW and came out from behind the curtain. Yazeed felt embarrassed that his own wife had come out without a veil and quickly dismissed the court and ordered that the family of Hussain (AS) be sent to the ruins, a prison.

Chapter 12

Zindaan e Shaam

Not far from the grand palace of Yazeed was a ruin, where the walls were crumbling. The floor was damp and cold, there was no light or flow of air. It was a cramped space, where all the ladies of the Ahlebait and the fourth Imam were sent to spend their time in prison.

The place was so cold at night that no one could sleep and during the day the sun blazed down to make it extremely hot. They would get hardly any food to eat or enough water to drink. They spent their time in namaz and dua.

Bibi Sakina (AS), four years old, found it very, very hard. Everyone tried to console her but she cried night and day. Sometimes she thought of her baby brother Asghar, sometimes she remembered her uncle Abbas; but most of all she missed her father Imam Hussain (AS). “When will I see my father?” she would ask her aunt.

When the long day passed and Bibi Sakina (AS) saw birds flying in the sky, she would ask Umme Rubaab, her mother,”Where are these birds going?” Her mother would say, “They are flying home.” Bibi Sakina (AS) asked “When will we go home? When will we go back to Madina?”

One night Bibi Sakina (AS) was very restless. She missed her father and nothing would comfort her. Her aunt told her a story, her mother hugged her but she sobbed “Baba, my Baba” At last she fell asleep.  But soon Bibi Sakina (AS) woke up with a shriek. She cried,”Where are you Baba? Where are you?” She had seen her father in her dream, but had woken up to the same darkness and the sound of the chains round her brother’s feet and the sobs of her aunts and mother.

She started to weep and there was such pain in her cries, that all the ladies started weeping too. The cries were heard as far as the palace of Yazeed. He asked, “What is the problem now? Why are they crying?”

The guards said “Hussain’s four year old daughter is very restless and won’t stop crying” “Send her father’s head to the prison” came the order.  When this was done and the head of Imam Hussain (AS) was brought to the door, Bibi Sakina (AS) ran to the door and took the head in her hands. She sat down and started to tell her father everything. She told him how she missed him. She told him how her ears hurt. She told him how dark it was in the prison. She told him how sad everyone was. She cried again and again, “Where were you, my Baba?"

Then she became quiet, very quiet. Her mother Umme Rubaab thought she had fallen asleep at last. But when morning came and Sakina still hadn’t moved, her aunt Zainab (AS) came near, “Wake up Sakina “But there was no reply. Imam Zainulabideen (AS) came near, touched his little sister and said “Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajaoon From Allah we come and to Allah is our return.”

Orders came from Yazeed to bury Sakina within the prison. A small grave was dug and as a shaheeda, Bibi Sakina (AS) was laid to rest, still in her blood-stained dress. Umme Rubaab had seen her baby Asghar buried in Karbala by Imam Hussain (AS) on the day of Ashoor. Now in Shaam, her beloved daughter Sakina was being lowered into the ground by Imam Zainulabideen (AS).

When people asked what happened in the prison, vague replies were given by Yazeed. Different names were used to create confusion. Soon after, he decided to release the Ahlebait, but the mazar of Bibi Sakina (AS) still stands in Damascus as a witness to his cruelty.

We pay our respects to this great personality who in her childhood stood as an example of true Islam.

Chapter 13

Salams to Bibi Sakina

Our salaams to the daughter of the Prophet SAW,

Our salaams to the daughter of Ali (AS)

Our salaams to the daughter of Fatima (AS)

Our salaams to the daughter of Imam Hussain (AS)

Our salaams to the daughter of Umme Rubaab (AS)

Our salaams to the pious pure one

Our salaams to the one who was held captive Our salaams to Sakina (AS), known as Ruqaiyya in Shaam.

Chapter 14

What we have learned

Bibi Sakina (AS) was a hafiz e Qur’an at four years old, we must learn to read Qur’an and try to understand what it says.

She showed bravery and patience at all times, she remained thirsty and hungry in Karbala—we must not complain if we have to wait for anything.

She was a source of strength for the other children when they were waiting for Hazrat Abbas (AS) to return with water—we must try to help others.

Even at a young age, she stood for justice and did not change her views when oppressed—we must not be afraid to speak the truth at all times.

We should not be like the people of koofah who called their Imam but ended up caring about themselves more than Islam and their Imam.

Just like Bibi Sakina (AS) sacrificed her whole family for Islam, we should be willing to sacrifice all we have for Allah.

Just as Bibi Sakina (AS) respected and listened to her parents, we should always respect our parents and listen to them as long as they don’t tell us something against Islam.

We should not be like people of Koofah who did not support Hazrat Muslim (AS) who represented their Imam. We should support our scholars today who represent the cause and government of our Imam.

May Allah give us all the opportunity to visit for the ziarat of Bibi Sakina (AS) the daughter of Imam Hussain (AS) and convey our salaams personally Inshallah.

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Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Who is Bibi Sakina?

Chapter 2 - In Madina

Chapter 3 - In Makkah

Chapter 4 - Makkah to Karbala

Chapter 5 - In Karbala

Chapter 6 - The Day of Ashoor

Chapter 7 - Shaame Ghareebaan

Chapter 8 - In Koofah

Chapter 9 - From Koofah to Shaam

Chapter 10 - Bazaar e Shaam

Chapter 11 - In the Darbaar

Chapter 12 - Zindaan e Shaam

Chapter 13 - Salams to Bibi Sakina

Chapter 14 - What we have learned