Real grave of the Daughter of Hazrat imam Hussain a.s bibi sakina s.a

Real grave of the Daughter of Hazrat imam Hussain a.s bibi sakina s.a

• Name: Rukiya (also known as Sakina)

• Father: Imam Hussain-bin-Ali-bin-Abu Talib (A.S)

• Mother: Bibi Umm-e-Rubab (A.S)

• Birth: 20th of Rajab

• Death: 13th Safar-al-Muzaffar, at Damascus, Syria

Daughter of Imam Hussain (A.S). Sakina

Bibi Rukeya (AS) (also known as Bibi Sakina (A.S)) was the youngest daughter of Imam Hussain (A.S). Sakina is a derivative of “Sakoon” meaning “Peace”. Imam Hussain (A.S) used to pray for a daughter in his night prayers, a daughter who would give him peace, and Allah (SWT) granted him his wish and blessed him with Bibi Sakina (AS).

Bibi Sakina was the most beloved daughter of Imam Hussain (A.S) and used to sleep on his chest every night. She was a lively child, full of love and happiness. Being the daughter of the Holy Imam, she was different from other children of her age in many ways. She was very religious and enjoyed reading the Holy Quran and never missed her prayers. From a very early age, she took great care to make sure that her head and face were properly covered when in public.

a mile and a very friendly nature. Everyone loved Sakina (A.S). Other children sought her company as much as the grown-ups did. She was very generous and always shared whatever she had with others.

Like any other four-five year old when Sakina went to bed at night, she wanted to spend some time with her father. Imam Hussain (A.S) would tell her stories of the Prophets (A.S) and of the battles fought by her grandfather Imam Ali (A.S). She would rest her head on her father’s chest and Imam Hussain (A.S) would not move from her until she fell asleep.

There was a special bond between Bibi Sakina (AS) and her paternal uncle, Hazrat Abbas bin Imam Ali (A.S). He loved her more than he did his own children. If Sakina (AS) requested for anything, Abbas (A.S) would not rest until he fulfilled her request. There was nothing that Abbas (A.S) would not do to make Sakina (A.S) happy. During the journey from Madina to Mecca and then Mecca to Kerbala, Abbas (A.S) was often seen riding up to the mehfil (a special saddle made for women) in which Sakina (A.S) sat to make sure that she had everything she wanted. Sakina loved her uncle just as much. While in Madina she would, several times a day, visit the house in which Hazrat Abbas lived with his family and his mother, Ummul-Baneen (A.S).

When from the 2nd of Muharram the armies of Yazid bin Muaweyah(L.A) began to gather at Kerbala, Imam Hussain (A.S) said to his sister Lady Zainab (A.S), “The time has come for you to get Sakina used to going to sleep without my being there”. Bibi Sakina (A.S) would follow her father at night and Imam Hussain (A.S) had to gently take her to Lady Zainab (A.S) or Lady Rubaab (A.S)(Bibi Sakina’s mother).

At Kerbala when from the 7th of Muharram water became scarce, Sakina (A.S) shared whatever little water she had with other children. When soon there was no water at all, the thirsty children would look at Bibi Sakina (A.S) with their eyes full of hope, and because she could not help them she would have tears in her eyes. Bibi Sakina’s (A.S) lips were parched with thirst.

Several times Hazrat Abbas (AS) asked Imam Hussain (A.S) for permission to go and fight the armies of Yazeed (L). Each time Imam Hussain (A.S) would reply “Abbas, you are the captain of my army; you are my Alamdaar, (the standard-bearer)”. Hazrat Abbas (A.S) would never argue with Imam Hussain (A.S).

Just then Bibi Sakina (AS) came out holding a dried up mask (water-bag). The little princess of the generous Imam leading 42 children, each with a dry water-bag. The children were shouting as if in the chorus

Thirst, consuming thirst, is killing us.

She walked up to Hazrat Abbas (A.S) and told Abbas (AS) that the children had all come to her asking for water. He could see that thirst, aggravated by the scorching heat of the desert, was squeezing their young lives out of them. Abbas (A.S) went to Imam Hussain (A.S) and requested his permission to go and get water for Sakina (A.S) and the other children. Imam Hussain then gave his permission. Abbas put Sakina’s (A.S) mask on the Alam (Flag), mounted his horse, and rode up to Imam Hussain (A.S).

Abbas (AS) said, “I have come to say goodbye”. Imam Hussain (A.S) said, “My brother, come and embrace me”. Hazrat Abbas (A.S) dismounted his horse. There were tears in Imam’s (A.S) eyes. As Hazrat Abbas (A.S) prepared to mount his horse, Imam Hussain (A.S) said, “My brother, I want a gift from you. I want your sword”. Hazrat Abbas (A.S), without uttering a word, gave his sword to Imam Hussain (A.S) and rode into the battlefield, armed only with a spear and holding the Alam. Each action of Imam (A.S) varified that he was not out there to fight

Bibi Rukeya (AS) (also known as Bibi Sakina (A.S)) was the youngest daughter of Imam Hussain (A.S). Sakina is a derivative of “Sakoon” meaning “Peace”. Imam Hussain (A.S) used to pray for a daughter in his night prayers, a daughter who would give him peace, and Allah (SWT) granted him his wish and blessed him with Bibi Sakina (AS).

Bibi Sakina was the most beloved daughter of Imam Hussain (A.S) and used to sleep on his chest every night. She was a lively child, full of love and happiness. Being the daughter of the Holy Imam, she was different from other children of her age in many ways. She was very religious and enjoyed reading the Holy Quran and never missed her prayers. From a very early age, she took great care to make sure that her head and face were properly covered when in public.

Imam Hussain (A.S) was often heard saying, “A house without Sakina (A.S) would not be worth living in” She always had a sweet and cheerful smile and a very friendly nature. Everyone loved Sakina (A.S). Other children sought her company as much as the grown-ups did. She was very generous and always shared whatever she had with others.

Like any other four-five year old when Sakina went to bed at night, she wanted to spend some time with her father. Imam Hussain (A.S) would tell her stories of the Prophets (A.S) and of the battles fought by her grandfather Imam Ali (A.S). She would rest her head on her father’s chest and Imam Hussain (A.S) would not move from her until she fell asleep.

There was a special bond between Bibi Sakina (AS) and her paternal uncle, Hazrat Abbas bin Imam Ali (A.S). He loved her more than he did his own children. If Sakina (AS) requested for anything, Abbas (A.S) would not rest until he fulfilled her request. There was nothing that Abbas (A.S) would not do to make Sakina (A.S) happy. During the journey from Madina to Mecca and then Mecca to Kerbala, Abbas (A.S) was often seen riding up to the mehfil (a special saddle made for women) in which Sakina (A.S) sat to make sure that she had everything she wanted. Sakina loved her uncle just as much. While in Madina she would, several times a day, visit the house in which Hazrat Abbas lived with his family and his mother, Ummul-Baneen (A.S).

When from the 2nd of Muharram the armies of Yazid bin Muaweyah(L.A) began to gather at Kerbala, Imam Hussain (A.S) said to his sister Lady Zainab (A.S), “The time has come for you to get Sakina used to going to sleep without my being there”. Bibi Sakina (A.S) would follow her father at night and Imam Hussain (A.S) had to gently take her to Lady Zainab (A.S) or Lady Rubaab (A.S)(Bibi Sakina’s mother).

At Kerbala when from the 7th of Muharram water became scarce, Sakina (A.S) shared whatever little water she had with other children. When soon there was no water at all, the thirsty children would look at Bibi Sakina (A.S) with their eyes full of hope, and because she could not help them she would have tears in her eyes. Bibi Sakina’s (A.S) lips were parched with thirst.

Several times Hazrat Abbas (AS) asked Imam Hussain (A.S) for permission to go and fight the armies of Yazeed (L). Each time Imam Hussain (A.S) would reply “Abbas, you are the captain of my army; you are my Alamdaar, (the standard-bearer)”. Hazrat Abbas (A.S) would never argue with Imam Hussain (A.S).

Just then Bibi Sakina (AS) came out holding a dried up mask (water-bag). The little princess of the generous Imam leading 42 children, each with a dry water-bag. The children were shouting as if in the chorus

Thirst, consuming thirst, is killing us.

She walked up to Hazrat Abbas (A.S) and told Abbas (AS) that the children had all come to her asking for water. He could see that thirst, aggravated by the scorching heat of the desert, was squeezing their young lives out of them. Abbas (A.S) went to Imam Hussain (A.S) and requested his permission to go and get water for Sakina (A.S) and the other children. Imam Hussain then gave his permission. Abbas put Sakina’s (A.S) mask on the Alam (Flag), mounted his horse, and rode up to Imam Hussain (A.S).

Abbas (AS) said, “I have come to say goodbye”. Imam Hussain (A.S) said, “My brother, come and embrace me”. Hazrat Abbas (A.S) dismounted his horse. There were tears in Imam’s (A.S) eyes. As Hazrat Abbas (A.S) prepared to mount his horse, Imam Hussain (A.S) said, “My brother, I want a gift from you. I want your sword”. Hazrat Abbas (A.S), without uttering a word, gave his sword to Imam Hussain (A.S) and rode into the battlefield, armed only with a spear and holding the Alam. Each action of Imam (A.S) varified that he was not out there to fight


When Hazrat Abbas (A.S) went to get the water, the children gathered around Bibi Sakina (A.S) with their little cups, knowing that as soon as Hazrat Abbas (A.S) would bring water, Bibi Sakina (A.S) would first make sure that they had some before taking any herself.

Sakina (AS) was standing next to Imam Hussain (A.S), also with her eyes fixed on the Alam of Abbas (A.S). Abbas (AS) reached the river bank fighting Yazid’s men trying to block his way, killing many with his spear. Abbas’ (AS) bravery was well known among the Arabs and the Yazidi troops started to flee in different directions. As he bent down to fill the mask, the Alam disappeared from sight. Sakina (A.S) was frightened and looked at her father. Imam (AS) said, Sakina (A.S), your uncle Abbas is at the river bank. Sakina smiled and said, Alhamdulillah (all praise is for Allah) and called out all the children to welcome Abbas.

With the water-bag filled, Abbas (AS) wanted to get the water to the anxiously waiting children as quickly as possible. Seeing him gallop towards the camp of Imam Husain (AS), a Yazidi commander shouted from the enemy ranks that if even a single drop of water reaches Hussain’s camp, it would be impossible to fight them on the battlefield.

 Bibi Sakina (A.S) saw Imam Hussain (A.S)

When arrows were coming from all sides, Abbas had only one thought in his mind, how to protect the water-bag than his life. Hazrat Abbas (A.S) lost both his arms during the attack, trying to save the water-bag. The Alam fell onto the ground. Bibi Sakina (A.S) could not see it any longer. She looked at Imam Hussain (A.S), but he turned his face away. Bibi Sakina (A.S) began to tremble with fear and her eyes filled with tears. She raised her hands and prayed, Ya Allah! Do not let them kill my uncle Abbas (A.S), I will not ask for water again and ran inside to her mother (A.S).

When Bibi Sakina (A.S) saw Imam Hussain (A.S) bringing the blood-drenched Alam (Flag) she knew that her uncle Abbas (A.S) had been martyred.

Then came the time when the earth shook and Bibi Sakina (A.S) became an orphan. The tyrannical forces of Yazid (L.A) came to the tents. They looted all the belongings of the holy Ladies (A.S). They even snatched away the hijab of the holy ladies (A.S). Bibi Fatima (A.S) daughters were left bare-headed. Shimr (L.A), the evilest of Yazid’s men, came too. Sakina was crying for her father. Instead of comforting words, Shimr (L.A) slapped Sakina’s face and pulled off earrings from her ears. Blood poured from little Sakina’s ears. Surely they would stop now. But they did not. One-by-one they set fire to the tents. The helpless ladies and children ran from one tent to another. Little Sakina’s dress was on fire, her ears were bleeding. All Sakina wanted to be her dear father.

She ran to the battlefield screaming: “Father, where are you? Father, father, speak to me father.”

As the night descended, since Imam Ali bin Hussain (AS) also known as Zain-ul Abideen (A.S), was unconscious due to his illness, Bibi Zainab (A.S), the daughter of Imam Ali (A.S), took it on herself to protect the ladies and children. She gathered all the ladies and children, into one small space in between the gutted tents. Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S) lay on the ground surrounded by these widows and orphans. There was no fire, no light. Only the moon cast its dull light.

On the night of Ashura (also known as Sham e Ghreeban), when Imam Hussain (A.S) and his companions were lying headless in the battlefield, back in the tents, Bibi Zainab (A.S) was gathering all the children and the ladies together. She noticed that little Sakina (A.S) was missing. She asked Bibi Rubab (A.S), but even she did not know where Bibi Sakina (A.S) was. The two holy ladies panicked and ran out of the tents looking for her.

The two ladies searched everywhere for the young girl but in vain. Finally, in desperation, Bibi Zainab (A.S) went to the place where the body of her brother Imam Hussain (A.S) lay and cried, “O my brother, Sakina, who you left in my care, is nowhere to be found. Where shall I look for her in this wilderness?” Just then, the moon came out from behind a cloud and Bibi Zainab (A.S) saw that little Sakina (A.S) lay on her father, sleeping on his chest like she always used to.



 She shook the child awake and said, Oh, Sakina! How did you recognize your father? A person can be recognized by their face or the clothes they wear. Your father has neither. Bibi Sakina (A.S) replied innocently, I wanted to tell my father about what the people had done to me. I wanted to tell him how Shimr had robbed the earrings that my father had so lovingly given me. I wanted to tell him how he had ripped them from my ears leaving my earlobes torn and bleeding. I wanted to tell him how the beast had mercilessly slapped me when I cried in pain. When I was running aimlessly in the desert I thought I heard my father’s voice telling me he was here. I followed the voice and I found him lying here. I told him everything and then I felt like sleeping on his chest the way I always did, for the last time. So I kept my head on his chest and slept till you came. Noor Ali Merchant, in his poem titled “Sorrows and Sufferings,” describes the event as,
Zaynab counted the children; one was missing
To her dismay, it was Sakina, her darling
“Tell me Sakina, where are you, my child?”
In the wilderness, the echo was the only reply.