Peace with the one who delivered the amazing speech in defense of the one whose cheeks were ruffled with the dust, your father, the father of Abdullah, al-Hussain, peace with him.
to fulfill our needs and those of believing men and women,
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA BINTA RASOOLILLAAHE
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA BINTA SULTAANIL ANEYAA-E
ASSALAMO AïLAYKE YAA BINTA SAAHEBIL HAWZE WAL-LEWAAA-E
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA BINTA MAN ARAJA ELAS SAMAAA-E
WA WASALA ELAA QAABA QAWSAYNE AW ADNAA
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA BINTA NABIYYIL HODDA
WA SAYYEDIL WARAA WA MUNQEZIL EBAADE MENAZ ZALAALATE WAR-RADAA
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA BINTA AKRAMIL AALAMEENA HASABAN
WA AFZALEHIM NASABAN WA AJMALEHIM MANZARAN
WA AS-KHAAHUM KAFFAN WA ASH-JA-EHIM QALBAN
WA AKMALEHIM HILMAN WA AKSAREHIM ILMAN
WA ASBATEHIM ASLAN WA A-ALAAHUM ZIKRAN
WA ASNAAHUM ZUKHRAN WA AHMADAHUM WASFAN
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA BINTA BAHRIL OLOOME WA KAHFIL FOQARAAA-E
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA BINTA MAN WOLEDA FIL KABATE
WA ZUWWEJA FIS SAMAAA-E
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA BINTA SULTAANIL AWSEYAA-E WA SAYYEDIL AWLEYAAA-E
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA BINTA SAARILLAAHE WANBE SAAREHI
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA BINTA SAYYEDISH-SHO-HADAAA-E
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA BAZ-ATE SAYYEDE SHABAABE AHLIL JANNATE
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA BINTA FAATEMATAZ ZAHRAAA-E SAYYEDATE NESAAA-IL AALAMEENA
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA BINTA KHADEEJATIL KUBRAA UMMIL MOMINEENA
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA SAKEENATA BINTA UMME RABBABIN
WA RAHMATULLAAHE WA BARAKAATOHU
ASSALAMO ALAYKE AYYATOHAT TAQIYYATUN NAQIYYATO
ASSALAMO ALAYKE AYYATOHAL FAAZELATUS SAGHEERATO
ASSALAMO ALAYKE AYYATOHAL KAREEMATUL BAHIYYATO
ASSALAMO ALAYKE AYYATOHAL MAZLOOMATUSH SHA-HEEDATO
ASSALAMO ALAYKE AYYATOHAL BA-EEDATO ANIL AWTAANE
ASSALAMO ALAYKE AYYATOHAL ASEERATO FIL-BULDAANE
ASSALAMO ALAYKE YAA MUMTAHANATO BE-IMTEHAANIL AZEEMATE
WS FA-DAA-HAA NAFSAHAA LE-ABEEHAA WA WAREEDAHAA
ASSALAAMO ALAA MAM MAATA MIN SHIDDATISH-SHAWQE
FEE MAHABBATE SAYYEDISH SHOHA-DAA-E
WA QAAMAT QEYAAMATO AHLIL BAYTE BE-MOTEHAA
FEE KHARAABATISH-SHAAME WA HEYA MAW-ZE-AL MUMTAHANATEWAL BALAAA-E
ASSALAAMO ALAA MAL-LAHEQAT ELAA JADDEHAA
WA ABEEHAA FEE DAARIL KAREEMATE WA LIL-LEQAAA-E
WA RAHMATULLLAHE WA BARAKAATOHU
My Salutations to the little princess of Imam Hussain (AS)
My salam on you, O Grand-daughter of Ali (A.S), Amir-ul-Momineen.
My salam on you, O Grand-daughter of Bibi Fatima (A.S), The Radiant.
My salam on you, O daughter of Hussain (A.S), Mazloom-e-Kaerbala.
My salam on you, O niece of Abbas Alamdar (A.S).
My salam on you, O niece of Bibi Zaynab (A.S).
My salam on you, O sister of Ali (A.S), Zain-ul Abideen
My salam on you, O noble one, from nobel linage.
My salam on you, O pious, pure one.
My salam on you, O young Mazloomah.
My salam on you, O who suffered and was oppressed.
My salam on you, O who was held captive.
My salam on you, O who is buried far from home.
My salam on you, O who never made it out of that desolate dungeon.
My salam on you, O young Hashemite Princess (A.S).
My salam on you, O Bibi Sakina-bint-Al Hussain (A.S).
My salams on you and May Allah (SWT) grant you abundant peace and blessings.
Allah's (SWT) choicest blessings be upon Mohammed and his holy progeny.
ألتمل عكيك يا ينت تشذل اللء ألتملكه تكك تا ينت شلظاني الأثيماء لنملأ عليك تا
ني عرج إلى الممءودصل
أجملهم منكلرا و
أنخيهح كنا ك أشجيهح كلجا ؤ أكمليم جلكا و اكترهم علكا أنجيهم أضلاة أغليم
ؤكرا و فتاهم ؤنحا ؤ أتجمن هه وضقا ألتلايد تكيك تا ينت بخر الكلةه
الؤصياء د ميد الأذليآء الكلكد تكياك ا ينت كاي اللو دائي كايد ألتلاد ككيك تا ينت
مي الخهآء ادكلكد ككياك يا بضعة ميد قجاب آخل اجكة ألكلكد كلي تيذك قاطمة
الأهرآء ميدة نساء التاتينن السئلكد عياك تا يذك كدئكة الكترى أ اؤييين الئلاد
كياك يا مكيتة يذت أن تمباب كخمنة لء د تدكاثه ا كلكد عليلي اككها التية التتذ
الك عكبي أكك الماحيكة المييية املد تكيلي اكنها الكرغة لبوة للكيد ككبي
اكمها الظللومة الهينة لتملكد عكيك ألثكها الجبدة عن الذان اليملكد عكيك أككقا
الأيية ي البلان ألمل عكيك يا لتتكتة يإمتكان الحظيمة د كاما تشمنها لأييها ة
يية كها النلاي على تن بكات ين ثيدة الشوي ف كية ميد الخهداء د كاتث قمامة مل
الجيي يممؤا ي خحداية النام وهي مذقسع امتتكتة د ابء لنملكي كلى من حق إلى
جا يهاني كارالكرامة د الآء ءرنجنة ال أتدكائه.
Name:
Rukaiyya (also known as Sakina)
Sukaina(Arabic:سكينة
"Calmness, Peace of Mind"[1])
(nïeRuqayyah bint Hussain)
Father:
Imam Husayn-bin-Ali-bin-Abu Talib (as)
Mother: Bibi Umm-e-Rubab : (the
daughter of the chief of the Kinda Imra al-Qays tribe)
Birth: 20th Rajab 56 AH 5">Rabi' al-thani, 117 AH;
Death: 10th/13 th Safar, Damascus, Syria
Bibi Sakina was the youngest daughter of Imam Husayn. She was a vivacious child, full of love and happiness. Everyone loved Sakina. She was also a very religious girl. She enjoyed reading the Holy Quraan and never missed her prayers. From the age of two she took great care to make sure that her head and face were properly covered when in public.
Sakina was Imam Husayn's most beloved child. Our Imam was often heard to say, ïA house without Sakina would not be worth living in!ï She always had a sweet and cheerful smile and a very friendly nature. Other children sought her company as much as the grown ups did. She was very generous and always shared whatever she had with others.
There was a special bond between Hazrat Abbas and Sakina. He loved her more than he did his own children. If Sakina requested for anything, Abbas would not rest until he satisfied her request. There was nothing that Abbas would not do to make Sakina happy.
During the journey from Madina to Mecca and then Mecca to Karbalaï, Abbas was often seen riding up to the mehmil in which Sakina 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.
Like any other four-five year old when Sakina went to bed at night she wanted to spend some time with her father. Imam Husayn would tell her stories of the prophets and of the battles fought by her grand-father Ali. She would rest her head on her father's chest and Husayn would not move from her until she fell asleep. When from the second of Muharram the armies of Yazid began to gather at Karbalaï, Husayn said to his sister Zainab, ïThe time has come for you to get Sakina used to going to sleep without my being there!ï Sakina would follow her father at night and Husayn had to gently take her to Zainab or Rubaab.
At Karbalaï when from the seventh Muharram water became scarce Sakina shared whatever little water she had with other children. When soon there was no water at all, the thirsty children would look at Sakina hopefully, and because she could not help them she would have tears in her eyes. Sakina's lips were parched with thirst.
On the Ashura day, she gave her Mashk to Hazrat Abbas. He went to get water for her. The children gathered round Sakina with their little cups, knowing that as soon as Hazrat Abbas brought any water, Sakina would first make sure that they had some before taking any herself. When Sakina saw Imam Husayn bringing the blood drenched 'alam she knew that her uncle Abbas had been killed. From that day on Sakina never complained of thirst.
Then came the time when the earth shook and Sakina became an orphan! But even then she always thought of the others first. She would console her mother on the death of Ali Asghar and when she saw any other lady or child weeping Sakina would put her little arms around her.
Yes Sakina never again asked anyone for water. Bibi Zainab would persuade her to take a few sips, but she herself would never ask for water or complain of thirst!!!!
From the time when Imam Husayn fell in the battle field, Sakina forgot to smile! Kufa saw her as a sombre little girl lost in thought. Quite often she would sit up at night. When asked if she wanted anything, she would say, ïI just heard a baby cry? Is it Asghar? He must be calling out for me!ï
Knowing that her weeping upset her mother, Sakina would cry silently and quickly wipe away her tears! In the prison in Shaam she would stare at the flock of birds flying to their nests at sunset and innocently ask Bibi Zainab, ïWill Sakina be going home like those birds flying to their homes?ï
Then one dreadful night Sakina went to bed on the cold floor of the prison. For a long time she stared into the darkness! The time for the morning prayers came. Sakina was still lying with her eyes wide open. Her mother called out: ïWake up, Sakina! Wake up, it is time for prayers, my child!ï There was only the painful silence! Our fourth Imam walked up to where Sakina lay. He put his hand on her forehead. It was cold! He put his hand near the mouth and the nose. Sakina had stopped breathing. In between sobs Imam Zain ul 'Abideen said: ïinna lil-Lahi wa inna ilay-hi rajaïuun.ï
How was Sakina buried? Zainab held the still child as Imam Zain ul 'Abideen dug a grave in the cell. As the grave was being filled up after the burial the mother let out a scream! How could anyone console Bibi Rubaab? What could they say? They huddled around her, and the prison walls began to shake with the cry: ïya Sakina, ya madhloomah!!ï Bibi Rubaab put her cheek on Sakina's grave and cried out: ïSpeak to me, Sakina! Only a word, my child! Speak to me!!ï
After Kerbala events
Dream of Sayyedah Sakinah, daughter of Imam Husain (a.s)
Extract from The Journey of Tears by Bashir Hassanali Rahim
Sayyedah Sakinah (a.s) relates, that on a Thursday I dreamt in Syria, then she relates a lengthy dream and at it's conclusion, she says, that I saw a woman in my dream seated on a Camel-litter with her hand upon her head. I inquired as to who she was and was answered that, "She is Fatemah (a.s), the daughter of Mohammad (s.a.w.s), the daughter of the Messenger of Allah, your grand-mother". I told myself, "By Allah! I should go to her and relate to her all that they have done to us", saying this I ran towards her. I sat in front of her and started weeping, and then I said, "O dear Mother! They withheld our rights. O dear Mother! They scattered our group. O dear Mother! They violated our sanctity. O dear Mother! By Allah! They killed my father Husain (a.s)". She replied, "O dear Sakinah! Remain silent, for it cuts my heart-vein. This is the shirt of your father that I have preserved until I meet Allah alongwith it".
[1] There is no other Deity accept Allah (La Ilaha Illallah). [2] Allah is Great (Allaho Akbar).
Shaikh Ibne Nima relates, that Sayyedah Sakinah (a.s) dreamt in Damascus that five illuminated horses have come forth, and upon each one a honourable personality is seated, while the Angels have surrounded them from all around, a maid of paradise was also alongwith them. Those mounted proceeded further while the maid came towards me and said, "Verily your grandfather has sent salutations to you". I replied, "Salutations upon the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.s)! Who are you?" She replied, "One of the maids of Paradise". I asked, "Who are these people who have arrived here mounted upon the noble horses?" She replied, "They are Adam (a.s), the One Chosen by Allah (Sifwatullah); the second one is Ibraheem (a.s), the friend of Allah (Khaleelullah); the third one is Moosa (a.s), the one who spoke to Allah (Kalimullah); the fourth one is Isa (a.s), the Spirit of Allah". I asked, "Who is he who has held his beard in his hand and is falling & rising?" She replied, "He is your grandfather, the Prophet of Allah (s.a.w.s)". I said, "Where are they going?" and she replied, "They are going towards your father Husain (a.s)". I ran towards him to inform him as to how the oppressors have treated us after his death. At that moment five illuminated camel-litters arrived, and on each one a woman was seated. I asked, "Who are these women who have just arrived?" They said, "The first one is Hawwa, the mother of mankind; the second one is Asiyah, the daughter of Mazahim (and wife of Fir'aun); the third one is Mariyam, the daughter of Imran (and mother of Prophet Isa); the fourth one is Khadijah (a.s), the daughter of Khuwaylid; while the fifth one, with her hand upon her head and is falling & rising, is none other than your grand-mother Fatemah (a.s), the daughter of Mohammad (s.a.w.s), your father's mother". I said, "By Allah! I should narrate to her as to how they treated us", saying this I sat facing her and said, "O dear Mother! They withheld our rights. O dear Mother! They scattered our group. O dear Mother! They violated our sanctity. O dear Mother! By Allah! They killed my father Husain (a.s)". She (a.s) replied, "O Sakinah! Remain silent. You have charred my liver and cut off the joint of my heart. This is the shirt of your father Husain (a.s) that I have preserved until I meet Allah alongwith it". Then I awoke from my sleep and wished to conceal it, but then I narrated it to my intimate relatives and it became renowned among men".(NAFASUL MAHMOOM)
n the Arab world, the youngest daughter of Imam Hussain(a.s.)(a.s.) is know as Bibi Rukkaya(a.s.) whereas she is know as Bibi Sakina)(a.s.) in rest of the Islamic World. We will refer to her as Bibi Sakina(a.s.). Bibi Sakina (as) was the youngest daughter of Imam Husayn (A.S). Sakina is a derivative of "Sakoon" meaning "Peace". Imam Husayn (A.S) used to pray for a daughter in his night prayers (Salatul Layl), a daughter who would give him peace, and Allah (SWT) granted him his wish and blessed him with Bibi Sakina (AS). Bibi Sakina (as) was the most Beloved Daughter of Imam Husayn (A.S) and She used to sleep on his chest most of the nights. She was a lively child, full of love and happiness. Being the Daughter of the Holy Imam (as), 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 Husayn (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 Bibi Sakina (as) went to bed at night she wanted to spend some time with her father. Imam Husayn (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 Husayn (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, Hazrat Abbas (A.S) would not rest until he fulfilled her request. There was nothing that Hazrat Abbas (A.S) would not do to make Bibi Sakina (A.S) happy. During the journey from Madina to Mecca and then Mecca to Kerbala, Hazrat Abbas (A.S) was often seen riding up to the mehmil (a special saddle made for women) in which Bibi Sakina (A.S) sat to make sure that She had everything She wanted. Bibi Sakina (as) loved Her uncle just as much. While in Madina she would, several times a day, visit the house in which Hazrat Abbas (as) 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 Husayn (A.S) said to his sister Lady Zaynab (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 Husayn (A.S) had to gently take Her to Lady Zaynab (A.S) or Lady Rubaab (A.S) (Bibi Sakina's mother). At Kerbala when from the 7th of Muharram water became scarce, Bibi 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 Husayn (A.S) for permission to go and fight the armies of Yazeed (L.A). Each time Imam Husayn (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 Husayn (A.S). Just then Bibi Sakina (AS) came out holding a dried up mashk (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 chorus - Thirst, consuming thirst, is killing us. She walked up to Hazrat Abbas (A.S) and told Him 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. Hazrat Abbas (A.S) went to Imam Husayn (A.S) and requested his permission to go and get water for Bibi Sakina (A.S) and the other children. Imam Husayn (as) then gave him permission. Hazrat Abbas (as) put Bibi Sakina's (A.S) mashk on the Alam (Flag), mounted His horse and rode up to Imam Husayn (A.S).
Hazrat Abbas (AS) said "I have come to say goodbye". Imam Husayn (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 Husayn (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 Husayn (A.S) and rode into the battlefield, armed only with a spear and holding the Alam. Each action of Imam (A.S) verified 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.
Bibi Sakina (AS) was standing next to Imam Husayn (A.S), also with her eyes fixed on the Alam of Hazrat Abbas (A.S). Hazrat Abbas (AS) reached the river bank fighting Yazid's (L.A) men, trying to block his way, killing many with his spear. Hazrat 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 mashk, the Alam disappeared from sight. Bibi Sakina (A.S) was frightened and looked at Her father. Imam Husayn (AS) said, Sakina (A.S), Your uncle Abbas is at the river bank. Bibi Sakina (as) smiled and said, Alhamdulillah (all praise is for Allah) and called out all the children to welcome Hazrat Abbas (as).
With the water-bag filled, Hazrat Abbas (AS) wanted to get the water to the anxiously waiting children as quickly as possible. Seeing him gallop towards the camp of Imam Husayn (AS), a Yazidi commander (L.A) shouted from the enemy ranks that if even a single drop of water reaches Husayn's camp, it would be impossible to fight them on the battlefield. When arrows were coming form all sides, Hazrat Abbas (as) had only one thought on 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 Husayn (A.S), His eyes were filled with tears.
Bibi Sakina (A.S) began to tremble with fear and her eyes also 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. She ran inside to her mother (A.S). When Bibi Sakina (A.S) saw Imam Husayn (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 Fatimah (A.S)'s daughters were left bare-headed. Shimr (L.A), the most evil of Yazid's men, came too. Bibi Sakina (as) was crying for Her father. Instead of comforting words, Shimr (L.A) slapped Bibi Sakina's (as) face and pulled off Her earrings. 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 Bibi Sakina's dress was on fire, her ears were bleeding. All Bibi Sakina (as) wanted was 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 Husayn (AS) also known as Zain-ul Abideen (A.S), was not well due to his illness, Bibi Zaynab (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, in to 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 Husayn (A.S) and his companions were lying headless in the battlefield, back in the tents, Bibi Zaynab (A.S) was gathering all the children and the ladies together. She noticed that little Bibi 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 Zaynab (A.S) went to the place where the body of Her brother Imam Husayn (A.S) lay and cried, "O My Brother, Sakina, whom 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 Zaynab (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 (L.A) 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.
Umar Sa'ad (L.A) asked Hur's widow to take some food and water to the ladies and the children. As she neared to where they were resting, Bibi Zaynab (as) recognized her. She stood up, went towards Hur's widow and offered her condolences for the martyrdom of Hur. This gesture on the part of Bibi Zaynab (A.S), who had suffered so much, lost so many, and carrying so much grief in her heart, is a lesson in real Islamic manners which the world should never be allowed to forget. Hur bin Reyahi (RA) was a general in Yazid's (L.A) army but left the Satanic camp and joined Imam Husayn (AS). Hur (RA) had realised and accepted the holy status of the Prophet's (SAWW) grandson.
Bibi Zaynab (A.S) took the jug of water. She went to Bibi Sakina (as) who had fallen into a fretful sleep. Gently she stroked Bibi Sakina's (A.S) uncombed hair. Bibi Sakina (A.S) opened her eyes. Bibi Zaynab (A.S) said, "Here is some water Sakina, please drink a little. You have been thirsty for so long. On hearing the word 'water' Sakina cried out hopefully, "has my uncle Abbas come back?" When she was told that Hur's widow had brought the water, she got up, went to Hur's widow, thanked her and then asked Bibi Zaynab (A.S), "Have you all drank water?" Bibi Zainab (A.S) shook her head. Bibi Sakina (A.S) asked, "Why then do you ask me to drink water?" Bibi Zaynab (A.S) said, "because, my dear, you are the youngest". Bibi Sakina (A.S) replied, no, Asghar is the youngest. Bibi Sakina (A.S) took the jug of water, ran towards where Asghar (A.S) lay buried, crying "O Asghar, O Asghar." Ali Asghar (as) was Bibi Sakina's baby brother. The Yazidees (LA) killed the six-month-old child with an arrow when Imam Husayn (AS) requested them to give him some water as he was dying of thirst.
This was how the homeless spent their night at Kerbala. This was Sham-e-Ghareban, the night of the homeless. They had lost everything. Their men had died. Their children had been killed. In this desolate desert the fourth Imam, Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S), the women and the remaining children are huddled where only a few hours earlier stood their camps. Hazrat Abbas (A.S), Qasim (A.S) and Ali Akbar (A.S) had taken turns to guard the camps. Now, the daughters of Imam Ali (A.S) and Bibi Fatimah (A.S), Bibi Zaynab (A.S) and Bibi Kulthoom (A.S), lay awake to make sure that Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S) and the children were not attacked.
The next day, the caravan of the unfortunate was made to start travelling towards Kufa. Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S), frail with illness, was bound in heavy chains and forced to walk barefooted as the ladies, including the grand-daughters of the Prophet (pbuh&hp), were forced to sit on bare backs of the camels and with their necks and hands tied tightly in ropes. The caravan suffered the tortures of the journey and when they reached Kufa they were forced to march through public roads and through the streets of Kufa. Suddenly the camel on which the Holy Daughter of Imam Husayn (A.S), Bibi Sakina (A.S) and the Holy Sister of Imam Husayn (A.S) , Bibi Zaynab (A.S) were seated, stopped near a house. Bibi Zaynab's (as)'s eyes fell on Bibi Sakina (A.S) and immediately knew that she had something to say. She asked her and Bibi Sakina (A.S) answered, I am about to say something, I know my Dear Aunt, that at this moment it is impossible for You to fulfil it. When Bibi Zaynab (A.S) insisted, Bibi Sakina (as) replied, O my Dear Aunt, My throat is so dry I do not think I can endure My thirst anymore. Bibi Sakina's (as) words were heard by the women who were on the top of the houses so that they could see the Holy caravan march clearly. Among these women, a good-hearted lady immediately got up from the crowd and rushed home to bring water for Bibi Sakina (A.S).
But when she came near the camel and near Bibi Zaynab (A.S), she asked for a favour in return and said to Bibi Zaynab (A.S) that when this thirsty child has tasted this water I want her to Pray for me. On hearing this Bibi Zaynab (A.S) prevented Bibi Sakina (A.S) from tasting the water and said to her, "My dear Sakina, first fulfil this lady's request." Bibi Zaynab (A.S) asked the lady what Bibi Sakina (A.S) should Pray for and she answered that, "my first wish is that may my children should never be orphans like YOU. Please pray for me oh my dear child , I see that you are an orphan and I am aware of that God always listens to the Prayer of an orphan." Bibi Sakina (A.S) raised her little hands and prayed for the lady.
Then Bibi Zaynab (A.S) asked her about her second wish? The lady answered, "my second desire is that I wish to visit Madina, please Pray for me that God will give me the opportunity to visit the Holy city." On hearing the name of Madina, Bibi Zaynab (A.S) asked the lady why she wanted to go to Madina. She answered, "Because it is my wish to visit the Holy prophet's (P.B.U.H&F) grave and I would also like to meet my Holy lady Bibi Fatimah (A.S). Bibi Zaynab (A.S) replied, "But don't you know Bibi Fatimah (A.S) is no longer alive?" So what, the lady said, "I have also served her Holy Daughters Bibi Zaynab (A.S) and Bibi Umm-e Kulthom (A.S). I will go to Madina to have my last chance to have the honour to meet them." Now Bibi Zaynab (A.S) asked her one final question. "Dear Momina, if you would see your Lady Zaynab (A.S) would you recognize her?" She immediately answered, Of course I would. Bibi Zaynab (A.S) removed her hair from the face and cried, Then your prayer has been answered, behold Umm-e Habiba, it's me Zaynab (A.S), then why don't you recognize me, don't you recognize us all?
Umm-e Habiba began to cry and said, Oh God, what crime have they committed so that they are being tortured this brutally? Bibi Zaynab (A.S) continued, We are the children of the Holy prophet (P.B.U.H&F), your Master Imam Husayn (A.S) has been martyred along with His devotees and left unburied on the burning sand in Karbala, Their heads have been taken and raised on the lances . Look ahead Umm-e Habiba, your Master's head is in front of you, the head whose lips are reciting the Holy Qur'an. From the time when Imam Husayn (A.S) fell in the battle field, Bibi Sakina (as) forgot to smile. Kufa saw her as a sober little girl lost in thought. Quite often She would sit up at night. When asked if She wanted anything, She would say, "I just heard a baby cry? Is it Asghar? He must be calling out for Me.
From Kufa, the next phase of the journey started for the Holy prisoners. This journey was to take them to Damascus, in Syria, which was the capital of Yazid (L.A). Bibi Sakina (A.S) was tied with a rope, on a bare camel. At one point in the journey, Bibi Sakina (A.S) fell from Her camel. The caravan didn't stop. No one, apart from the Holy prisoners (A.S), noticed the fall of this little princess (A.S). After this incidence, the wretched army changed the formation of the Holy prisoners (A.S). Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S), was already tied with chains in His (A.S) neck and feet, The wretched army tied His (A.S) son, Imam Mohammed Baqir (A.S)- the fifth Imam, on Imam Zain-ul Abideen's (A.S) back and then the same rope was tied on His Sister, Bibi Sakina's (A.S) neck, so that Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S) could not stand straight. If he did stand straight, the rope used to get tight and strangle Bibi Sakina (A.S).
Even at these times of hardship and misery, Imam Husayn (as)'s little princess always thought of the others first. She would console Her mother on the death of Ali Asghar (A.S) and when She saw any other lady or child weeping, Bibi Sakina (as) would put Her little arms around Her. In those days, it used to take thirty two days, on a camel, to reach Damascus, but this Holy Family (A.S) was taken in such a way that it only took them sixteen days to reach Damascus. After the tragedy of Kerbala, sixteen days of suffering the miseries, the tortures and calamities for the Ahl-e-Bait - Prophet's Family (A.S), they reached Damascus. When Yazid (L.A) heard the news of the caravan reaching the outskirts of Damascus, he ordered them to stop, while he and the people of Damascus prepared for celebrations and jubilations. This caravan of Holy prisoners was made to wait out side Damascus for four days.
Someone asked Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S), after the Holy Family (A.S) was released from the Zindan-e-Sham (Dungeons of Syria), as to what was the hardest part in that whole period, and Imam (A.S) had replied that the hardest part was the time when the Holy Family (A.S) was made to stop outside Damascus for four days. They were treated like animals, with Their hands tied; and no food or water was given. Then They are asked to enter the city, the Holy Ladies (A.S) were forced to pass through the bazaar without Their hijab (veils), while the locals were cheering and singing, finally They reached the court of Yazid (L.A).
The Holy Family of Imam Husayn (A.S) was now facing Yazid (L.A). They were acting with patience on his actions as it was Imam Husayn's (A.S) will that They should do so. Every lady, every child was standing in front of Yazid (L.A) tied in ropes and with no veils and Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S) bound in heavy chains. The shocking scene is that the evil Yazid (L.A) is drinking wine and in front of him in a tray is the severed head of Imam Husayn (A.S) and Yazid (L.A) is hitting the mouth and teeth of the Holy Imam with a stick. Suddenly Yazid's eyes fell on the four year old girl who was standing with Her one hand on her face and the other hand on Her neck. Yazid (L.A) asks his men who this child is and gets the answer that this is the most beloved daughter of Imam Husayn (A.S), Bibi Sakina (A.S), and it is known that Bibi Sakina (A.S) never fell to sleep until she laid Her head on her Father's chest. Is that true? Yazid (L.A) said and ordered to talk to Her and when Bibi Sakina (A.S) approached Yazid (L.A), he wanted to test this love of Her father Imam Husayn (A.S) in front of hundreds of courtiers.
Yazid (L.A) said to Bibi Sakina (A.S), if that is true what I have just heard then try to call upon Your Father and we'll see if Your Father's head will come to Your lap. Bibi Sakina (A.S) raised Her little hands and Prayed to God and then turned Herself towards the Head of Her Holy Father (A.S) and said with tears flowing from Her eyes, O My Dear Father, please come to Your Daughter. This evil Yazid (LA) is putting Our love to the test. At once the Severed Head of Imam Husayn (A.S) rose from the tray and came miraculously to Bibi Sakina (A.S) who started to kiss Her Father's Holy Head and rubbed Her Face to Her Father's Face.
Yazid's (L.A) servants, by the order of their master, placed the Holy prisoners in a dark and unclean prison room. After being released, when Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S) reached Madina, people asked him about this jail room. Imam (A.S) said, It was a very old and unclean house, even the ceiling had fallen down. And since it had no ceiling, the holy Ahl-e-Bait (A.S) were unwrapped to the heat and cold. After so many trials and humiliations with the Ahl-e-Bait (A.S), Yazid continued with his terror and then put the Ahl-e-Bait (A.S) in prison in a dark underground cell and gave them so little food that was barely enough for every one. In this prison the Little Princess Sakina (as) had troubles to go to sleep every night as She missed Her Father Imam Husayn (A.S). Bibi Zaynab (A.S) used to try to console Bibi Sakina (A.S) that She would soon meet Her Father and with these words tried to make Her go to sleep.
Knowing that Her weeping upsets Her Mother, Bibi Sakina (A.S) would cry silently and quickly wipe away Her tears. In the prison, at Syria, She (A.S) would stare at the flock of birds flying to their nests at sunset and innocently ask Bibi Zaynab (A.S), When will Sakina be going home like those birds flying to their homes? One night Bibi Sakina (A.S) was asleep and She suddenly woke up crying and started to look for Her Father everywhere. All the Holy ladies tried to console Her so She would stop crying but She didn't get any peace and continued crying, O My Dear Aunt , where is My Father? A few minutes ago I was with My Father and He kissed Me and said to Me "O My Dear Sakina, You will soon be with Me. But where is My Father now?
When Bibi Sakina told Her dream, all the Holy Ladies (A.S) started to cry. This noise of crying was heard by Yazid (L.A) at his court. Yazid (L.A) sent a servant to ask why the Little Princess (A.S) was crying. The servant was informed that Bibi Sakina (A.S) missed Her Father and that is why She was crying. They informed Yazid (L.A) of the situation, and Yazid (L.A), for his sadistic pleasure, sent the Severed Head of Imam Husayn (A.S) to the prison. When Bibi Sakina (A.S) received the Head of Her Father, She started to cry even more and held it very tight and asked Her Father, "Who cut off My Father's Head? Who Martyred My Father? Why are We held as captives? With these words of sorrow suddenly Bibi Sakina (A.S) was quiet and there was a silence in the cell. Everyone thought that Bibi Sakina (A.S) had finally gone to sleep again but this was not a temporary sleep, Bibi Sakina (A.S) had now gone into a permanent sleep to meet Her Holy Father. Bibi Zaynab (A.S) summoned Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S) to check the status of Bibi Sakina (as) as they thought she had fallen unconscious. When Imam (A.S) went over to check on His Sister (A.S), He noticed She (as) had stopped breathing. All the Bibis (A.S) were crying standing around Bibi Sakina (A.S).
Bibi Sakina (A.S) was buried in the same dungeon. Bibi Zaynab (A.S.) held the still child as Imam Zain-ul Abideen (A.S) dug a grave for His Sister in the dungeon. Her (A.S) clothes were burnt in Kerbala, and due to injuries, had intermingled with Her flesh. Therefore, She was buried in the same burnt, ripped clothes right there in he Dungeon of Syria (Zindan-e-Shaam.) As the grave was being filled up after the burial, the mother let out a scream. All the ladies huddled around her, and the prison walls began to shake with the cry, Ya Bibi Sakina (A.S), Ya Mazloomah. (O Sakina! O Oppressed one!) When the time came and they were released from the prison, Bibi Rubaab (A.S) came to the grave of her beloved daughter (A.S), put her cheek on Bibi Sakina (A.S)'s grave and cried out, Speak to me Sakina. Only a word, my child, speak to me.
Bibi Sakina (A.S)'s body was removed from its original burial place, Dungeon of Syria, some centuries later, when a pious man of Damascus was informed in his dream that water was pouring into the grave of this Young Hashemite Princess (A.S). Upon confirmation that ground water was actually entering the grave, Bibi Sakina (A.S)'s body was buried in a new Shrine near Yazeed's palace, where She (as) rests till today. Her (as) body was in the condition that if She had been buried the same day.
It was Her Father Imam Husayn (A.S) who was brutally killed in Kerbala. It was Her Baby Brother Ali Asghar (A.S) who had an arrow shot through His neck. It was Her Beloved Uncle Abbas (A.S) that had both His arms cut off. It was She who spent Her last days in a dungeon. The Little Princess of Imam Husayn (A.S). The only person to never make it out of that desolate dungeon. She was Bibi Sakina (A.S), the Young Hashemite Princess.
