Introduction:
Bibi Sakina (s. a) is known in history as the youngest, one of the most pious figures in Islam. She was born on the 20th Rajab and laid to rest (Martyred) on the 13th of Safar because of the tragic incident of Karbala. She was the daughter of Imam Hussain (a. s) and Rubab bint Imra al-Qais (s.a). She was very close to her father, Imam Hussain (a.s), and He (a.s) comforted his daughter by resting her head on his chest until she fell asleep. There was also a powerful bond between Bibi Sakina (s.a) and her uncle Hazrat Abbas (a.s).
Incident of Karbala:
All these bonds were being tried and tested in the plains of Karbala when the blockade and meager supply of water challenged the will of Imam Hussain (a.s) to accept the terms of the army of Yazid (L.A). Bibi Sakina (s.a) was amongst the rest of the children, waiting to satisfy their thirst. Her uncle Hazrat Abbas (a.s) was aware of the circumstances and was being denied the permission to fight in the battle of Karbala by Imam Hussain (a.s). He (a.s) told Hazrat Abbas (a.s) that he is the flag bearer of his army to which Hazrat Abbas (a.s) replied that there ain’t any army left to command. As the discussion was concluded and Imam Hussain (a.s) vehemently refused to give the permission of war to Hazrat Abbas (a.s), Imam Hussain’s (a.s) four years old daughter approached her uncle with an empty bag of water. Hazrat Abbas (a.s) loved Bibi Sakina (s.a) so much that he instantly took Sakina (s.a) to her father with her request of bringing water. On getting permission to bring some water, He (a.s) told Sakina (a.s) that he would be back with enough supplies of water and rode out to the battlefield and received the martyred status. This tragic story explained the essence of true love between Abbas (a.s) and Sakina (a.s).
After Ashura:
Since the day of Ashura, Bibi Sakina suffered from innumerable difficulties and oppressions, while being captive, in Darbar e Yazeed. She was imprisoned in the darkest of the prisons available while there were also severe restrictions on weeping over the shahadat of his father Imam Hussain (a.s). These sufferings led to the martyrdom of Bibi Sakina (s.a) on the 13th of Safar.
Shrine of Bibi Sakina (s.a):
Bibi Sakina (s.a) was laid to rest in Syria. Every year despite the challenging law and order situation, Muslims from every nook and corner of the world visit the holy shrine of Bibi Sakina (s.a) to pay their homage to this noble personality. It is due to the presence of Bibi Sakina (s.a) that Syria is still hosting scores of Muslims especially in the Islamic month of Safar.
