Lady Sukayna, the daughter of Imam Husain, holds a significant yet often understated position in Islamic history. As a member of the Prophet’s Household [Ahl al-Bayt], she was not only a witness to the tragic events of Karbala but also a key figure in preserving the legacy of her family through her intelligence, eloquence, and resilience. Though overshadowed by other prominent figures in her family, her personality shines through in the historical records that recount her bravery, wisdom, and compassion in the face of immense hardship. This paper aims to explore the intricate aspects of Lady Sukayna’s personality by delving into her upbringing, her presence during the Battle of Karbala, and her social and political influence afterwards.
Her Early Life
Sakina or Sukayna (lit. ’tranquillity, peace’) was the epithet given to her by her mother[1] while her name is variously given in the sources as Āmina[2]. Lady Sukayna, also known as Ruqayyah in some accounts, was born into the noble family of Imam Husain, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), between 47 AH and 51 AH[3] (between 676 CE and 680 CE). Her mother, Rabab the daughter of Imra’ al-Qais, was a respected and devout woman[4]. Lady Sukayna grew up in a household that emphasized strong moral and spiritual values, deeply rooted in the teachings of Islam. This holy environment fostered by her father and other members of the Ahl al-Bayt helped shape her into a woman of profound insight and emotional depth. Her mother, Rabab, also played a pivotal role in her upbringing, instilling in her values of compassion, modesty, and resilience.
As a child, Sukayna would have been surrounded by some of the most prominent figures in early Islamic history, including her grandfather Imam Ali and her uncle Imam Hasan. This close proximity to the leadership of the Muslim community likely contributed to her understanding of justice, piety, and the importance of standing against oppression. Even in her early years, she exhibited a strong sense of character and wisdom that would later become more evident during the difficult times in her life.
Her early life was marked by the teachings of her family, particularly the emphasis on moral courage and the importance of faith in adversity. As a young girl, Lady Sukayna would have been aware of the political unrest surrounding her family, especially as the Umayyad dynasty sought to solidify its rule over the Muslim world. Despite her youth, she was able to comprehend the gravity of the challenges faced by her father and his companions, laying the foundation for her own resilience in the face of adversity later in life.
Lady Sukayna played a crucial yet often underrepresented role during the tragic events of the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE. As the daughter of Imam Husain, she was a direct witness to one of the most pivotal and heart-wrenching episodes in Islamic history, which profoundly shaped her life and legacy.
At the time of the Battle of Karbala, Lady Sukayna was a young girl, believed to be around 5 or 12 years old[5]. Despite her youth, she exhibited remarkable strength and maturity throughout the ordeal. Alongside her family, she journeyed from Medina to Karbala, where her father Imam Husain refused to pledge allegiance to the oppressive Umayyad ruler, Yazid. The refusal led to a brutal confrontation between the small group of Husain’s companions and the Umayyad army.
During the battle, Lady Sukayna was a witness to the unfolding horrors. She saw her father, uncles, and brothers fight valiantly for justice and succumb to martyrdom one by one. The emotional and psychological toll on her was immense, but even in the face of such overwhelming grief, historical accounts describe her as maintaining her composure and dignity.
Her role extended beyond that of a mere observer. After the massacre, Lady Sukayna, along with the surviving women and children of Imam Husain’s camp, was taken captive by Yazid’s forces. It was during this period of captivity that her strength and resilience truly shone. Despite the physical and emotional abuse inflicted on her and her family, Lady Sukayna is remembered for her eloquence and bravery in speaking out against the injustice they faced. In the court of Yazid, where the captives were paraded as trophies, she stood firm, displaying the same courage and defiance her father had shown on the battlefield.
In particular, Lady Sukayna’s deep connection to her father is often highlighted in historical and poetic accounts. The bond between them was profound, and the loss of Imam Husain had a lasting emotional impact. It is documented that she was so much loved by Imam al-Husain to such an extent that a poem was composed for her and her mother, which is translated thus: “By your life! I do like a house, in which there are Sukayna and Rabab. I love them and give all my properties [for them] and no blamer has the right to blame me[6].”
Her Personality Traits
Lady Sukayna is remembered not only for her role in the tragedy of Karbala but also for her remarkable personality traits that set her apart as a figure of strength, wisdom, and compassion. These traits defined her character and contributed to her enduring legacy in Islamic history.
- Intelligence and Eloquence
One of the most striking aspects of Lady Sukayna’s personality was her intelligence[7], which was nurtured from a young age. She was well-educated and known for her eloquence in Arabic, often engaging in intellectual discussions and composing many lament poems about his father, Imam al-Husain[8]. Her articulation and command over language were particularly evident during the aftermath of Karbala, where she spoke out against the injustice her family suffered. This eloquence helped to immortalize the events of Karbala in the hearts and minds of future generations.
- Bravery and Patience
In the face of immense adversity, Lady Sukayna exhibited extraordinary bravery and patience. During the Battle of Karbala, she witnessed the brutal killing of her father, brothers, and uncles, yet remained resilient. Her courage did not wane when she and the other survivors were taken captive and paraded in the courts of Kufa and Damascus[9]. Even as a young girl, she confronted the oppressive rulers with a strength beyond her years. Lady Sukayna’s patience is also notable in how she endured the suffering inflicted upon her family without allowing it to break her spirit. Her ability to maintain her dignity and composure during such trying times stands as a testament to her inner strength.
- Compassion and Kindness
Despite experiencing deep personal loss, Lady Sukayna remained compassionate and caring toward others, especially those who were also suffering. Accounts of her life emphasize her kindness to the other women and children who were taken captive alongside her. She is remembered for comforting and supporting her mother, Lady Zaynab, and the other women of the Ahl al-Bayt during their captivity. Even after Karbala, her empathy for others remained a defining characteristic, as she continued to be a source of inspiration and solace for those around her.
- Resilience in the Face of Tragedy
Lady Sukayna’s life was marked by immense tragedy, yet she never allowed these hardships to define or defeat her. Her resilience in the face of such overwhelming sorrow made her a symbol of endurance and hope. Despite losing her closest family members and witnessing the horrific aftermath of Karbala, she carried on the message of her father’s stand for justice. Her ability to turn personal grief into a powerful source of motivation and defiance against oppression was one of her most admirable traits.
- Piety and Devotion
As a member of the Ahl al-Bayt, Lady Sukayna was deeply devout and maintained a close connection to her faith. Her piety was evident in her actions and demeanour, and she remained committed to the values of justice, truth, and loyalty to the principles of Islam[10]. Her faith was a source of strength for her throughout the trials she faced, and she relied on her spiritual convictions to guide her actions during and after Karbala.
Legacy in Islamic Culture
Lady Sukayna’s legacy in Islamic culture is rich and multi-faceted. Her legacy is marked by her resilience, eloquence, and moral strength, making her a lasting symbol of patience, resistance, and justice. As a witness and survivor of the tragedy of Karbala, she played a pivotal role in preserving the legacy of Ahl al-Bayt through her defiance in the face of oppression and her profound ability to articulate the suffering and values of her family. Her influence is deeply embedded in religious rituals, literature, and the cultural memory of Islamic history, where she continues to inspire both women and men to uphold the virtues of faith, courage, and justice.
Conclusion
Lady Sukayna, the daughter of Imam Husain, stands as a timeless figure in Islamic history, revered for her strength, eloquence, and resilience in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Her role during and after the Battle of Karbala reflects the profound influence she had, not only as a witness to the martyrdom of her family but as a key figure in ensuring the message of Karbala endured. Her personality, marked by intelligence, patience, and compassion, made her an enduring symbol of resistance against tyranny and oppression. Through her defiance in Yazid’s court, her leadership in the aftermath of Karbala, and her lasting presence in Islamic literature and rituals, Lady Sukayna’s legacy continues to inspire generations. She is remembered not only for her suffering but also for her unwavering commitment to justice and her role in preserving the moral and spiritual values of Ahl al-Bayt, making her a cherished and influential figure in Islamic culture.
References
[1] . Abū l-Faraj al-Iṣfahānī, ʿAlī ibn al-Ḥusayn. Al-ʾAghānī, vol. 21, p. 79; Ibn al-Jawzī, ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ibn ʿAlī. Al-Muntaẓam fī tārīkh al-umam wa l-mulūk, vol. 7, p. 175.
[2] . Naji, Mohammad-Reza; Mohammad-Zadeh, Marziya (2017). Sakina bint Husayn. Encyclopaedia of the World of Islam (in Persian). Vol. 24.
[3] . Reyshahri, Mohammad (2009). The Encyclopedia of Imam Husayn (in Persian). Vol. 1., p. 363.
[4] . Abū al-Faraj al-Iṣfahānī, ʿAlī ibn al-Ḥusayn. Maqātil al-Ṭālibīyyīn, vol. 4, p. 192; Ibn al-Athīr al-Jazarī, ʿAlī ibn Abī l-Karam. Al-Kāmil fī al-Tārīkh., vol. 4, p. 94.
[5] . Burney Abbas, Shemeem (2009). Sakineh, The Narrator of Karbala: An Ethnographic Description of a Women’s Majlis Ritual in Pakistan, p. 143.
[6] . Ṭabarī, Muḥammad ibn Jarīr. Tārīkh al-Ṭabarī., vol. 11, p. 520; Abū al-Faraj al-Iṣfahānī, ʿAlī ibn al-Ḥusayn. Maqātil al-Ṭālibīyyīn, vol. 4, p. 94.
[7] . Ibn Khalkān, Aḥmad ibn Muḥammad. Wafayāt al-aʿyān wa ʾanbāʾ ʾabnāʾ al-zamān., vol. 2, p. 394.
[8] . Shūshtarī, Nūr Allāh al-Ḥusaynī. Iḥqāq al-ḥaqq wa izhāq al-bāṭil, vol. 27, p. 492.
[9] . Khwārizmī, Muwaffaq ibn Aḥmad. Maqtal al-Ḥusayn, p. 60-61.
[10] . Muqarram, ʿAbd al-Razzāq, Maqtal al-Ḥusayn, p. 349.
