In Islamic history, visionary, outstanding women came to prominence, who together with men played important roles in properly mapping Islamic society. They decided to take a role in the development of events and influenced their course effectively, driven by their sense of obligation for building society. Sakina bint Al Hussein was one of these women, and this blog will discuss the importance of female leadership in the Islamic world

Who was Sakina bint Al Hussein?

Sakinah bint Hussain, Imam Hussain and Rubab’s youngest daughter, was a lively child with love and happiness. Bibi Sakinah (a.s.) was Imam Hussain’s most beloved child.  She was said to have lived her early years in Medina and was born in the fourth decade of the exodus of the prophet (A.H). She had three brothers, who were Ali ibn Hussain, Ali al-Akbar ibn Hussain, Ali Asghar ibn Hussain and Fatimah as-Sughra and Fatimah al-Kubra being her sisters. Her real name was Aminah, named after her grandmother Aminah bint Wahb; but her mother, Ar-Rabab, nicknamed her Sakina (translated into ‘tranquillity’ in English) when she realized that people seemed to have a feeling of tranquillity and fondness because of her kindness and mirth.

 It was said that her father, Imam Husayn said about her,

“By my life, I love the house wherein Sakina and Rabab live

I love her and for her would all my fortune sacrifice,

without blame.“

The upbringing of Bibi Sakina

Sayyeda Sakinah grew up in the vast family house of the Prophet, particularly in the Prophet’s nephew Al Hussein bin Ali’s home, may Allah have mercy on them. She and her father were very close and used to pursue peace and serenity in the company of each other. Sayyida sakinah had a great personality as she grew up in a house of scholars and righteous deeds that inspired her to become a faithful muslim. She earned a high reputation for politeness, intelligence, and morals when she became an adult and turned into a Quraysh family woman. In addition, she had memorized and narrated Rasoolullah’s hadiths (PBUH) depicting her fidelity to Islam.

Marriage

The sweetness and elegance of Lady Sakina did not prevent her from devoting herself to Allah, which sometimes reached a degree of complete worship occupation. Bibi Sakina was married to Mus’ab ibn al-Zubayr bin Al Awwam . She was one of the greatest mothers and wives. She fulfilled all of her home tasks and responsibilities and taught her children according to the Prophetic Guidance. She became more popular in the realm of virtuous women after her marriage to Mus’ab ibn al-Zubayr and earned broad fame because of her noble values and the way she took care of her family.

Her characteristics and attributes

She was the best of the noble ladies of her time, the most beautiful among them, the most elegant, and the nicest in mannerism. Sayyida Sakinah was distinguished by a keen intellect, illuminated mind, and a deep, penetrating vision. She memorized the Quran and practised its guidelines. She adequately addressed herself to Allah in her emotional and intellectual endeavors.

As a learner and mentor, she paid attention to acquiring knowledge. Sayyida Sakina was a strong character, compassionate in the midst of adversity and never gave up to despair She was renowned for her poetic and literary taste as one of Quraysh and Banu Hashmim’s eloquent females. She inherited poetry from her father, and one of the most eloquent Arab women and poetesses was her mother. She faced extreme hardships throughout her life but faced them with patience and forbearance. Her generosity was a manifestation of her noble grandparents.

Her Death

Sayyida Sakinah, may Allah have mercy on her, surpassed eighty years after having attained a notable level of knowledge and displayed the kind of graciousness that differentiated her from the females of her generation. She died in Madinah on a Thursday at A.H.117, may Allah have mercy on her and her forefathers. A large congregation of Muslims performed her funeral prayer.

Importance of female leadership in the Muslim society

This brief account of Sakinah bint al Hussein’s life is a great overview of the importance of female leadership in the Islamic society, It shows us how, no matter the gender, everyone is respected and given importance to in Islam and how Allah (SWT) protects and supports his righteous servants.

Maryam (AS), Isa’s mother one of the most revered women in Islam, holds a singularly elevated position in Islam as the only woman named in the Quran which refers to her seventy times and specifically describes her as the mightiest of all women. Maryam is a role model for all Muslim women as, during her life, she retained her impeccable integrity, despite being alone in moments of great difficulty as she had no one to help, encourage or direct her. Lonely people generally succumb to helplessness and despair, but Maryam did not, for she put all her faith and belief in Allah alone.

And this teaches us how we can implement their independent attributes, integrity, faith and uprightness in our lives and how we can enforce trust in Allah (SWT) at all times as He is the one who will guide us to righteousness and protect us in every situation, because He is Al-Muhaymin (The Guardian) and Al-Hakam (The Giver of Justice).

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