Sayyada Sakina
By Azra

I think the beauty of the event of Kerbala is that every individual, no matter their age, race, sex, or religion, can relate to it; one can either relate to a person, an event, or a saying, and this relationship gives them strength to endure the hardships they face in their real life.

To me, as a child, the story of Sayyada Sakina (also known as Sayyada Ruqayyah) has been the one to associate with. Every time I’d hear the story of the little girl in Kerbala, I felt I had some connection with her. I truly believe that she is my inspiration in everything I do in my day-to-day life. Nothing in my life can be more challenging than what she faced in her short life. Sayyada Sakina’s endurance and patience, her faith in her beliefs and her commitment to the truth, is what gives me courage! If I am faced with a difficulty which cannot be overcome, the thought of Sayyada Sakina’s troubles in the land of Kerbala make me realize that my difficulties are nothing compared to what she had to face. When I feel that, perhaps, my faith is wavering, I remember Sayyada Sakina and how she held on to the truth no matter what she faced. When I feel like giving up, I remember how Sayyada Sakina never gave up hope of being released from the dark and dingy prison. When I feel down because of what others say, I remind myself of the atrocities committed by Shimr (may the curse of Allah be on him) towards Sayyada Sakina, and I can attest that what I’m facing is nothing compared to what she had to endure.

All in all, Sayyada Sakina has been my heroine since I was young, and she will continue to inspire me for the rest of my life. I pray Allah gives me, if not more, at least a fraction of Sayyada Sakina’s endurance, commitment, faith, tranquility, and patience!