Comprehensive Definition
Ruqayyah bint Husayn (رقية بنت الحسين) refers to the beloved daughter of Husayn ibn Ali, the son of Ali ibn Abi Talib and Fatimah, who was the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad. Her life was marked by innocence and suffering, especially during and after the tragic events of Karbala.
Etymology and Background
The name Ruqayyah derives from the Arabic root “ر ق ي” (r-q-y), meaning to ascend, rise, or progress, often associated with notions of elevation and spirituality. The full name Ruqayyah bint Husayn signifies her lineage, connecting her directly to the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet Muhammad).
Historical Facts and Dates
- Birth and Early Life: Historical sources suggest Ruqayyah was born around 680 CE (60 AH).
- Karbala Tragedy: The Battle of Karbala, which occurred on October 10, 680 CE (10th of Muharram 61 AH), witnessed the martyrdom of her father, Husayn ibn Ali. Ruqayyah, just a toddler, endured immense suffering with other family members.
- Post-Karbala Ordeal: Captured and taken to Damascus, Ruqayyah faced severe hardships, ultimately leading to her untimely death around 681 CE (61 AH).
Cultural Differences and Similarities
- Shia Perspective: Ruqayyah bint Husayn holds profound significance for Shia Muslims, viewed as a symbol of innocence and martyrdom. Her story avows their practice of mourning during Muharram.
- Sunni Perspective: While not as emphasized as in Shia tradition, Sunni Muslims also honor her memory and recognize her as an esteemed member of the Prophet’s family.
Synonyms and Translations
- Arabic: رقية بنت الحسين
- Persian: رقیه بنت حسین
- Urdu: رقیہ بنت حسین
Related Terms with Definitions
- Husayn ibn Ali (الحسين بن علي): Father of Ruqayyah, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, and a central figure in the Battle of Karbala.
- Ahl al-Bayt (أهل البيت): The family of Prophet Muhammad, revered by both Sunni and Shia Muslims but with particular veneration in Shia Islam.
- Karbala (كربلاء): City in Iraq where the massacre of Husayn and his companions took place, becoming a significant pilgrimage site.
Exciting Facts and Quotations
- Many pilgrimages are conducted annually to Damascus, Syria, where her tomb is a revered site. It stands as a beacon of unity and respect among different Islamic sects.
- A poignant quote often attributed to Ruqayyah expresses the depth of her suffering: “Where is my father? I miss him dearly.”
References and Suggested Literature
- “Karbala and Beyond” by Yasin T. al-Jibouri – Insight into the events of Karbala and its aftermath.
- “The Women of Karbala: Ritual Performance and Symbolic Discourses in Modern Shi’i Islam” edited by Kamran Scot Aghaie – Explores the significant role of women in the Karbala narrative.
### Who was Ruqayyah bint Husayn?
- [x] The daughter of Husayn ibn Ali and the granddaughter of Prophet Muhammad.
- [ ] A prominent Islamic scholar.
- [ ] The first woman to embrace Islam.
- [ ] The wife of the Ottoman Sultan.
> **Explanation:** Ruqayyah bint Husayn was the beloved daughter of Husayn ibn Ali and the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad, connecting her directly to the prophetic lineage.
### What is the significance of her shrine in Damascus?
- [x] It serves as an important pilgrimage site for both Sunni and Shia Muslims.
- [ ] It marks the site of a famous battle.
- [ ] It contains rare Islamic manuscripts.
- [ ] It is the location of the first mosque built in Damascus.
> **Explanation:** Her shrine in Damascus is an important pilgrimage site visited by Muslims of different sects, showing her significance as a revered figure in Islamic history.
### When did the Battle of Karbala take place?
- [x] October 10, 680 CE (10th of Muharram 61 AH).
- [ ] December 25, 610 CE.
- [ ] July 7, 732 CE.
- [ ] March 15, 632 CE.
> **Explanation:** The Battle of Karbala took place on October 10, 680 CE, a date mourned annually by many Muslims, especially those of the Shia sect.
### What does the term "Ahl al-Bayt" refer to?
- [x] The family of Prophet Muhammad.
- [ ] A collection of Islamic laws.
- [ ] A specific prayer in Islam.
- [ ] A historical alliance.
> **Explanation:** "Ahl al-Bayt" refers to the family of the Prophet Muhammad, held in high veneration within both Sunni and Shia Islam.
### What languages is the name Ruqayyah commonly translated into?
- [x] Arabic
- [x] Persian
- [x] Urdu
- [ ] Chinese
> **Explanation:** The name Ruqayyah is commonly translated into languages spoken in the Muslim world including Arabic, Persian, and Urdu, reflecting her widespread significance.
### Who was Ruqayyah bint Husayn's father?
- [x] Husayn ibn Ali.
- [ ] Ali ibn Abi Talib.
- [ ] Abu Bakr.
- [ ] Uthman ibn Affan.
> **Explanation:** Ruqayyah bint Husayn's father was Husayn ibn Ali, who played a central role in the events of Karbala.
### What tragedy did Ruqayyah bint Husayn endure at the age of 3?
- [x] The Battle of Karbala and the death of her father.
- [ ] The fall of Mecca.
- [ ] The siege of Medina.
- [ ] The conquest of Damascus.
> **Explanation:** Ruqayyah bint Husayn, at just 3 years old, endured the considerable tragedy of the Battle of Karbala, where her father Husayn ibn Ali was martyred.
Farewell Reflective Thought: “In the innocence of Ruqayyah bint Husayn, we find the purity of faith and the endurance of spirit that transcends the boundaries of time and space.”
By Layla Al-Zahra, October 5, 2023
