Women's role in Karbala

Karbala is the holy land of sacrifice, where defeat and victory were redefined. This historic event revealed not only the bravery of men but also the extraordinary courage of women, who prepared their sons, brothers, husbands and fathers to give their lives in accordance with the will of Allah and in line with the true spirit of Islam.

Nowhere else in history is such unity and determination among women as evident as in Karbala, where they willingly offered their loved ones for martyrdom. The unique precedent set in Karbala saw women witnessing and joyfully offering their loved ones to safeguard the mission of Hussain ibn Ali (AS).

These great women are revered not only for their sacred blood but also for their noble acts. Umme Rubab, wife of Imam Hussain, handed her six-month-old son, Ali Asghar, to him, knowing the baby would not return alive. Her son, parched and without water for three days, was struck by an arrow intended for warhorses and elephants, yet his mother entrusted him to a sacred death.

Umme Laila, wife of Imam Hussain, sent her eighteen-year-old son Ali Akbar to the battlefield. Cherished by all for his resemblance to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Ali Akbar met his fate and returned covered in blood. Umme Farwa, the widow of Hassan ibn Ali (AS), allowed her son, Qasim, to go to the battleground with Hussain's permission, knowing he would return in pieces.

Ummul Baneen, the mother of Abbas, raised him with the sole purpose of safeguarding Hussain. She taught him from childhood to serve Hussain, whether in life or death. Abbas fulfilled his promise, giving his life for Hussain and losing both his arms while bringing water from the Euphrates River. Sakina, Hussain's four-year-old daughter, who had never once slept without resting her little head on her father's chest, bore the slaps of Shemir on her face and had her earrings snatched and looted.

Other strong women who witnessed the tragedy of Karbala and carried the mission of Imam Hussain for a noble cause include Fizza, a loyal servant of Fatima, who accompanied the family to Karbala; Ramla (Umme Habiba), wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him); Amina, daughter of Muslim ibn Aqil, who witnessed the loss of her father and relatives during the battle; Umme Wahhab, wife of Abdullah, who encouraged her husband to support Hussain and mourned his martyrdom with loyalty; and Amina, daughter of Hassan and niece of Hussain, who contributed to the legacy of the Ahlul Bayt through her suffering and dedication.

Fatima Zehra, the Queen of Paradise, was the mother of Hussain, the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and the wife of Ali. She knew the fate of her son and reared him with love and care so that he could offer a sacred sacrifice for Allah.

Among the brave women of Karbala, Zainab, the sister of Hussain and daughter of Ali, stood out as a leader. She showed immense courage and strength, leading the group after the battle and defending the sacrifice of Hussain and his entire family.

Zainab cursed Yazid and his soldiers for their brutal murder of the pious family of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). She advocated for the righteousness of Hussain and his sacred mission from the manipulations of Yazid, who engaged in practices prohibited by Allah.

These women are models of courage. They made Karbala a sacred land of sacrifice through their unified consent to give away their loved ones for the will of Allah, to preserve the religion of Islam and to stand firm with Hussain, the Imam of the time.

History remembers these women as noble individuals who sacrificed everything for Hussain's sacred mission. Their noble sacrifices continue to inspire women throughout all times.