Ruqayya bt. al-Imam al-Husayn (a)

4. Ruqayya’s Martyrdom and Its Cultural Resonance

The details regarding Ruqayya’s martyrdom vary across sources, yet a common thread speaks to the overwhelming grief she experienced following her family’s slaughter. In captivity, she purportedly fell ill, her health deteriorating as she mourned her father and others. This sorrowful narrative resonates deeply within Shia communities, emboldening collective remembrance and ritualistic expressions of grief. The story of Ruqayya becomes an archetype for the innocent victim, challenging the audience to reflect upon the consequences of tyranny and the sanctity of life, particularly that of the vulnerable.

5. Ritual Practices Involving Ruqayya