The 10th of Muharram witnessed the ultimate sacrifice of Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) and his noble companions in the plains of Karbala, as they stood courageously against the tyrant Yazid. However, the tragedy of Karbala did not end with the martyrdoms. A new phase of suffering began — the captivity of the women and children of the Ahl-e-Bayt (the noble household of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).

What followed was a painful journey from Karbala to Kufa, and then to Damascus (Shaam) — filled with humiliation, physical hardship, and emotional trauma. But this phase also saw the unshakable bravery of Sayyidah Zainab (رضي الله عنها) and the divine patience of Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (رضي الله عنه).

1. The Aftermath of Ashura

After Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) was martyred, the enemy soldiers stormed the tents of the Ahl-e-Bayt. The women and children, already grief-stricken, were subjected to further cruelty:

• Tents were set on fire.
• Children were left hungry and thirsty.
• Jewelry, veils, and possessions were snatched from the women.
• Even the sacred daughters of Fatimah (رضي الله عنها), the daughter of the Prophet ﷺ, were disrespected.

Among the survivors were:

• Sayyidah Zainab bint Ali (رضي الله عنها) – sister of Imam Hussain, a woman of unmatched strength and eloquence.
• Sayyidah Umm Kulthum (رضي الله عنها) – the younger sister of Sayyidah Zainab.
• Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (رضي الله عنه) – the only adult male survivor, spared due to illness.

The enemy shackled the women and children, tied ropes around their necks, and dragged them across the burning sands of Karbala. Their journey of grief had just begun.

2. The Journey from Karbala to Kufa

The captives were first taken to Kufa, the city that once promised support to Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه), but betrayed him.

In Kufa:

• The prisoners were paraded publicly, causing the people to weep upon recognizing the family of the Prophet ﷺ.
• They were presented in the court of Ubaydullah ibn Ziyad, the brutal governor of Kufa.

Sayyidah Zainab’s Historic Speech in Kufa

Despite immense sorrow, Sayyidah Zainab (رضي الله عنها) stood with dignity in Ibn Ziyad’s court and delivered a powerful sermon:

“Do you think that you have defeated us? By Allah, you have only cut your own roots… O Ibn Ziyad! Do not be proud of what you have done, for you have killed those whom Allah has honored…”

Her words shook the court and exposed the tyranny and moral collapse of Yazid’s regime. Even some soldiers and onlookers cried in shame.

3. From Kufa to Damascus (Shaam)

After some days, the caravan of captives was sent to Damascus, the capital of Yazid’s empire. The journey was long, cruel, and humiliating, crossing the deserts of Iraq and Syria.

• The women and children were barefoot, veilless, and chained.
• The blessed head of Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) was mounted on a spear and carried at the front.
• People gathered along the roads, thinking they were rebels — but when they heard the truth, many wept bitterly and repented.

Despite being physically broken, Sayyidah Zainab (رضي الله عنها) led the caravan with grace. She comforted the children, preserved the dignity of the household, and continued to speak the truth.

4. The Court of Yazid in Damascus

In Shaam, the family was brought before Yazid. He sat arrogantly on his throne, mocking the martyrs and praising his victory.

But once again, Sayyidah Zainab (رضي الله عنها) rose and spoke fearlessly:

“O Yazid! Do you think you have gained power over us? Your days are numbered. Your deeds will be judged by Allah… You have insulted the family of the Prophet ﷺ. But know this: We have given our lives for the truth!”

This bold declaration stunned the court. Many were moved, and even Yazid became fearful of the political consequences. Eventually, due to public outrage, Yazid released the family and allowed them to return to Madinah.

5. The Legacy of the Captivity

While the men of Karbala gave their lives in the battlefield, the women preserved the message through their words and patience. Their captivity:

• Exposed the cruelty of Yazid to the Muslim Ummah.
• Revived the spirit of resistance and sacrifice.
• Strengthened the bond of the Ummah with the Ahl-e-Bayt.

Sayyidah Zainab (رضي الله عنها) became a symbol of Islamic resistance, much like Imam Hussain (رضي الله عنه) became a symbol of sacrifice.

Conclusion: Captivity Turned Into a Revolution

From Karbala to Kufa to Shaam, the women and children of the Ahl-e-Bayt endured unimaginable pain. But they turned their suffering into strength, their wounds into wisdom, and their tears into the seeds of change.

As per Sunni Barelvi scholars and Dawat-e-Islami, the message of Karbala is incomplete without remembering the captivity and resilience of the Ahl-e-Bayt.

Their courage is a reminder for all Muslims — to never compromise with falsehood, to stand firm in faith, and to honor the family of the Prophet ﷺ in every era