What is Taboot-e-Sakina?
Taboot-e-Sakina refers to a sacred wooden chest or ark containing relics and artifacts associated with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his family.
History
Taboot-e-Sakina originated during the Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) lifetime. After his passing, the chest was entrusted to Imam Ali (AS), the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law. Subsequent Shia Imams preserved and protected the Taboot.
Contents
The chest contains various sacred items, including:
1. Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) cloak (Burda)
2. Sword (Dhu'l-Fiqar)
3. Turban
4. Sandals
5. Hair
6. Quranic manuscripts
7. Relics from Imam Hussein's (AS) shrine
Significance
Taboot-e-Sakina symbolizes the spiritual connection between the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his descendants. Shias believe that the relics within the chest possess spiritual power and serve as a means of seeking blessings.
The passing of Taboot-e-Sakina from one generation to another is a significant aspect of Shia history and tradition. Here's an overview:
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to Imam Ali (AS)
- The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) entrusted the Taboot-e-Sakina to Imam Ali (AS), his cousin and son-in-law, before his passing.
Imam Ali (AS) to Imam Hassan (AS)
- After Imam Ali's (AS) martyrdom, the Taboot-e-Sakina was passed to Imam Hassan (AS), his eldest son.
Imam Hassan (AS) to Imam Hussein (AS)
- Imam Hassan (AS) passed the Taboot-e-Sakina to his brother, Imam Hussein (AS), before his own passing.
Imam Hussein (AS) to Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS)
- After Imam Hussein's (AS) martyrdom in Karbala, the Taboot-e-Sakina was passed to his son, Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS).
Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS) to Imam Muhammad Baqir (AS)
- Imam Zain-ul-Abideen (AS) passed the Taboot-e-Sakina to his son, Imam Muhammad Baqir (AS).
Imam Muhammad Baqir (AS) to Imam Ja'far Sadiq (AS)
- Imam Muhammad Baqir (AS) passed the Taboot-e-Sakina to his son, Imam Ja'far Sadiq (AS).
Imam Ja'far Sadiq (AS) to Imam Musa Kazim (AS)
- Imam Ja'far Sadiq (AS) passed the Taboot-e-Sakina to his son, Imam Musa Kazim (AS).
Imam Musa Kazim (AS) to Imam Ali Reza (AS)
- Imam Musa Kazim (AS) passed the Taboot-e-Sakina to his son, Imam Ali Reza (AS).
Imam Ali Reza (AS) to Imam Muhammad Taqi (AS)
- Imam Ali Reza (AS) passed the Taboot-e-Sakina to his son, Imam Muhammad Taqi (AS).
Current Custodianship
The current custodianship of Taboot-e-Sakina is disputed among different Shia groups. Some believe it is with:
1. The Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (AS) in Mashhad, Iran.
2. The Shrine of Imam Ali (AS) in Najaf, Iraq.
3. The Shrine of Imam Hussein (AS) in Karbala, Iraq.
Others believe it is in the possession of the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Shia community.
References
1. "The History of Taboot-e-Sakina" by Allama Muhammad Hussein Najafi (Urdu)
2. "Taboot-e-Sakina: A Symbol of Spiritual Connection" by Shaykh Muhammad Ali Fomdeh (English)
3. "The Sacred Ark: Taboot-e-Sakina" by Sayyid Muhammad Rizvi (English)