Aisha, Your Mother
Since 2012-11-20
Aisha, Your Mother, the Wife of Our Messenger in This Worldly Life and In the Hereafter
Aisha, Your Mother, the Wife of Our Messenger in This Worldly Life and In the Hereafter
O Muslims, this is your mother, Aisha, the Wife of Our Messenger, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.
Her worship, knowledge, virtues, and asceticism
Her worship, knowledge, virtues, and asceticism
Introduction
All the praises and thanks be to Allah Alone.
This is a very concise paper about the Mother of the Believers, Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her. It is about her noble biography. It is meant to answer back those who assailed the status of the honorable Mother of the Believers, the wife of the noble Messenger, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
This is a very concise paper about the Mother of the Believers, Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her. It is about her noble biography. It is meant to answer back those who assailed the status of the honorable Mother of the Believers, the wife of the noble Messenger, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
Those who assailed her honor, it is as if they have assailed Allah, Glorified and Exalted He is, and His Messenger, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
We must know that accusing the Mother of the Believers with slander is an old accusation. What the accusers do is opening a door for the the orientalists, the missionaries, the calumniators, and the biased to discredit Islam and to greatly disparage it. Never will they do that. However, the gallant magnanimous lovers of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, should exert their utmost efforts to face such treacherous traitors who betrayed Allah, His Messenger, and the believers.
Her pedigree
She is Aisha bint (the daughter of) Abu Bakr ibn Abu Quhâfah 'Uthman ibn 'Amir ibn 'Amr ibn Ka'b ibn Sa'd ibn Taym ibn Murrah ibn Ka'b ibn Lu'ay. Her father is As-Siddîq, the close friend of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. He is the first man to embrace Islam. He is the first man to believe the incident of Al-Isrâ' and Al-Mi'râj (the Night Journey and the Ascension of the Prophet) upon which he was nicknamed As-Siddîq (the true believer). Her mother is Umm Rûman bint 'Amir ibn 'Uwaymir ibn Abd Shams ibn 'Itâb from the tribe of Kinana. She was among the first women to embrace Islam in Mecca. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said, «Since I reached the age when I could remember things, I have seen my parents worshipping according to the right faith of Islam.» [Reported by Al-Bukhari 476]
«لم أعقل أبوي إلا وهما يدينانالدّين» [رواه البخاري]
The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, used to cherish Abu Bakr As-Siddîq. He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, used to say about him, «If I were to take a close friend from this nation, I would have taken Abu Bakr as such, but what relates us is the Islamic brotherhood and friendliness.» [Reported by Al-Bukhari 467]
«ولو كنت متخذًا من هذه الأمة خليلًا لاتخذته، ولكن خلة الإسلام أفضل» [أخرجه البخاري 467]
The vision of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, of Aisha in his sleep
The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has seen Aisha in a vision before he married her. He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, «I have seen you in my dreams for three days. The angel brings you to me, wrapped in a silk piece of cloth, and he says, 'this is your wife.' I uncover your face and it is you. Upon which I say, 'if this is the will of Allah then He will execute it.'» [Reported by Muslim 2438]
«أريتك في المنام ثلاث ليالي. جاءني بك الملك في سرقةٍ منحريرٍ. فيقول: هذه امرأتك. فأكشف عن وجهك. فإذا أنت هي. فأقول: إن يك هذا من عند الله، يمضه» [رواه مسلم 2438]
At-Tirmidhi reported, «Jibrîl (Gabriel) brought a picture of Aisha in a green silk piece of cloth to the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and said, 'This is your wife in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.'» [Reported by At-Tirmidhi 3880. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albani.]
«أن جبريل جاء بصورتها في خرقة حرير خضراء إلى النّبيّ -صلى الله عليه وسلم- فقال: هذه زوجتك في الدّنيا والآخرة» [أخرجه الترمذي 3880, وصححه الألباني]
The blessed marriage
The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, finalized the marriage contract to Aisha while she was six years old, or rather seven, according to some narrations. He consummated the marriage when she was nine. He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, died and she was eighteen. The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, did not marry a virgin but her.
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, lived in the pure prophetic house, the place of descent of the revelation. The house, which is annexed to the Prophetic mosque, is filled with happiness and joy. This is where Aisha is growing up, in this house, which is radiant with faith and piety. In addition to all the previous, she is intelligent and sagacious.
She matured; her mind and understanding grew up while absorbing knowledge and piety from the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. She memorized a lot of his words and actions. Moreover, despite her young age, she fulfilled the duties of her marital home at full. In addition, she had a great status with the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
She said, may Allah be pleased with her, «The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, contracted marriage with me in Shawwal and took me to his house as a bride during Shawwal. Hence, who among the wives of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, was dearer to him than me?» [Reported by Muslim 1423]
«تزوجني رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- في شوال، وبنى بي في شوال، فأي نساء رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- كان أحظى عنده منّي؟» [رواه مسلم 1423]
The beloved wife of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him
The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, admired and loved Abu Bakr As-Siddîq who stood by his side during his mission. Allah has put the love of Abu Bakr in the heart of the Messenger that he dearly appreciated and admired him.
Al-Bukhari narrated on the authority of 'Amr ibn Al-As that he said, «The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, deputed me to lead the army of Dhat As-Salâsil. I came to him and said, 'Who is the most beloved person to you?' He said, 'Aisha.' I asked, 'Among the men?' He said, 'Her father.'» [Reported by Al-Bukhari 3662]
«أن النّبيّ -صلى الله عليه وسلم- بعثه على جيش (ذات السّلاسل) فأتيته فقلت: أي النّاس أحب إليك؟ قال: (عائشة). فقلت: من الرجال؟ فقال: (أبوها)» [رواه البخاري 3662]
Aisha chooses the Hereafter to this worldly life
She, may Allah be pleased with her, said, «When the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, was ordered to give option to his wives, he started with me, saying, 'I am going to mention to you something, but you shall not hasten (to give your reply) unless you consult your parents.' He knew that my parents would not order me to leave him. Then he said, "Allah, Glorified and Exalted, says, {O Prophet (Muhammad)! Say to your wives: "If you desire the life of this world, and its glitter, then come! I will make a provision for you and set you free in a handsome manner (divorce). [28]. "But if you desire Allâh and His Messenger, and the home of the Hereafter, then verily, Allâh has prepared for Al-Muhsinât (good-doers) amongst you an enormous reward."} [Al-Ahzâb: 28-29] I said, 'Then why consult I my parents? Verily, I desire Allah, His Messenger, and the Home of the Hereafter.' Then all the other wives of the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, did the same as I did.» [Reported by Al-Bukhari 4786]
«لما أمر رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- بتخيير أزواجه بدأ بي فقال: إني ذاكرًا لك أمرًا، فلا عليك أن لا تعجلي حتى تستأمري أبويك. قالت: وقد علم أن أبوي لم يكونا يأمراني بفراقه، قالت: ثم قال: إن الله جل ثناؤه قال: {يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لأَزْوَاجِكَ إِنْ كُنْتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتَهَا فَتَعَالَيْنَ أُمَتِّعْكُنَّ وَأُسَرِّحْكُنَّ سَرَاحًا جَمِيلًا(28) وَإِنْ كُنْتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَالدَّارَ الآخِرَةَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ أَعَدَّ لِلْمُحْسِنَاتِ مِنْكُنَّ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا}[الأحزاب: 28-29]، قالت: فقلت: ففي أي هذا أستأمر أبوي، فإني أريد الله ورسوله والدّار الآخرة. قالت: ثم فعل أزواج الّنبيّ -صلى اله عليه وسلم- مثلما فعلت» [رواه البخاري 4786]
Transliteration: Yā 'Ayyuhā An-Nabīyu Qul Li'zwājika 'In Kuntunna Turidna Al-Ĥayā Ata Ad-Dunyā Wa Zīnatahā Fata`ālayna 'Umatti`kunna Wa 'Usarriĥkunna Sarāĥāan Jamīlāan (28)Wa 'In Kuntunna Turidna Allāha Wa Rasūlahu Wa Ad-Dāra Al-'Ākhirata Fa'inna Allāha 'A`adda Lilmuĥsināti Minkunna 'Ajrāan `Ažīmāan
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said to his daughter, Fatima, may Allah be pleased with her, «O daughter, do you not love whom I love?' She said, 'Yes, (I do).' Thereupon he said, 'Then love this one.'» [Reported by Muslim, 2442]
«أي بنية! ألست تحبين ما أحب؟ فقالت: بلى، قال: فأحبي هذه» [رواه مسلم 2442]
The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, jokes with Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her
The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, used to joke with her the innocent marital fondling and joking. While she was on a journey along with the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, he had a race with her and she outstripped him on her feet. When she became fleshy, he had a race with her but this time he, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, outstripped her. He said, «This is for that outstripping.» [Reported by Abu Dawûd. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albani.]
«هذه بتلك السبقة» [رواه أبو داود وصححه الألباني]
He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, used to invoke Allah for her saying, «O Allah, forgive Aisha her sins; the previous ones and the ones yet to come. Forgive her what she does in public and what she hides." Aisha laughed so strongly that her head fell into the lap of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. He said, 'Are you happy because of my invocation?' She answered, 'Certainly I am pleased with your invocation, shouldn't I!' Upon which he said, 'By Allah, this is my invocation for my nation in every prayer.'» [It is classified as good by Al-Albani.]
«اللهمّ اغفر لعائشة ما تقدم من ذنبها وما تأخر وما أسرت وما أعلنت، فضحكت عائشة حتى سقط رأسها في حجر رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم - من الضّحك، فقال: أيسرك دعائي، فقالت: ومالي لا يسرني دعاؤك، فقال: والله إنها لدعوتي لأمتي في كل صلاة» [حسنه الألباني]
Her knowledge, Hadith, and rulings
She, may Allah be pleased with her, was the most knowledgeable woman. She is the most intelligent from the Mothers of the Believers, and the most memorizing to the Hadiths of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. She was a well-versed scholar in the religious sciences; the quran, the Sunnah, and the Jurisprudence. The senior companions used to resort to consulting her in the most delicate and major issues. Al-Hakim said, "One fourth of the religious ruling and laws was reported through her."
Her chamber was considered a council for religious sciences, where students and knowledge seekers used to come to her from all over the countries. She, may Allah be pleased with her, veiled herself from the marriageable male student. Moreover, she has seen the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, when the revelation descended on him. She said, «I have seen the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, while the revelation is descending on him on a very cold day, however, when the revelation finished, his forehead was sweating heavily.» [Reported by At-Tirmidhi, 3634. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albani.]
«لقد رأيت رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- ينزل عليه الوحي في اليوم البرد الشّديد فيفصم عنه وإن جبينه ليتفصد عرقًا» [رواه الترمذي 3634, وصححه الألباني]
She, may Allah be pleased with her, used to discuss issues with the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and to ask him about matters. She, may Allah be pleased with her, said, «I asked the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, about this (the following Verse): {And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear (whether their alms and charities have been accepted or not), because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning).} [Al-Mu'minûn: 60]. Aisha said, 'Are these who drink alcoholic drinks and steal?" He replied, 'No! O the daughter of As-Siddîq, but they are those who fast, pray, and practice charity and they are afraid that (their good) deeds may not be accepted (by Allâh) from them. {It is these who hasten in the good deeds, and they are foremost in them [e.g. offering the compulsory Salât (prayers) in their (early) stated, fixed times and so on].} [Al-Mu'minûn: 61]»[Reported by At-Tirmidhi, 3175. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albani.]
«سألت رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- عن هذه الآية {وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْتُونَ مَا آتَوْا وَقُلُوبُهُمْ وَجِلَةٌ أَنَّهُمْ إِلَى رَبِّهِمْ رَاجِعُونَ} [المؤمنون:60]، قالت عائشة: أهم الذّين يشربون الخمر ويسرقون؟، قال: لا يا بنت الصّديق ولكنّهم الّذين يصومون ويصلون ويتصدقون وهم يخافون أن لا تقبل منهم{أُولَئِكَ يُسَارِعُونَ فِي الْخَيْرَاتِ وَهُمْ لَهَا سَابِقُونَ} [المؤمنون:61]» [أخرجه الترمذي 3175, وصححه الألباني]
Transliteration: Wa Al-Ladhīna Yu'utūna Mā 'Ātaw Wa Qulūbuhum Wa Jilatun 'Annahum 'Ilá Rabbihim Rāji`ūna (60)'Ūlā'ika Yusāri`ūna Fī Al-Khayrāti Wa Hum Lahā Sābiqūna
The companions ask Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her
When the companions differ in a matter, they go to her chamber to verify the authenticity and strength of a Hadith. Her nephew, Al-Qasim ibn Mohamed ibn Abu Bakr, says, "In the time of Abu Bakr, 'Umar, and 'uthman, she appropriated jurisprudence until she died, may Allah be pleased with her."
Abu Salama ibn Abdurrahman said, "I have never seen anyone more knowledgeable of the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, more jurisprudent if asked about a needed opinion, more knowing about the reasons of the revelation of any quranic verse, or an obligation more than Aisha."
It is reported in the two authentic books of Hadith (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said to her, «O Aisha, this is Gabriel and he sends his salutations (greetings) to you." Aisha said, "I said, 'Salutations (Greetings) to him, and Allah's Mercy and Blessings be upon him.'» [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
«إن جبريل يقرأ عليك السّلام. قالت: فقلت: وعليه السّلام ورحمة الله» [رواه البخاري ومسلم]
'Urwah ibn Az-Zubayr, one of the seven jurisprudents says, "I have never seen anyone more knowledgeable of the meanings of the Quran, the rulings of the permissible and prohibited, the poetry of the Arabs, nor of the pedigree than Aisha."
Aisha, the Mother of the Believers, may Allah be pleased with her, was characterized by memorizing the Hadith and reporting it. She was honest in knowledge and in reporting the narrations. Moreover, whenever the senior companions were stuck in any matter of the obligations, they hurried to her (to clarify any ambiguity).
She has memorized some thousand Hadiths from the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. She narrated 2210 Hadiths. 147 Hadiths are reported in the two authentic books of Hadith, Al-Bukhari and Muslim. 67 Hadiths are reported in Sahîh Muslim. The rest of the Hadiths are reported in the other books of Hadith.
Her memorizing ability was strong. She narrated from the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, a lot of knowledge. She was:
- The mentor of the scholars,
- The master of the interpreters,
- The master of the traditionists (the scholars of the Hadith), and
- The jurisprudent of the women of the nation.
- The mentor of the scholars,
- The master of the interpreters,
- The master of the traditionists (the scholars of the Hadith), and
- The jurisprudent of the women of the nation.
She, may Allah be pleased with her, says, "You will not meet Allah, Glorified and Exalted, with anything better than the lack of sins. Therefore, if anyone would like to precede the assiduous diligent, he must strive himself to quit committing a lot of sins."
She also says, "Whoever pleases Allah by dissatisfying people, Allah will suffice him what will be among him and people (any grudges). However, whoever pleases people by dissatisfying Allah; Allah will leave him to people."
She was asked, may Allah be pleased with her, about the best of women. She answered, "She is the one who does not know the fault of the model. She does not recognize the cunnings of men. Her heart is empty save from adorning herself for her husband, and from maintaining her family."
It is enough pride for her, and she is proud of it, that, «the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has died in my room, on my day and during my night (the day assigned for her as one of his wives). He was lying between my neck and breast. Adur-Rahman ibn Abu Bakr entered upon us with a wet siwak (Aarak toothbrush). He looked at it that I thought he, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, wanted it. I took the siwak, chewed, cleaned, and scented it. I gave to the Prophet and he used it to clean his teeth. I have never seen him better using it than this time.» [Classified as authentic by Az-Zahabi in his book: the Biographies of the Master of the Nobles 2/189.]
«تُوفي رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- في بيتي، وفي يومي وليلتي، وبين سحري ونحري، ودخل عبدالرحمن بن أبي بكر، ومعه سواكٌ رطبٌ، فنظر إليه،حتى ظننت أنه يريده، فأخذته، فمضغته ونفضته وطيبته، ثم دفعته إليه فاستن به كأحسنما رأيته مستنًّا قط» [صححها لذّهبي في سير أعلام النّبلاء 2/189]
Her piety and fear of Allah
She, may Allah be pleased with her, was an ascetic, a worshipper. She was used to fasting perpetually and not breaking her fast unless on the two Eids; Al-Adha and Al-Fitr. She used to spend the majority of her day praying and in spending the night in prayers, supplication, and remembering Allah. During her night worshipping, she wept a lot. She, may Allah be pleased with her, never left the night worshipping as the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, never did. When he was ill or sick, he used to pray sitting.
She used to prolong her prayers. Abdullah ibn Abu Mûsa said, "Mudrik or ibn Mudrik has sent me to Aisha to ask her about some issues. I came upon her while she was praying the duha (forenoon) prayer. I said that I would wait for her until she finished her prayer. The people present said to me, 'How long you will stay!' as she prolongs prayers in bowing down, prostration, and standing."
She used to fast on the excruciating hot days. Imam Ahmad reported in his Musnad that Abdurrahman ibn Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, entered upon Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, on the day of Arafat. She was fasting and water was being splashed on her. He said to her, «Break your fast." Upon which she replied, "Break my fast! (How could I while) I have heard the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, saying, 'Fasting the day of Arafat expiates the sins of the previous year.'» [Reported by Al-Mundhiri in At-Targhib wa At-Tarhib, 2/126. Its narrators are trustworthy except for that 'Attâ' Al-Kharasani did not hear from Abdurrahman ibn Abu Bakr.]
«إن صوم يوم عرفة يكفر العام الذي قبله» [رواه المنذري في التّرغيب والتّرهيب 2/126، رواته ثقات محتج بهم في الصحيح إلا أن عطاء الخرساني لم يسمع من عبدالرّحمن بن أبي بكر]
She was generous and charitable. She did not keep a Dirham or a dinar in her house. In addition, she, may Allah be pleased with her, was the most generous among people.
Urwa ibn al-Zubayr said, "I saw the noble Aisha spending seventy thousand dirhams in the way of Allah on a single day. Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr once sent her a hundred thousand dirhams, and she spent all of them that a single dirham was not left for her. She used to say, "I would that I had died and I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!"
Urwa ibn al-Zubayr said, "I saw the noble Aisha spending seventy thousand dirhams in the way of Allah on a single day. Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr once sent her a hundred thousand dirhams, and she spent all of them that a single dirham was not left for her. She used to say, "I would that I had died and I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!"
The journey to eternity and bliss
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, was the reference concerning the Hadiths of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. She has lived a life full of patience, striving, and all kinds and types of jihad.
She, may Allah be pleased with her, died and she was sixty-six. It was during the month of Ramadan, 58 AH. She was bedridden ill. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, as a deputy for Marawan ibn Al-Hakam, prayed the funeral prayer over her. She was buried in Al-Baqî' by night. The crowd of Muslims followed her funeral while weeping this noble woman, the Mother of the Believers, the most generous and charitable woman, the most knowledgeable, and the most pious and fearing Allah. May Allah have Mercy on our pure mother, Aisha. May He make her dwell on His vast Paradises.
It is true. It is as was said by the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, «Would you be satisfied to be my wife in this worldly life and in the Hereafter?" she said, "Certainly I will." Upon which he said, "Then you are my wife in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.» [Classified as authentic by Al-Albani, 2255.]
«أما ترضين أن تكوني زوجتي في الدّنيا والآخرة؟ قلت: بلى قال: فأنت زوجتي في الدّنيا و الآخرة» [صححه الألباني 2255]
We have to wake up from our slumber and stand as one, saying in one voice:
We will not allow that Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, be humiliated or disgraced.
We will not allow that Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, be dishonored.
We will not allow that Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, be discredited. The entire world is to be underestimated, but you are not, O the beloved one of our noble Prophet.
O Allah, I have conveyed, is there someone who hears. O Allah, I have reminded, is there anyone who remembers.
Prayers and peace of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon all his family and companions.
Prayers and peace of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon all his family and companions.
Written by Dr. Ahmed ibn Abdul-Aziz Al-Hussayn
Slightly modified, Your Mother, the Wife of Our Messenger in This Worldly Life and In the Hereafter
O Muslims, this is your mother, Aisha, the Wife of Our Messenger, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.
Her worship, knowledge, virtues, and asceticism
Her worship, knowledge, virtues, and asceticism
Introduction
All the praises and thanks be to Allah Alone.
This is a very concise paper about the Mother of the Believers, Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her. It is about her noble biography. It is meant to answer back those who assailed the status of the honorable Mother of the Believers, the wife of the noble Messenger, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
This is a very concise paper about the Mother of the Believers, Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her. It is about her noble biography. It is meant to answer back those who assailed the status of the honorable Mother of the Believers, the wife of the noble Messenger, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
Those who assailed her honor, it is as if they have assailed Allah, Glorified and Exalted He is, and His Messenger, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
We must know that accusing the Mother of the Believers with slander is an old accusation. What the accusers do is opening a door for the the orientalists, the missionaries, the calumniators, and the biased to discredit Islam and to greatly disparage it. Never will they do that. However, the gallant magnanimous lovers of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, should exert their utmost efforts to face such treacherous traitors who betrayed Allah, His Messenger, and the believers.
Her pedigree
She is Aisha bint (the daughter of) Abu Bakr ibn Abu Quhâfah 'Uthman ibn 'Amir ibn 'Amr ibn Ka'b ibn Sa'd ibn Taym ibn Murrah ibn Ka'b ibn Lu'ay. Her father is As-Siddîq, the close friend of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. He is the first man to embrace Islam. He is the first man to believe the incident of Al-Isrâ' and Al-Mi'râj (the Night Journey and the Ascension of the Prophet) upon which he was nicknamed As-Siddîq (the true believer). Her mother is Umm Rûman bint 'Amir ibn 'Uwaymir ibn Abd Shams ibn 'Itâb from the tribe of Kinana. She was among the first women to embrace Islam in Mecca. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said, «Since I reached the age when I could remember things, I have seen my parents worshipping according to the right faith of Islam.» [Reported by Al-Bukhari 476]
«لم أعقل أبوي إلا وهما يدينانالدّين» [رواه البخاري]
The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, used to cherish Abu Bakr As-Siddîq. He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, used to say about him, «If I were to take a close friend from this nation, I would have taken Abu Bakr as such, but what relates us is the Islamic brotherhood and friendliness.» [Reported by Al-Bukhari 467]
«ولو كنت متخذًا من هذه الأمة خليلًا لاتخذته، ولكن خلة الإسلام أفضل» [أخرجه البخاري 467]
The vision of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, of Aisha in his sleep
The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has seen Aisha in a vision before he married her. He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said, «I have seen you in my dreams for three days. The angel brings you to me, wrapped in a silk piece of cloth, and he says, 'this is your wife.' I uncover your face and it is you. Upon which I say, 'if this is the will of Allah then He will execute it.'» [Reported by Muslim 2438]
«أريتك في المنام ثلاث ليالي. جاءني بك الملك في سرقةٍ منحريرٍ. فيقول: هذه امرأتك. فأكشف عن وجهك. فإذا أنت هي. فأقول: إن يك هذا من عند الله، يمضه» [رواه مسلم 2438]
At-Tirmidhi reported, «Jibrîl (Gabriel) brought a picture of Aisha in a green silk piece of cloth to the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and said, 'This is your wife in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.'» [Reported by At-Tirmidhi 3880. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albani.]
«أن جبريل جاء بصورتها في خرقة حرير خضراء إلى النّبيّ -صلى الله عليه وسلم- فقال: هذه زوجتك في الدّنيا والآخرة» [أخرجه الترمذي 3880, وصححه الألباني]
The blessed marriage
The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, finalized the marriage contract to Aisha while she was six years old, or rather seven, according to some narrations. He consummated the marriage when she was nine. He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, died and she was eighteen. The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, did not marry a virgin but her.
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, lived in the pure prophetic house, the place of descent of the revelation. The house, which is annexed to the Prophetic mosque, is filled with happiness and joy. This is where Aisha is growing up, in this house, which is radiant with faith and piety. In addition to all the previous, she is intelligent and sagacious.
She matured; her mind and understanding grew up while absorbing knowledge and piety from the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. She memorized a lot of his words and actions. Moreover, despite her young age, she fulfilled the duties of her marital home at full. In addition, she had a great status with the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him.
She said, may Allah be pleased with her, «The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, contracted marriage with me in Shawwal and took me to his house as a bride during Shawwal. Hence, who among the wives of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, was dearer to him than me?» [Reported by Muslim 1423]
«تزوجني رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- في شوال، وبنى بي في شوال، فأي نساء رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- كان أحظى عنده منّي؟» [رواه مسلم 1423]
The beloved wife of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him
The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, admired and loved Abu Bakr As-Siddîq who stood by his side during his mission. Allah has put the love of Abu Bakr in the heart of the Messenger that he dearly appreciated and admired him.
Al-Bukhari narrated on the authority of 'Amr ibn Al-As that he said, «The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, deputed me to lead the army of Dhat As-Salâsil. I came to him and said, 'Who is the most beloved person to you?' He said, 'Aisha.' I asked, 'Among the men?' He said, 'Her father.'» [Reported by Al-Bukhari 3662]
«أن النّبيّ -صلى الله عليه وسلم- بعثه على جيش (ذات السّلاسل) فأتيته فقلت: أي النّاس أحب إليك؟ قال: (عائشة). فقلت: من الرجال؟ فقال: (أبوها)» [رواه البخاري 3662]
Aisha chooses the Hereafter to this worldly life
She, may Allah be pleased with her, said, «When the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, was ordered to give option to his wives, he started with me, saying, 'I am going to mention to you something, but you shall not hasten (to give your reply) unless you consult your parents.' He knew that my parents would not order me to leave him. Then he said, "Allah, Glorified and Exalted, says, {O Prophet (Muhammad)! Say to your wives: "If you desire the life of this world, and its glitter, then come! I will make a provision for you and set you free in a handsome manner (divorce). [28]. "But if you desire Allâh and His Messenger, and the home of the Hereafter, then verily, Allâh has prepared for Al-Muhsinât (good-doers) amongst you an enormous reward."} [Al-Ahzâb: 28-29] I said, 'Then why consult I my parents? Verily, I desire Allah, His Messenger, and the Home of the Hereafter.' Then all the other wives of the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, did the same as I did.» [Reported by Al-Bukhari 4786]
«لما أمر رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- بتخيير أزواجه بدأ بي فقال: إني ذاكرًا لك أمرًا، فلا عليك أن لا تعجلي حتى تستأمري أبويك. قالت: وقد علم أن أبوي لم يكونا يأمراني بفراقه، قالت: ثم قال: إن الله جل ثناؤه قال: {يَا أَيُّهَا النَّبِيُّ قُلْ لأَزْوَاجِكَ إِنْ كُنْتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ الْحَيَاةَ الدُّنْيَا وَزِينَتَهَا فَتَعَالَيْنَ أُمَتِّعْكُنَّ وَأُسَرِّحْكُنَّ سَرَاحًا جَمِيلًا(28) وَإِنْ كُنْتُنَّ تُرِدْنَ اللَّهَ وَرَسُولَهُ وَالدَّارَ الآخِرَةَ فَإِنَّ اللَّهَ أَعَدَّ لِلْمُحْسِنَاتِ مِنْكُنَّ أَجْرًا عَظِيمًا}[الأحزاب: 28-29]، قالت: فقلت: ففي أي هذا أستأمر أبوي، فإني أريد الله ورسوله والدّار الآخرة. قالت: ثم فعل أزواج الّنبيّ -صلى اله عليه وسلم- مثلما فعلت» [رواه البخاري 4786]
Transliteration: Yā 'Ayyuhā An-Nabīyu Qul Li'zwājika 'In Kuntunna Turidna Al-Ĥayā Ata Ad-Dunyā Wa Zīnatahā Fata`ālayna 'Umatti`kunna Wa 'Usarriĥkunna Sarāĥāan Jamīlāan (28)Wa 'In Kuntunna Turidna Allāha Wa Rasūlahu Wa Ad-Dāra Al-'Ākhirata Fa'inna Allāha 'A`adda Lilmuĥsināti Minkunna 'Ajrāan `Ažīmāan
The Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, said to his daughter, Fatima, may Allah be pleased with her, «O daughter, do you not love whom I love?' She said, 'Yes, (I do).' Thereupon he said, 'Then love this one.'» [Reported by Muslim, 2442]
«أي بنية! ألست تحبين ما أحب؟ فقالت: بلى، قال: فأحبي هذه» [رواه مسلم 2442]
The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, jokes with Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her
The Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, used to joke with her the innocent marital fondling and joking. While she was on a journey along with the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, he had a race with her and she outstripped him on her feet. When she became fleshy, he had a race with her but this time he, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, outstripped her. He said, «This is for that outstripping.» [Reported by Abu Dawûd. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albani.]
«هذه بتلك السبقة» [رواه أبو داود وصححه الألباني]
He, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, used to invoke Allah for her saying, «O Allah, forgive Aisha her sins; the previous ones and the ones yet to come. Forgive her what she does in public and what she hides." Aisha laughed so strongly that her head fell into the lap of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. He said, 'Are you happy because of my invocation?' She answered, 'Certainly I am pleased with your invocation, shouldn't I!' Upon which he said, 'By Allah, this is my invocation for my nation in every prayer.'» [It is classified as good by Al-Albani.]
«اللهمّ اغفر لعائشة ما تقدم من ذنبها وما تأخر وما أسرت وما أعلنت، فضحكت عائشة حتى سقط رأسها في حجر رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم - من الضّحك، فقال: أيسرك دعائي، فقالت: ومالي لا يسرني دعاؤك، فقال: والله إنها لدعوتي لأمتي في كل صلاة» [حسنه الألباني]
Her knowledge, Hadith, and rulings
She, may Allah be pleased with her, was the most knowledgeable woman. She is the most intelligent from the Mothers of the Believers, and the most memorizing to the Hadiths of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. She was a well-versed scholar in the religious sciences; the quran, the Sunnah, and the Jurisprudence. The senior companions used to resort to consulting her in the most delicate and major issues. Al-Hakim said, "One fourth of the religious ruling and laws was reported through her."
Her chamber was considered a council for religious sciences, where students and knowledge seekers used to come to her from all over the countries. She, may Allah be pleased with her, veiled herself from the marriageable male student. Moreover, she has seen the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, when the revelation descended on him. She said, «I have seen the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, while the revelation is descending on him on a very cold day, however, when the revelation finished, his forehead was sweating heavily.» [Reported by At-Tirmidhi, 3634. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albani.]
«لقد رأيت رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- ينزل عليه الوحي في اليوم البرد الشّديد فيفصم عنه وإن جبينه ليتفصد عرقًا» [رواه الترمذي 3634, وصححه الألباني]
She, may Allah be pleased with her, used to discuss issues with the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, and to ask him about matters. She, may Allah be pleased with her, said, «I asked the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, about this (the following Verse): {And those who give that (their charity) which they give (and also do other good deeds) with their hearts full of fear (whether their alms and charities have been accepted or not), because they are sure to return to their Lord (for reckoning).} [Al-Mu'minûn: 60]. Aisha said, 'Are these who drink alcoholic drinks and steal?" He replied, 'No! O the daughter of As-Siddîq, but they are those who fast, pray, and practice charity and they are afraid that (their good) deeds may not be accepted (by Allâh) from them. {It is these who hasten in the good deeds, and they are foremost in them [e.g. offering the compulsory Salât (prayers) in their (early) stated, fixed times and so on].} [Al-Mu'minûn: 61]»[Reported by At-Tirmidhi, 3175. It is classified as authentic by Al-Albani.]
«سألت رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- عن هذه الآية {وَالَّذِينَ يُؤْتُونَ مَا آتَوْا وَقُلُوبُهُمْ وَجِلَةٌ أَنَّهُمْ إِلَى رَبِّهِمْ رَاجِعُونَ} [المؤمنون:60]، قالت عائشة: أهم الذّين يشربون الخمر ويسرقون؟، قال: لا يا بنت الصّديق ولكنّهم الّذين يصومون ويصلون ويتصدقون وهم يخافون أن لا تقبل منهم{أُولَئِكَ يُسَارِعُونَ فِي الْخَيْرَاتِ وَهُمْ لَهَا سَابِقُونَ} [المؤمنون:61]» [أخرجه الترمذي 3175, وصححه الألباني]
Transliteration: Wa Al-Ladhīna Yu'utūna Mā 'Ātaw Wa Qulūbuhum Wa Jilatun 'Annahum 'Ilá Rabbihim Rāji`ūna (60)'Ūlā'ika Yusāri`ūna Fī Al-Khayrāti Wa Hum Lahā Sābiqūna
The companions ask Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her
When the companions differ in a matter, they go to her chamber to verify the authenticity and strength of a Hadith. Her nephew, Al-Qasim ibn Mohamed ibn Abu Bakr, says, "In the time of Abu Bakr, 'Umar, and 'uthman, she appropriated jurisprudence until she died, may Allah be pleased with her."
Abu Salama ibn Abdurrahman said, "I have never seen anyone more knowledgeable of the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, more jurisprudent if asked about a needed opinion, more knowing about the reasons of the revelation of any quranic verse, or an obligation more than Aisha."
It is reported in the two authentic books of Hadith (Al-Bukhari and Muslim) that the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has said to her, «O Aisha, this is Gabriel and he sends his salutations (greetings) to you." Aisha said, "I said, 'Salutations (Greetings) to him, and Allah's Mercy and Blessings be upon him.'» [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
«إن جبريل يقرأ عليك السّلام. قالت: فقلت: وعليه السّلام ورحمة الله» [رواه البخاري ومسلم]
'Urwah ibn Az-Zubayr, one of the seven jurisprudents says, "I have never seen anyone more knowledgeable of the meanings of the Quran, the rulings of the permissible and prohibited, the poetry of the Arabs, nor of the pedigree than Aisha."
Aisha, the Mother of the Believers, may Allah be pleased with her, was characterized by memorizing the Hadith and reporting it. She was honest in knowledge and in reporting the narrations. Moreover, whenever the senior companions were stuck in any matter of the obligations, they hurried to her (to clarify any ambiguity).
She has memorized some thousand Hadiths from the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. She narrated 2210 Hadiths. 147 Hadiths are reported in the two authentic books of Hadith, Al-Bukhari and Muslim. 67 Hadiths are reported in Sahîh Muslim. The rest of the Hadiths are reported in the other books of Hadith.
Her memorizing ability was strong. She narrated from the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, a lot of knowledge. She was:
- The mentor of the scholars,
- The master of the interpreters,
- The master of the traditionists (the scholars of the Hadith), and
- The jurisprudent of the women of the nation.
- The mentor of the scholars,
- The master of the interpreters,
- The master of the traditionists (the scholars of the Hadith), and
- The jurisprudent of the women of the nation.
She, may Allah be pleased with her, says, "You will not meet Allah, Glorified and Exalted, with anything better than the lack of sins. Therefore, if anyone would like to precede the assiduous diligent, he must strive himself to quit committing a lot of sins."
She also says, "Whoever pleases Allah by dissatisfying people, Allah will suffice him what will be among him and people (any grudges). However, whoever pleases people by dissatisfying Allah; Allah will leave him to people."
She was asked, may Allah be pleased with her, about the best of women. She answered, "She is the one who does not know the fault of the model. She does not recognize the cunnings of men. Her heart is empty save from adorning herself for her husband, and from maintaining her family."
It is enough pride for her, and she is proud of it, that, «the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, has died in my room, on my day and during my night (the day assigned for her as one of his wives). He was lying between my neck and breast. Adur-Rahman ibn Abu Bakr entered upon us with a wet siwak (Aarak toothbrush). He looked at it that I thought he, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, wanted it. I took the siwak, chewed, cleaned, and scented it. I gave to the Prophet and he used it to clean his teeth. I have never seen him better using it than this time.» [Classified as authentic by Az-Zahabi in his book: the Biographies of the Master of the Nobles 2/189.]
«تُوفي رسول الله -صلى الله عليه وسلم- في بيتي، وفي يومي وليلتي، وبين سحري ونحري، ودخل عبدالرحمن بن أبي بكر، ومعه سواكٌ رطبٌ، فنظر إليه،حتى ظننت أنه يريده، فأخذته، فمضغته ونفضته وطيبته، ثم دفعته إليه فاستن به كأحسنما رأيته مستنًّا قط» [صححها لذّهبي في سير أعلام النّبلاء 2/189]
Her piety and fear of Allah
She, may Allah be pleased with her, was an ascetic, a worshipper. She was used to fasting perpetually and not breaking her fast unless on the two Eids; Al-Adha and Al-Fitr. She used to spend the majority of her day praying and in spending the night in prayers, supplication, and remembering Allah. During her night worshipping, she wept a lot. She, may Allah be pleased with her, never left the night worshipping as the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, never did. When he was ill or sick, he used to pray sitting.
She used to prolong her prayers. Abdullah ibn Abu Mûsa said, "Mudrik or ibn Mudrik has sent me to Aisha to ask her about some issues. I came upon her while she was praying the duha (forenoon) prayer. I said that I would wait for her until she finished her prayer. The people present said to me, 'How long you will stay!' as she prolongs prayers in bowing down, prostration, and standing."
She used to fast on the excruciating hot days. Imam Ahmad reported in his Musnad that Abdurrahman ibn Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, entered upon Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, on the day of Arafat. She was fasting and water was being splashed on her. He said to her, «Break your fast." Upon which she replied, "Break my fast! (How could I while) I have heard the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, saying, 'Fasting the day of Arafat expiates the sins of the previous year.'» [Reported by Al-Mundhiri in At-Targhib wa At-Tarhib, 2/126. Its narrators are trustworthy except for that 'Attâ' Al-Kharasani did not hear from Abdurrahman ibn Abu Bakr.]
«إن صوم يوم عرفة يكفر العام الذي قبله» [رواه المنذري في التّرغيب والتّرهيب 2/126، رواته ثقات محتج بهم في الصحيح إلا أن عطاء الخرساني لم يسمع من عبدالرّحمن بن أبي بكر]
She was generous and charitable. She did not keep a Dirham or a dinar in her house. In addition, she, may Allah be pleased with her, was the most generous among people.
Urwa ibn al-Zubayr said, "I saw the noble Aisha spending seventy thousand dirhams in the way of Allah on a single day. Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr once sent her a hundred thousand dirhams, and she spent all of them that a single dirham was not left for her. She used to say, "I would that I had died and I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!"
Urwa ibn al-Zubayr said, "I saw the noble Aisha spending seventy thousand dirhams in the way of Allah on a single day. Abdullah ibn al-Zubayr once sent her a hundred thousand dirhams, and she spent all of them that a single dirham was not left for her. She used to say, "I would that I had died and I had been a thing forgotten and out of sight!"
The journey to eternity and bliss
Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, was the reference concerning the Hadiths of the Messenger of Allah, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him. She has lived a life full of patience, striving, and all kinds and types of jihad.
She, may Allah be pleased with her, died and she was sixty-six. It was during the month of Ramadan, 58 AH. She was bedridden ill. Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, as a deputy for Marawan ibn Al-Hakam, prayed the funeral prayer over her. She was buried in Al-Baqî' by night. The crowd of Muslims followed her funeral while weeping this noble woman, the Mother of the Believers, the most generous and charitable woman, the most knowledgeable, and the most pious and fearing Allah. May Allah have Mercy on our pure mother, Aisha. May He make her dwell on His vast Paradises.
It is true. It is as was said by the Prophet, prayers and peace of Allah be upon him, «Would you be satisfied to be my wife in this worldly life and in the Hereafter?" she said, "Certainly I will." Upon which he said, "Then you are my wife in this worldly life and in the Hereafter.» [Classified as authentic by Al-Albani, 2255.]
«أما ترضين أن تكوني زوجتي في الدّنيا والآخرة؟ قلت: بلى قال: فأنت زوجتي في الدّنيا و الآخرة» [صححه الألباني 2255]
We have to wake up from our slumber and stand as one, saying in one voice:
We will not allow that Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, be humiliated or disgraced.
We will not allow that Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, be dishonored.
We will not allow that Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, be discredited. The entire world is to be underestimated, but you are not, O the beloved one of our noble Prophet.
O Allah, I have conveyed, is there someone who hears. O Allah, I have reminded, is there anyone who remembers.
Prayers and peace of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon all his family and companions.
Prayers and peace of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon all his family and companions.
Written by Dr. Ahmed ibn Abdul-Aziz Al-Hussayn
Slightly modified
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