Aisha bint Abu Bakr (ra) – Part 2

‘Aishah(ra) was a modest, pure, and pious lady, yet she could not escape the slanderous and malicious plotting of the hypocrites. In the month of Sha’aban1 in year 5th of the Hijrah, Muhammad(pbuh), led the Muslim army towards Qadeed, and a minor battle ensued between them and the tribe of Banu Mustalaq. Several hypocrites were also part of the army during this particular battle. A few people were killed, but most were captured. The army was camped on the banks of a stream named Marisa’.
‘Aishah(ra) a very slim and petite fourteen-year old had also accompanied the Prophet(pbuh) on this expedition. She had borrowed a delicate necklace from her sister Asma’ . On the way back when the army had camped in the desert, she went far into the desert to relieve herself. Suddenly she realized that the necklace had fallen somewhere along the way. She retraced her footsteps looking for it and luckily found it, but after a very long search. By the time she reached the camping site, the caravan left. Now the normal procedure was that the ladies, who were segregated from the men folk, would get into their litter and draw the curtains. Then the camel drivers would place the litter on the camel’s back. Since ‘Aishah(ra) was very light no one realized her absence. When she came back after her search to the camping site, she found the caravan had left. Fearless as she was she just lay down, waiting for her companions to return for her when they found her missing.
Safwan bin Mu’attal had the responsibility of checking the camp site for things which might have been left behind inadvertently after the departure of the caravan; at daybreak he arrived to find a figure lying down wrapped in a Jilbab. When he saw it was a lady, he moved away after alighting from the camel, so she could get on to it. When ‘Aishah(ra) heard him she woke up, and got on to the camel. He then walked leading the camel by the bridle.
In the afternoon when the caravan had just reached the next camp site to rest, they saw ‘Aishah arriving with Safwan bin Mu’attal. She got off the camel in front of all the people assembled there. This incident became the material for a scandal for the hypocrites, led by ‘Abdullah bin Ubayy bin Salool. His intrinsic nature, his natural propensity for foul and wicked suspicions, made him indulge in slanderous gossip. The whole of Al-Madinah was flooded by this filthy talk that ‘Aishah was a loose woman and her character was suspect. Hasan bin Thabit, Hamnah bint Jahash, and Mastah bin Athathah also joined the hypocrites in this mud-slinging. The Prophet(pbuh) was naturally extremely disturbed when he heard this talk about a member of his household, and his favorite wife; but ‘Aishah was blissfully ignorant of all this gossip going the rounds about her and Safwan bin Mu’attal.
One night when she went out with the aged mother of Mastah bin Aththathah. The old lady tripped and started cursing her son. ‘Aishah(ra) was surprised; remonstrating with her and said that he was a Companion of the Prophet(pbuh) who fought courageously in the Battle of Badr and deserved respect. The old lady retorted that ‘Aishah(ra) was ignorant of the fact that he was involved in an awful and frightening plot; then she revealed what had been taking place behind her back to her. ‘Aishah(ra) was appalled at the depths to which sheer willful malice can make a person fall. After returning home, she took the permission of Muhammad(pbuh), and went to visit her parents. They also corroborated the story she had heard. She was heartbroken and started weeping. Her sympathetic and loving mother tried to console her, but she failed to stem the flood of tears. She told her that since she was the favorite of Muhammad(pbuh), the people were jealous of her position had deliberately hatched this plot. She advised her to be patient and everything would be cleared up. Her father also tried to soothe her and calm her down. But this living image purity and integrity could not accept the fact that people could descend to such cruel depths, and life could be such a mental torture. After two days and nights of continuous weeping she fell ill. On the third morning her parents were sitting with her and trying to comfort her, when the Prophet(pbuh) came to see her. He told her very gently that if she erred she should ask Allah for His forgiveness. At this her tears dried up and, and she asked her mother to answer him. But her mother remained silent, sorrowful and tearful. When she saw that her mother was speechless she appealed to her father, Abu Bakr Siddique & to speak to Muhammad(pbuh), but he too did not say anything. Finally she spoke to her husband and said that if she denied she was guilty, nobody would believe her; but she was innocent and only Allah(swt) knew it. The best answer to these accusations was to quote the answer of the father of Yusuf,
“So (for me) patience is most fitting. And it is Allah Whose help can be sought against that (lie) which you describe.” (12:18)
She was so disturbed that even though she tried very hard, she just could not remember the name of Ya’aqub, the father of Yusuf. At precisely this moment, the Ayat of announcing her innocence were revealed to the Prophet(pbuh).
When the revelation was over his brow was full of beads of perspiration from the exertion; he then turned to ‘Aishah(ra) with a smile and started reciting the Ayat,
“Verily, those who brought forth the slander are a group among you. Consider it not a bad thing for you. Nay, it is good for you. Unto every man among them will be paid that which he earned of the sin, and as for him among them who had the greater share therein, his will be a great torment. Why then, did not the believers, men and women, when you heard it (the slander), think good of their own people and say: “This (charge) is an obvious lie?” Why did they not produce four witnesses? Since they (the slanderers) have not produced witnesses! Then with Allah they are the liars. Had it not been for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy unto you in this world and in the Hereafter, a great torment would have touched you for that whereof you had spoken. When you were propagating it with your tongues, and uttering with your mouths that whereof you had no knowledge, you counted it a little thing, while with Allah it was very great. And why did you not, when you heard it, say: “It is not right for us to speak of this. Glory be to You (O Allah)! This is a great lie.” Allah forbids you from it and warns you not to repeat the like of it forever, if you are believers. And Allah makes the Ayat (proofs) plain to you, and Allah is All-Knowing, All-Wise. Verily, those who like that (the crime of) illegal sexual intercourse should be propagated among those who believe, they will have a painful torment in this world and in the Hereafter. And Allah knows and you know not. And had it not been for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy on you, (Allah would have hastened the punishment upon you). And that Allah is full of kindness, Most Merciful. O you who believe! Follow not the footsteps of Shaitan. And whosoever follows the footsteps of Shaitan, then, verily, he commands Al-Fahsha’ (illegal sexual intercourse), and AI-Munkar (evil and wicked deeds). And had it not been for the Grace of Allah and His Mercy on you, not one of you would ever have been pure from sins. But Allah purifies (guides to Islam) whom He wills, and Allah is All-Hearer, All-Knower.” (24:11-21)

Her parents were overpowered by a proud sense of relief; pride that their daughter had been honored with a Qur’anic revelation, and relief that she was acquitted of any wrongdoing. They asked their daughter to rise and thank her husband, but ‘Aishah(ra) promptly replied that she was grateful to her Allah, for He had revealed Qur’anic Ayat in her honor. And these would be recited until the Day of Judgment. This episode is known in Islamic History as the Event of Ufuk.

After this incident the Prophet’s(pbuh) respect for ‘Aishah(ra) increased even more. ‘Amr bin ‘Aas once asked Muhammad(pbuh) who he loved most in this world, and he replied that he loved ‘Aishah(ra) more than anyone else. Then he asked him about the men folk. And the Prophet(pbuh) answered that he loved Abu Bakr Siddique the most. On one occasion ‘Umar(r) told his daughter Hafsah not to try and compete with ‘Aishah(ra). Muhammad(pbuh)respected her and valued her very highly. One of the reasons for this was her mastery and knowledge of the decrees and articles of faith as well as her brilliant interpretation of Islamic law.
The Prophet(pbuh) loved to listen to ‘Aishah(ra) talking and always smiled when she spoke. He always tried to please her. On one ‘Eid day there were some Africans displaying their skill with spears; ‘Aishah(ra) wanted to watch this sport, so the Prophet(pbuh) stood in front of her so she could enjoy herself and not be seen. And he did not move until she was tired of it. Often just to entertain themselves they would narrate stories to each other. The Prophet(pbuh) told her the story of a man called Kharafah whom the Jinn had taken away. ‘Aishah(ra) narrated a detailed story about eleven ladies who were friends and how each of them described her husband. The Prophet(pbuh) listened intently as she spoke.

The eleven women agreed that they would be frank and not conceal anything about their husbands. The first one said that her husband was like a piece of camel meat placed on top of a mountain – there was no means by which one could reach it; and in any case it was not anyone’s to take.
The second one said there was so much to say about her husband that if she started she didn’t know what she would leave out; it was really better not to start.
The third friend said that her husband had such a foul temper that if she spoke against him he would immediately divorce her, and if she didn’t that would be another problem. It was as if she was married, yet not married.
Now it was the turn of the fourth friend. She said her husband was like the nights of Hijaz, neither too cold nor too warm, he had a very balanced temperament.
The fifth lady said her husband was like a cheetah in the house and lion outside; if he gave his word he never broke it, and did not even need to be reminded about it.
The sixth lady said her husband never followed the middle path in anything. When he started eating he ate up everything that was set before him; the same with any drink that was there. Even when he slept, he would pull the whole sheet to cover himself. He would not even ask how his wife was managing.
The seventh one said her husband was a useless man who had a vile temper. In his rage he could break a person’s head or crush his bones.
The eighth lady said her husband was as soft and delicate as a bunny rabbit to the touch, and he smelt like the sweet-smelling jasmine.
The ninth wife was very happy describing her husband; she said that he was tall, lived in a huge mansion, and was a very open-hearted and generous man.
The tenth friend said her husband was better than all those described, he was a very wealthy man who owned many camels. He was so hospitable that he entertained frequently, and took pleasure in slaughtering his camels for his guests.The eleventh lady was very proud of her husband, Abu Zara’a, because he was rich and had loaded her with gifts of jewelry. His smiling and pleasant face kept her happy. He first saw her when she was just a shepherd’s daughter, but he brought her into a home, which was rich in grains, and had plenty of livestock, camels and horses. There was plenty on all sides, and a pleasant atmosphere; even if she slept late in the morning he would never disturb her. His mother was a very great lady and also very well to do. She had lots of clothes and a large house. His son took up very little space and ate only the best of delicacies, which was goat’s meat. His favorite daughter was well mannered and obedient to her parents. Abu Zara’a’s maidservant was a loyal woman who did not carry tales about the happenings in the house; she was very faithful and hones and kept the house clean and tidy. And so the story went on and on.
The Prophet listened to ‘Aishah(swt), totally engrossed and then told her that he was as good a husband for her as Abu Zara’a was for Umm Zara’a. But all this pleasant entertainment could not distract Muhammad(pbuh) from his duty to Allah(swt). Just at the moment when he was enjoying himself, the Mu’aththin’s call to prayer would be heard, and immediately he would rise and prepare to go the mosque. ‘Aishah(ra) said that it seemed as if he did not even know his family or friends; the love for Allah(swt) had priority over all other affections and interests.
“How perfect Allah is and I praise Him. How perfect Allah is,the Supreme.”
Another incident which brought the blessings of revelation occurred on a journey when ‘Aishah(ra) was travelling with the Prophet(pbuh). Her father and many Companions had accompanied them. They camped at a place in the desert and once again’Aishah’s(ra) necklace fell off. Some of the companions were sent to search for it, but it could not be found. The Prophet(pbuh) was resting in his tent, when the call for morning prayers was given. But there was no water for their ablutions. The Companions were worried about the morning prayers, and they said that ‘Aishah(ra) was responsible for this predicament. Abu Bakr Siddique curtly rebuked his daughter for creating a situation, which might lead to the Fajr prayers being missed. Exactly at this moment this Ayat was revealed to the Prophet(pbuh), And if you are ill, or on a journey, or one of you comes after answering the call of nature, or you have been in contact with women (by sexual relations) and you find no water, perform Tayammum with clean earth and rub therewith your face and hands. Truly, Allah is Ever Oft-Pardoning, Oft-Forgiving/’ (4:43)
Immediately the very same people who had been criticizing and complaining about ‘Aishah(ra) started praising her and expressed their appreciation and thanks for such a great favor Allah(swt) granted because of her. The noted Companion, Aseed bin Hudhair *, said that the family of Abu Bakr Siddique had often been responsible for the many favors and blessings bestowed by Allah. Abu Bakr Siddique himself who just a few minutes earlier had been rebuking his daughter, now was full of smiles. He said he had not realized until that moment how pleased Allah(swt) was with her, that he had revealed such Ayat which would be a source of blessings for the Muslim Ummah until the Day of Judgment. He prayed for a long and happy life for her, as she had been a source of great ease and comfort for all followers of Islam. After the prayer when the camels were ready for departure, the necklace was found under one of them.
By the ninth year after Hijrah, the might of Islam had spread over most of the Arabian Peninsula. The newly founded centre of Islam, Al-Madinah, had become a flourishing city-state. Some of the wives of the Prophet(pbuh) had been used to a luxurious life style before marriage, and when they saw that there were riches and comforts to be had, they presented a request for their allowances to be suitably reviewed and increased. This desire of his wives for worldly comforts disturbed the Prophet(pbuh). He declared that for one month he would separate himself from his wives, and he went into seclusion in the little room above the apartment of ‘Aishah. During this period he was suffering from an injury after having fallen from his horse. Naturally this caused a furor among the households. After 29 days he came down to ‘Aishah’s apartment, and told her that she could make her choice after consulting her parents; either she could choose him and a life of hardship and near starvation, or she could leave him and lead a life of comfort and ease. ‘Aishah(ra) had no doubt whatsoever in her mind; she immediately answered that both she and her parents would willingly sacrifice their lives for him if the need arose. She said there was no need to consult her parents and she would prefer life with him to the world and its attractions and temptations. A beautiful smile lit up his face. And then Allah(swt) revealed the following Ayat,
“O Prophet (pbuh)! Say to your wives: ‘If you desire the life of this world, and its glitter, them come! I will make a provision for you and set you free in a handsome manner (divorce). But if you desire Allah And His Messenger, and the Home of the hereafter, then verily, Allah has prepared for the good-doers among you an enormous reward.'” (33:28-29)
After telling him what she felt about the matter, ‘Aishah(ra) very naively asked him to keep it a secret as she wanted to see what the others would say, uninfluenced by her decision. He told her, smiling very gently, that he had been sent as a teacher and not as a dictator or oppressor by Allah. Finally, all the wives took the same decision as ‘Aishah(ra), and the wave of tension which had had Al-Madinah in its grip changed; and the same era of joy, peace and tranquillity returned.
There are two recorded incidents when ‘Aishah(ra) herself saw the Angel Jibril personally.
On one occasion, ‘Aishah(ra) saw the Prophet(pbuh) with his hands on the mane of a horse talking to the rider. She asked him who he was; the Prophet(pbuh) sounded rather surprised and asked if she had seen him. Then he told her that it was the Angel Jibril in vision of a human and he requested that his greetings be conveyed to her. She prayed spontaneously that Allah(swt) should give a good reward to the honored guest and to his noble host.

Anas narrates how once the Prophet(pbuh) was praying in ‘Aishah’s(ra) apartment, when she saw a stranger standing outside the door. She informed him, and he finished his prayers and stepped out. Who should he see but the Angel Jibril. Muhammad(pbuh) requested him to enter, but the Angel replied that they did not enter places where there were dogs or pictures. When the Prophet looked around he saw a puppy in a corner of the room; when he was chased out, the Angel Jibril entered.

‘Aishah(ra) attained a lofty status because of the knowledge and wisdom with which she had been blessed. She was consulted by the other Companions and women Companions on the finer points of religion. Many of the traditions and authentic Ahadith originate from her. From among the many Companions associated with the Prophet(pbuh) there are only seven noble ones to whom thousands of Ahadith are attributed. Among these are-
1. Abu Hurairah ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Sakhar Dosi & – (5374 Ahadith)
2. ‘Abdullah bin ‘Umar bin Khattab – (2630 Ahadith)
3. ‘Aishah i& – (2210 Ahadith)
4. ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abbas – (1660 Ahadith)
5. Jabir bin ‘Abdullah Ansari – (1540 Ahadith)
6. Sa’ad bin Malik Abu Saeed Khudri – (1540 Ahadith)
7. Anas bin Malik – (2286 Ahadith)

Imam Thahbi wrote that ‘Aishah was superior to all other women in her knowledge and wisdom. She was a theologian of the highest order. And he was just in his evaluation; after all she was bom and nurtured under the tutelage of a father liked Abu Bakr Siddique , spent her married life with the Prophet(pbuh) from a very tender age. She imbibed divinely inspired knowledge and wisdom from the very fountainhead of Prophethood; she was an eyewitness to the problems and questions that the divine revelations answered. Her apartment was the centre where Ayat were revealed by the divine Mercy of Allah(swt). Thus she was given the title of ‘Horizon of the Ladies of Islam’.

During the caliphate of the Khulfa-u-Rashideen, her Fatwa was accepted. Once someone asked Masrooq if ‘Aishah had mastery over the Shari’ah laws regarding inheritance. He swore that he had personally seen revered Companions asking her questions about the finer points of the laws of inheritance. ‘Urwah bin Zubair ,her sister’s son often visited her to discuss religious issues with her. Other Companions envied him as he could freely approach her at any time to clear his doubts as he was the son of her sister Asma’ , and thus her Mahram.
The Prophet(pbuh) loved deeply and respected her because of her command over religious matters and other praiseworthy qualities. On one occasion when the Prophet(pbuh) was ill, ‘Aishah(ra) also was not feeling well. The Prophet(pbuh) said that if she died before him he would personally bathe her and shroud her and lower her into her grave and pray for her. She lightheartedly replied that it seemed as if he would celebrate her death; and she told him that in case she died before him, he should bring a new wife into her apartment. The Prophet(pbuh) smiled at this; but it was during this illness that he left this world to join his Lord.

‘Aishah narrated that she was proud that when it was her turn, in her apartment, in her lap, the Prophet(pbuh) passed away. Her brother, ‘Abdur-Rahman came in during his last moments with a Miswak in his hand; the Prophet(pbuh) looked longingly at it. ‘Aishah(ra) understood what he wanted, and asked him if she could offer one to him. When he nodded, she took it from her brother; since it was hard she softened it with her teeth and offered it to him. He cleaned his teeth; and dipping his hand frequently into a bowl of water kept near him, he kept wiping his face again and again, repeating the words,
“There is none worthy of worship but Allah. Verily, death has pains.”
Then he pointed upward with his hand and said,
“Toward the best friend”.
Thus the soul soared up from the prison of the body.

Previously ‘Aishah(ra) had a dream that three moons descended into her apartment. When the Prophet passed away he was buried in her apartment. Then her father told her that part of her dream came true that day – the first moon irradiated her apartment. Later, her father was buried next to the Prophet(pbuh) and still later ‘Umar Farooq – Thus, the prophecy of her dream was fulfilled.
Imam Thahbi quoted a saying of the Prophet(pbuh) that a Prophet’s soul leaves its body in the place that he likes the best. Thus it is proven he died in his favorite place, the apartment of ‘Aishah(ra) .

She left this earthly existence for Paradise in the year 58 Hijirah on the 17th of Ramadhan at the age of 66,
“To Allah we belong and to Allah we return.”
She was buried in the graveyard at Al-Madinah, Jannatul Baqi’. Abu Hurairah led the funeral prayers. ‘Abdullah bin Muhammad bin ‘Abdur-Rahman bin Abu Bakr Siddique and ‘Abdullah bin ‘Abdur- Rahman bin Abu Bakr Siddique placed her gently into her grave.
“O the one in complete rest and satisfaction! Come back to your Lord – well-pleased (yourself) and well-pleasing (unto Him)! Enter you then among My (honored) servants, and enter you My Paradise.” (89:27-30)