Saturday, October 1, 2011

Know the Companions #9 - `Aaishah - Um al-Mu'mineen رضي الله عنها



بـسـم الله والحـمـد لله والـصلاة والـسـلام عــلى رسـول الله، وبـعـد

HER NAME

`Aaishah – Um al-Mu’mineen رضي الله عنها, The daughter of the Imaam of the Truthful, the Khaleefah of the Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, Abdullaah bin Abee Quaafah `Uthmaan bin `Aamer bin `Amr bin Ka`b bin Sa`d bin Taim bin Murrah bin Ka`b bin Lu’ai, al-Qurashiyah al-Taymiyyah, al-Makkiyah, al-Nabawiyyah, Umm al-Mu’mineen, the wife of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, the most knowledgeable woman of the Ummah, without doubt.

Her mother was Um Romaan bint `Aamer bin `Uwaymir bin `Abd al-Shams bin `Itaab al-Kanaaniyah.

The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would sometimes shorten her name and call her as: `Aaish.

`Aaishah is from those who were born in Islaam, and she is smaller than Famah, the daughter of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, by 8 years.

She was a woman of beautiful and white complexion, and this is why she was also called as “al- umairaa’” (reddish). The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم never married a virgin except for her, nor did he love any other woman the way he loved her. There is no woman in the Ummah of the Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم, rather in the whole world, who was more knowledgeable than her.


HER MARRIAGE

`Aaishah had migrated with her father. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had married her before his migration and after the death of his wife Khadeejah bint Khuwailid, and this was before the migration by around 10 months. He صلى الله عليه وسلم consummated the marriage in the month of Shawwaal, in the year 2nd Hijri, after he صلى الله عليه وسلم had come back from the battle of Badr. She was then 9 years old.

Imaam Muslim reported on the authority of `Aaishah that Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “I saw you in a dream for three nights when an angel brought you to me in a silk cloth and he said: Here is your wife, and when I removed (the cloth) from your face, lo, it was yourself, so I said: If this is from Allaah, let Him carry it out.” [Saheeh Muslim (5977)]

Narrated `Aaishah: “Gabriel brought a picture of her on a piece of green silk to Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم and said, "This is your wife in this world and the next." [Tirmidhee (3880) and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Narrated `Aaishah: That the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said to her, “You have been shown to me twice in my dream. I saw you pictured on a piece of silk and someone said (to me). 'This is your wife.' When I uncovered the picture, I saw that it was yours. I said, 'If this is from Allaah, it will be done.'” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3895, 5078, 5125, 7011, 7012)]

Narrated Hisham’s father: Khadeejah died three years before the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم migrated to Madeenah. He stayed there for two years or so and then he married `Aaishah when she was a girl of six years of age, and he consumed that marriage when she was nine years old. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3896)]

Narrated `Aaishah: The Apostle of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم married me when I was seven or six. When we came to Madeenah, some women came, (according to Bishr's version): Um Romaan came to me when I was swinging. They took me, prepared and decorated me. I was then brought to the Apostle of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم and he took up cohabitation with me when I was nine. She halted me at the door. [Sunan Abu Dawood (4933) and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Narrated `Aaishah: I said, “O Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم! Suppose you landed in a valley where there is a tree of which something has been eaten and then you found trees of which nothing has been eaten, of which tree would you let your camel graze?” He said, “(I will let my camel graze) of the one of which nothing has been eaten before.” (The sub-narrator added: `Aaishah meant that Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم had not married a virgin besides herself.) [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5077)]

Narrated `Aaishah: Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم contracted marriage with me in Shawwal and took me to his house as a bride during Shawwal. And who among the wives of Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم was dearer to him than I. `Aaishah liked that the women (of her family) should enter the house as brides during the month of Shawwal. [Saheeh al-Muslim (1423)]

Narrated `Aaishah: When we came to Madeenah, the women came to me when I was playing on the swing, and my hair was up to my ears. They brought me, prepared me, and decorated me. Then they brought me to the Apostle of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم and he took up cohabitation with me, when I was nine. [Sunan Abu Dawood (4935) and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Narrated `Aaishah: I used to play with the dolls in the presence of the Prophet, and my girl friends also used to play with me. When Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم used to enter (my dwelling place) they used to hide themselves, but the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would call them to join and play with me. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5962) and Saheeh Muslim (4477)]

Narrated `Aaishah: When the Apostle of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم arrived after the expedition to Tabook or Khaybar (the narrator is doubtful), the wind raised an end of a curtain which was hung in front of her store-room, revealing some dolls which belonged to her. He asked: “What is this?” She replied: My dolls. Among them he saw a horse with wings made of rags, and asked: “What is this I see among them?” She replied: A horse. He asked: “What is this that it has on it?” She replied: Two wings. He asked: “A horse with two wings?” She replied: Have you not heard that Solomon had horses with wings? She said: Thereupon the Apostle of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم laughed so heartily that I could see his molar teeth. [Sunan Abu Dawood (4932) and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

`Urwah said: `Aaishah remained with the Prophet for nine years till his صلى الله عليه وسلم death.


HER MIGRATION

Al-Waaqidee reported on the authority of `Amrah that `Aaishah said: When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم migrated, he left us and his daughters behind. When he settled in al-Madeenah, he sent Zaid bin al-aarithah along with his slave, Abu Raafi`. And he gave them two camels and 500 Dirhams, which he took from Abu Bakr so that they could but whatever was needed. Abu Bakr also sent along with them `Abdullaah bin al-Areeqi and two or three camels, and he wrote to `Abdullaah bin Abu Bakr to send with them his family: Um Romaan, and the mother of Abu Bakr, me, my brother, and Asmaa bint Abee Bakr, the wife of al-Zubair. So they went out with the basic things till they ran out of it. So Zaid bin al-aarithah from those 500 Dirhams three (more) camels and then all of them entered Makkah. They came across alah bin `Ubaidullaah who also wanted to migrate. So we all went (out of Makkah) together. Zaid and Abu Raafi` took with them Famah, Um Kulthoom, Sawdah bint Zam`ah. Zaid also carried Um Aiman, and her son Aiman and Usamah. When we reached near Minaa, my camel began to fall behind and I was sitting in the palanquin and with me was my mother who started to call out, “My Daughters!” till they were able to catch up with us. We tripped and fell down and Allaah protected us. We reached Madeenah, and I went with the family of Abu Bakr. And the family of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم went to him, and he was building the Masjid and houses around the Masjid. His family went in them. We stayed with Abu Bakr for some time. Then Abu Bakr said: O Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم! What prevents you from consummating your marriage with your wife (`Aaishah)? He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “The Sadaaq (i.e. the Mahr)” So Abu Bakr gave him 12 ounces which the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم gave it to us. He then consummated the marriage in this house of mine, which I am living in. And in it died the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. And in it he was buried. [Majma` al-Zawaaid (9/230) and it is weak]


HER KNOWLEDGE

She has narrated from the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم a lot of good, beneficial and blessed `ilm. She also narrated from her father, `Umar, Famah, Sa`d, amzah bin `Amr al-Aslamee and Judaamah bint Wahb.

From the companions, those who narrated from her are: `Abdullaah bin al-Zubair – her nephew - the son of her sister Asmaa’, `Abdullaah bin `Umar, `Abdullaah ibn `Abbaas, Nou`maan bin Basheer, Abu Moosaa, Abu Hurairah, her sister Asmaa, and others.

From the Tabi`een: Ibraaheem bin Zaid al-Nakha`ee (in a broken form), Ibraaheem bin Yazeed al-Taymee (also in a broken form), Is-aaq bin alah, Is-aaq bn `Amr, arith bin Noufal, al-Hasan, her slave Zakwaan, Sa`eed bin al-Musayyib, Sa`sa`ah, Tawoos, alah bin `Abdullaah al-Taymee, `Abbaad bin `Abdullaah bin al-Zubair, `Abdul Rahmaan bin Ka`b bin Maalik, `Abdullaah bin `Aamir bin Rabee`ah, `Abdullaah bin Abu Mulaikah, `Ikrimah, `Alqamah, Mujaahid, Ibn Sireen, afah – the daughter of her brother `Abdul Ramaan, Khairah – the mother of al-Hasan al-Baree, and many more [See Siyar A`laam al-Nubalaa’ of al-Dhahabee for the complete list].

Mu`aawiyah رضي الله عنه wrote to the mother of the believers, `Aaishah رضي الله عنها, asking her to write to him some advice but not making it lengthy. So, `Aaishah رضي الله عنها wrote, “Assalaamu Alaik. To proceed… I heard the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم saying, “Whoever seeks the pleasure of Allaah while the people are displeased; then Allaah will protect him from the troubles caused by the people. And whosoever seeks the pleasure of the people while displeasing Allaah; then Allaah will leave his matter for the people (i.e. Allaah will not protect him from the harms of the people)” Wassalaamu Alaik.” [Tirmidhi # 2414. Authenticated by Shaykh Al-Albaanee in as-Saheehah # 2311]

Mu`aawiyah said: By Allaah! I have never seen any speaker more eloquent, or fluent, or clever than `Aaishah. [al-Haithamee in “Majma` al-Zawaaid” (9/246) and Tabaraanee (298)]

Al-Qaasim bin Muhammad narrated that Mu`aawiyah visited `Aaishah and spoke with her. And when Mu`aawiyah (began to leave, he) stood up, resting his hand over the hand of her slave (Zakwaan) and said to him: By Allaah! I have never heard anyone more eloquent than `Aaishah, except the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.

On the authority of Ibn Sireen that al-Ahnaf said: I have listened to the Khutbah of Abu Bakr, `Umar, `Uthmaan, `Alee, and the Khulafaa’ after them. But I have not listened to the speech from the mouths of the creation better than that of `Aaishah.

Hishaam bin `Urwah reported that (his father) `Urwah used to say to `Aaishah: O Mother! It is not amazing that you have such vast knowledge. [I (Hishaam) said because she was the wife of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and the daughter of Abu Bakr.] And it is not amazing that you know poetry and the history of the people. [I (Hishaam) said because she was daughter of Abu Bakr, and he was one of the most knowledgeable person.] But I am amazed at your knowledge of Medicine. How and from where did you learn it? She said: O `Urwah! The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم fell sick in the last days of his life, and the Arab delegations from every side used to visit him, and they described to him every type of medicine, and I used to treat him with that. And from this (I learned medicine). [Musnad of Imaam Ahmad (6/67) and in its chain is `Abdullaah bin Mu`aawiyah about whom Imaam al-Bukhaaree said: Rejected. And al-Nasai said: he is weak.]

`Urwah said: I never saw anyone more knowledgeable about medicine than `Aaishah. I asked her: O aunt! From where did you learn this? She said: I used to hear people discussing about medicine with each other, and I memorized it.

`Urwah said: I accompanied `Aaisah, and I never saw anyone more knowledgeable about the Aayaat revealed (i.e. the Book of Allaah) than her, nor about the laws of inheritance, nor about the Sunnah (of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم), nor poetry, nor about the history of the `Arabs, nor about their genealogy, nor about this or that, nor about medicine than her. I asked her: O aunt! From where did you learn this? She said: I used to hear people discussing about medicine with each other, and I memorized it.

It is reported that Abu Moosaa رضي الله عنه said: Whenever we (the Companions) of (Prophet) Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم had any difficulty (in understanding a) Hadeeth, we would approach `Aaishah and would (always) find that she had the knowledge about it. [Tirmidhee (3883) and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Al-A`mash said that Muslim (bin ubai) asked the Masrooq if `Aaishah was good in the laws of inheritance. He (Masrooq) said: I swear by Allaah, I have seen senior Companions of Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم asking `Aaishah about the laws of inheritance. [Ibn Al-Jawzî, Sifah Al-Safwah Vol.1 p319. Sunan al-Daarimee (2769), al-aakim in his “Mustadrak” (6768)]

`Aaa’ bin Abu Ribaah said: `Aaishah was the most knowledgeable person, and had the best opinion in general matters.

Al-Zuhree said: If the people were to gather the knowledge which `Aaishah had over the knowledge of all the women (in the world). `Aaishah’s knowledge would (still) be superior.


HER STATUS

Imaam al-Dhahabee said: Some of the people of knowledge said that she was better than her father, but this is rejected statement. For Indeed Allaah has set a limit for all things. And we bear witness that she is the wife of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in this world and the hereafter. Is there anything more honorable than this, even though the truthful Khadeejah had the status which cannot be reached? Between the two, Khadeejah had more virtues, but this is not the place to discuss it.

Narrated Abu Musa: Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “Many amongst men reached (the level of) perfection but none amongst the women reached this level except Aasiah, Pharaoh’s wife, and Mary, the daughter of `Imraan. And no doubt, the superiority of `Aaishah to other women is like the superiority of Tharid (i.e. a meat and bread dish) to other meals.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3230, 3251) and Muslim (4459, 4478)]

It is reported that whenever Masrooq would report a Hadeeth from `Aaishah, he would say: The Siddeeqah (the truthful one) the daughter of al-Siddeeq, the beloved of the beloved of Allaah, the one whose innocence was revealed from above the seven heavens narrated to me… [Sunan al-Kubraa of al-Baihaqee (4045) and Muannif of Ibn Abi Shaibah (7424)]

On the authority of `Alee bin Zaid bin Jad`aan that his grandmother informed him that `Aaishah said: “I have been given 9 things which were not given to any other woman after Maryam bint `Imraan. Jibreel came with my picture in a piece of silk until it was commanded to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم to marry me. He married me, a virgin, and he did not marry any virgin other than me. His soul departed while he was in my house. He was buried in my house. The Angels had surrounded my house. And when the Revelations used to come down and he was with his other wives, they would be separated from him. Whereas the Revelations used to come down and I would be with him in the same bedding. And I am the daughter of the Khaleefah and the truthful one. Revelation was sent from the sky about my innocence. I was created in goodness to a good person. And I have been promised forgiveness and good sustenance. [al-Haakim in “Mustadrak” (4/10) and graded as “Munkar” (rejected) by Shaikh al-Albaanee in “al-Dha`eefah” (4970) due to `Abdul Rahmaan bin al-haḥḥaak, whose condition is “Majhool” (unknown)]

Narrated `Abdul Malik bin `Umair that `Aaishah said to the (other) wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم: I was favored with 10 things and there is nothing to be proud of. I was the most beloved of his wives, and my father was the most beloved of men for him. He married me virgin, and he did not marry any other virgin. He married me when I was 7, and consummated it when I was 9. Revelation was sent from the sky about my innocence. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم sought permission from his wives in his (fatal) illness. He said: “It is difficult for me to see the differences between you, so grant me permission to stay with some of you.” So Um Salamah said: We know what you mean. You mean `Aaishah, and we give you permission. The last thing he tasted from this world was my saliva. He gave me the siwak and said: “O `Aaishah! Chew it (and to make it soft).” So I chewed it. He died while resting against my chest. He was buried in my house. [Siyar `Alaam al-Nubalaa’ (2/147). It is weak as its chain is broken]

Narrated Abu Salamah: `Aaishah said, “Once Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم said (to me), 'O `Aaish (`Aaishah)! This is Jibreel greeting you.' I said, 'Peace and Allaah's Mercy and Blessings be on him, (and O Prophet!) you see what I don't see.'” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3217, 3768, 6201, 6249, 6253) and Muslim (4486, 4487)]

Narrated Abu Salamah: `Aaishah said: I saw you O Messenger of Allaah speaking to Diyah al-Kalbee*. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Did you see him?” I said “Yes.” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “He is Jibreel and he is greeting you.” I said: On him be Peace and Allaah's Mercy. Allaah reward him, the visitor and a guest; for what a good companion and a good guest.” [Musnad of al- umaidee (272) and by Abu Nu`aim in his “Hilyah” and in its chain is al-Mujaalid who is a weak narrator.The correct narration as mentioned in al-Bukhaaree is that it was Um Salamah who saw Jibreel in the form of Dihyah al-Kalbee]

* Diyah al-Kalbee was the companion, whom the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had sent with a letter to be given to the governor of Busrah so that he can forward it to Caesar.

Narrated `Aaishah: It was one of the favors of Allaah towards me that Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم expired in my house on the day of my turn while he was leaning against my chest and Allaah made my saliva mix with his saliva at his death. `Abdul Rahmaan (her brother) entered upon me with a Siwak in his hand and I was supporting (the back of) Allaah's Apostle (against my chest). I saw the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم looking at it (i.e. siwak) and I knew that he loved the siwak, so I said (to him), "Shall I take it for you?" He nodded in agreement. So I took it and it was too stiff for him to use, so I said, "Shall I soften it for you?" He nodded his approval. So I softened it and he cleaned his teeth with it. In front of him there was a jug or a tin, containing water. He started dipping his hand in the water and rubbing his face with it, he said, “None has the right to be worshipped except Allaah. Death has its agonies.” He then lifted his hands (towards the sky) and started saying, “With the highest companion”, till he expired and his hand dropped down. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3667, 4438, 4450, 4451)]


THE PROPHET’S صلى الله عليه وسلم LOVE FOR HER

She was married to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم following the death of Khadeejah. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم married her and Sawdah at the same time and he entered upon Sawdah. But from `Aaishah, he delayed it by 3 years until the month of Shawwal after the battle of Badr. Besides her, he did not marry any other virgin. He used to love her a lot, and he used to make it known. Once, `Amr bin al-`Aa, and he embraced Islaam in the year 8 Hijri, asked the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم “Who is the most beloved person to you?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “`Aaishah” I asked, “Among the men?” He said, “Her father”. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3662, 4358) and Muslim (2384)]

And this report is confirmed, may the Raafihah be disgraced. It is not possible for Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم to love someone except who is pure. And he صلى الله عليه وسلم had said: “If I were to take a Khalil from mankind I would certainly have taken Abu Bakr but the Islamic brotherhood and friendship is sufficient.” So he صلى الله عليه وسلم loved the best man from his Ummah and the best woman from this Ummah. So anyone who hates whom the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم loved, then it is not hidden that he also hates Allaah and His Messenger.

The love of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم for `Aaishah was widely known and acknowledged. Don’t you see that they (the companions) used to send him the gifts at the time when it was her turn, in order to please him?

Narrated `Aaishah: The people used to look forward for the days of my (`Aaishah's) turn to send gifts to Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم in order to please him. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (2574) and Muslim (4471)]

Narrated Hisham’s father: The people used to send presents to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم on the day of `Aaishah’s turn. `Aaishah said, “My companions (i.e. the other wives of the Prophet) gathered in the house of Um Salamah and said, “O Um Salamah! By Allaah, the people choose to send presents on the day of `Aaishah's turn and we too, love the good (i.e. presents etc.) as `Aaishah does. You should tell Allaah's Apostle to tell the people to send their presents to him wherever he may be, or wherever his turn may be.” Um Salamah said that to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and he turned away from her, and when the Prophet returned to her (i.e. Um Salamah), she repeated the same, and the Prophet again turned away, and when she told him the same for the third time, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “O Um Salamah! Don't trouble me by harming `Aaishah, for by Allaah, the Divine Inspiration never came to me while I was under the blanket of any woman amongst you except her.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3775)]

And this is the answer from which it has been proved that the merit of `Aaishah over all the other Ummahaat al-Mu’mineen (i.e. the other wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) was a divine inspiration.

Narrated `Urwah from `Aaishah: The wives of Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم were in two groups. One group consisted of `Aaishah, Hafah, Safiyyah and Saudaa; and the other group consisted of Um Salamah and the other wives of Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم. The Muslims knew that Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم loved `Aaishah, so if any of them had a gift and wished to give to Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم, he would delay it, till Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم had come to 'Aaishah's home and then he would send his gift to Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم in her home. The group of Um Salamah discussed the matter together and decided that Um Salamah should request Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم to tell the people to send their gifts to him in whatever wife's house he was. Um Salamah told Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم of what they had said, but he did not reply. Then they (those wives) asked Um Salamah about it. She said, "He did not say anything to me." They asked her to talk to him again. She talked to him again when she met him on her day, but he gave no reply. When they asked her, she replied that he had given no reply. They said to her, "Talk to him till he gives you a reply." When it was her turn, she talked to him again. He صلى الله عليه وسلم then said to her, "Do not hurt me regarding 'Aaishah, as the Divine Inspirations do not come to me on any of the beds except that of 'Aaishah." On that Um Salamah said, "I repent to Allaah for hurting you." Then the group of Um Salamah called Famah, the daughter of Allaah's Apostle and sent her to Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم to say to him, "Your wives request to treat them and the daughter of Abu Bakr on equal terms." Then Famah conveyed the message to him. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said, "O my daughter! Don't you love whom I love?" She replied in the affirmative and returned and told them of the situation. They requested her to go to him again but she refused. They then sent Zainab bint Jahsh who went to him and used harsh words saying, "Your wives request you to treat them and the daughter of Ibn Abu Quaafah (i.e. Abu Bakr) on equal terms." On that she raised her voice and abused 'Aaishah to her face so much so that Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم looked at 'Aaishah to see whether she would retort. 'Aaishah started replying to Zainab till she silenced her. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم then looked at `Aaishah and said, “She is really the daughter of Abu Bakr.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (2581) and Muslim (4472)]

In the version of Muslim it is: Narrated `Aaishah: The wives of Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم sent Famah, the daughter of Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم, to Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم. She sought permission to come in as he had been lying with me in my mantle. He gave her permission and she said: Allaah's Messenger, verily your wives have sent me to you in order to ask you to observe equity in the case of the daughter of Abu Quaafah. She (`Aaishah) said: I kept quiet. Thereupon Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم said to her (Famah): “O daughter, don't you love whom I love?” She said: Yes, (I do). Thereupon he said: “I love this one.” Famah then stood up as she heard this from Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم and went to the wives of Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم. She informed them of what she had said to him and what Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم had said to her. Thereupon they said to her: We think that you have been of no avail to us. You may again go to Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم and tell him that his wives seek equity in the case of the daughter of Abu Quaafah. Famah said: By Allaah, I shall never talk to him about this matter. `Aaishah (further) reported: The wives of Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم then sent Zaynab bint Jahsh, the wife of Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم, and she was one who was somewhat equal in rank with me in the eyes of Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم. I have never seen a woman more advanced in religious piety than Zaynab, more God-conscious, more truthful, more alive to the ties of blood, more generous, having more sense of self-sacrifice in practical life and having a more charitable disposition and thus being closer to God, the Exalted. She, however, lost her temper very easily but was soon calm. Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم permitted her to enter as she (`Aaishah) was there with Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم in her mantle, in the same very state as when Famah had entered. She said: Allaah's Messenger, your wives have sent me to you, seeking equity in the case of the daughter of Abu Quaafah. She then came to me and showed harshness to me I looked at the eyes of Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم to see if he would permit me (to reply). Zaynab continued until I realized that Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم would not disapprove if I retorted. Then I exchanged hot words until I made her quiet. Thereupon Allaah's Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم smiled and said: “She is the daughter of Abu Bakr.” [Saheeh Muslim (4472)]

Narrated `Aaishah: I never felt so jealous of any woman as I did of Khadeejah, though she had died three years before the Prophet married me, and that was because I heard him mentioning her too often, and because his Lord had ordered him to give her the glad tidings that she would have a palace in Paradise, made of Qasab and because he used to slaughter a sheep and distribute (a good share of) its meat among her women-friends. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3816, 3817, 3818) and Muslim (4463, 4465)]

Narrated `Aaishah: I did not feel jealous of any of the wives of the Prophet as much as I did of Khadeejah though I did not see her, but the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to mention her very often, and whenever he slaughtered a sheep, he would cut its parts and send them to the women friends of Khadeejah. When I sometimes said to him, "(You treat Khadeejah in such a way) as if there is no woman on earth except Khadeejah," he would say, “Khadeejah was such-and-such, and from her I had children.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3818)]

On the authority of `Aaishah that she said: A woman approached the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and presented to him (a piece of) meat (dish). The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم began to partake (in eating it). I said: O Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم! Do not immerse your hand in it. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “O `Aaishah! This (woman) used to visit us during the time of Khadeejah. And keeping one’s covenant is a part of faith.” When he mentioned Khadeejah, I said: “Allaah has exchanged for you from someone older in age to one younger in age.” He صلى الله عليه وسلم boasted and said: “It is not upon me (the narrator said: or something similar) if Allaah had bestowed upon her a son from me and he did not bestow upon you (any children).” I said (to him صلى الله عليه وسلم): “By the One who has sent you with the truth! I will never mention her except in goodness.”

Narrated `Aaishah: An old lady came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم while he was with me. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said to her: “Who are you?” She said: “I am Jaththaamah* al-Muzniyyah.” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Rather, you are Hassaanah al-Muzniyyah, and how are you? How are you doing? And how were you doing after us?” She said: “We are doing good, let my father and mother be sacrificed for you.” When she left, I said: “O Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم! You have accepted this offering from this old woman?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “She used to come to us during the time of Khadeejah and keeping one’s covenant is a part of faith.” [al-Haakim in his Mustadrak, and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee in al-Saheehah (216)]

*Jaththaamaa means nightmares, so the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم changed her name to Hassaanah which means good/beautiful.

Narrated `Aaishah: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم used to stay (for a period) in the house of Zainab bint Jahsh (one of the wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) and he used to drink honey in her house. Hafsah and I decided that when the Prophet entered upon either of us, she would say, "I smell in you the bad smell of Maghafir (a bad smelling raisin). Have you eaten Maghafir?" When he entered upon one of us, she said that to him. He replied (to her), "No, but I have drunk honey in the house of Zainab bint Jahsh, and I will never drink it again." Then the following verse was revealed: {O Prophet! Why do you ban (for you) that which Allaah has made lawful for you?...(up to)...If you two (wives of the Prophet) turn in repentance to Allaah.} [Surah Tahreem (66):1-4] The two were 'Aaishah and Hafsah. And also the Statement of Allaah: {And (Remember) when the Prophet disclosed a matter in confidence to one of his wives!}- [Surah Tahreem (66):3] i.e., his saying, "But I have drunk honey." Hisham said: It also meant his saying, "I will not drink anymore, and I have taken an oath, so do not inform anybody of that." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (6691)]

Narrated `Aaishah: I would drink when I was menstruating, then I would hand it (the vessel) to the Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم and he would put his mouth where mine had been, and drink, and I would eat flesh from a bone when I was menstruating, then hand it over to the Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم and he would put his mouth where mine had been. [Saheeh Muslim (303)]

`Aaishah said: Allaah’s Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم said to me, “I am to you as Abu Zar` was to his wife Um Zar`.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5189) and Muslim (2448)]


HER ZUHD (ASCETICISM) & OTHER MERITS:

`Abdullaah bin Al-Zubayr said, “I have never seen two women more generous than `Aaishah and Asmaa’. They had different ways of being generous. As for `Aaishah, she used to gather things, until she had a collection, then she would distribute it. As for Asmaa’, she would never keep anything until the next day.” [Al-Adab Al-Mufrad. Graded as “Saheeh” by Shaikh al-Albaanee]

Narrated `Urwah bin Al-Zubair, `Abdullaah bin Al-Zubair was the most beloved person to `Aaishah excluding the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and Abu Bakr (`Urwah and `Abdullaah were both the nephews of `Aaishah, the children of her sister Asmaa’), and he in his turn, was the most devoted to her. `Aaishah used not to withhold the money given to her by Allaah, but she used to spend it in charity. (`Abdullaah) bin Al-Zubair said, "`Aaishah should be stopped from doing so." ` Aaishah said: "Did he (`Abdullaah bin Al-Zubair) say so?" They (people) said, "Yes." `Aaishah said, "I vow to Allaah that I will never speak to Ibn Al-Zubair." When this desertion lasted long, `Abdullaah bin Al-Zubair sought intercession with her, but she said, "By Allaah, I will not accept the intercession of anyone for him, and will not commit a sin by breaking my vow." When this state of affairs was prolonged on Ibn Al-Zubair (he felt it hard on him), he said to Al-Miswaar bin Makhrama and `Abdul-Rahmaan bin Al-Aswad bin Abu Yaghuth, who were from the tribe of Bani Zahra, "I beseech you, by Allaah, to let me enter upon `Aaishah, for it is unlawful for her to vow to cut the relation with me." So Al-Miswaar and `Abdul-Rahmaan, wrapping their sheets around themselves, asked `Aaishah's permission saying, "Peace and Allaah's Mercy and Blessings be upon you! Shall we come in?" `Aaishah said, "Come in." They said, "All of us?" She said, "Yes, come in all of you," not knowing that Ibn Al-Zubair was also with them. So when they entered, Ibn Al-Zubair entered the screened place and got hold of `Aaishah and started requesting her to excuse him, and wept. Al-Miswaar and `Abdul Rahmaan also started requesting her to speak to him and to accept his repentance. They said (to her), "The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم forbade what you know of deserting (not speaking to your Muslim Brethren), for it is unlawful for any Muslim not to talk to his brother for more than three nights (days)." So when they increased their reminding her (of the superiority of having good relation with kith and kin, and of excusing others' sins), and brought her down to a critical situation, she started reminding them, and wept, saying, "I have made a vow, and (the question of) vow is a difficult one." They (Al-Miswaar and `Abdul-Rahmaan) persisted in their appeal till she spoke with `Abdullaah bin Al-Zubair and she manumitted forty slaves as an expiation for her vow. Later on, whenever she remembered her vow, she used to weep so much that her veil used to become wet with her tears. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (6074)]

`Urwah bin al-Zubair said that once Mu`aawiyah had sent 100,000 Dirham to `Aaishah. By Allaah! The evening did not pass by but she had distributed it (completely). Her salves told her: Had you bought for us some meat with only a Dirham! She said: Why did you not inform me?

Um Dhurrah (the female servant of `Aaishah) said: Ibn al-Zubair sent two bags containing a total of 100,000 (dinars/dirhams) to `Aaishah. She started distributing it to the people. When the evening came, she said to her servant: Where is my food? Um Dhurrah said: O Mother of the believers! Had you bought some meat with at least a dirham! She (`Aaishah) said: Do not blame me. Had you reminded me, I would have purchased it.

`Abdul-Rahmaan bin al-Qaasim narrated from his father that `Aaishah used to fast consecutively.

`Abdul Rahmaan bin Ka`b bin Maalik on the authority of `Aaishah that she said: “O Messenger of Allaah, which of your wives will be in the Jannah?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Verily you will be one of them.” [al-Haakim (4/13) and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee in “al-Saheehah” (3/133) and he said “it is as per the condition of Muslim”]

In another narration `Aaishah narrated that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “Would it not please you that you will be my wife in this world and the next?” I said: “Yes.” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “You will be my wife in this world and the hereafter.” [al-Haakim (4/10) and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee in “al-Saheehah” (2255)]

Narrated `Aaishah: When I saw the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in a good mood, I said to him: “O Messenger of Allaah! Supplicate to Allaah for me.” He said: “O Allaah! Forgive for `Aaishah her past and future sins, and which are hidden and which are apparent.” She started laughing till her head dropped in the lap of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم while laughing. He said: “Does my supplication pleases you?” She said: “And why should I not be pleased with your supplication?” He said: “By Allaah! This is my supplication for my Ummah in every prayer.” [Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh (7266) and graded as “Hasan” by Shaikh al-Albaanee in “al-Saheehah” (2254)]

In another narrated `Aaishah said that she and her father Abu Bakr, and (her mother) Um Romaan, came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, and said: “We love that you should make Du`aa for `Aaishah and we wish to listen to it.” The Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “O Allaah! Forgive for `Aaishah, the daughter of Abu Bakr the truthful one, with due forgiveness, for her obvious and hidden (sins).” Her father was amazed by the beauty of the supplication made by the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم for her. He صلى الله عليه وسلم said: “You two are amazed! Verily, this is my supplication for anyone who bears witness that none has the right to be worshipped except Allaah and that I am the Messenger of Allaah.” [Mustadrak of al-Haakim (6770)]

Narrated `Aaishah: Once I saw Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم at the door of my house while some Ethiopians were playing in the Masjid (displaying their skill with spears). Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم was screening me with his Rida’ so as to enable me to see their display. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (445) and Saheeh Muslim (1481)]

Narrated Aaishah: The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم was screening me with his Rida’ (garment covering the upper part of the body) while I was looking at the Ethiopians who were playing in the courtyard of the Masjid. (I continued watching) till I was satisfied. So you may deduce from this event how a little girl (who has not reached the age of puberty) who is eager to enjoy amusement should be treated in this respect. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5190, 5236) and Muslim (1487)]

Narrated `Aaishah: We set out with Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم on one of his journeys till we reached Al-Baida' or Dhatul-Jaish, a necklace of mine was broken (and lost). Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم stayed there to search for it, and so did the people along with him. There was no water at that place, so the people went to Abu-Bakr As-Siddiq and said, “Don't you see what `Aaishah has done? She has made Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم and the people stay where there is no water and they have no water with them.” Abu Bakr came while Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم was sleeping with his head on my thigh. He said to me: “You have detained Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم and the people where there is no water and they have no water with them.” So he admonished me and said what Allaah wished him to say and hit me on my flank with his hand. Nothing prevented me from moving (because of pain) but the position of Allaah's Apostle on my thigh. Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم got up when dawn broke and there was no water. So Allaah revealed the Divine Verses of Tayammum. So they all performed Tayammum. Usaid bin Hudair said, "O family of Abu Bakr! This is not the first blessing of yours." Then the camel on which I was riding was caused to move from its place and the necklace was found beneath it. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (334, 3672, 4607) and Muslim (367)]


The incident of “ifk” (slander):

It took place after the military expedition of al-Mareesee`, in the year 5 Hijri. And she رضي الله عنها was 12 years old then.

Narrated `Aaishah: (the wife of the Prophet) "Whenever Allaah's Apostle intended to go on a journey, he would draw lots amongst his wives and would take with him the one upon whom the lot fell. During a Ghazwa (military of expedition) of his, he drew lots amongst us and the lot fell upon me, and I proceeded with him after Allaah had decreed the use of the veil by women. I was carried in a Howdah (palanquin on the camel) and dismounted while still in it. When Allaah's Apostle was through with his Ghazwa and returned home, and we approached the city of Madeenah, Allaah's Apostle ordered us to proceed at night. When the order of setting off was given, I walked till I was past the army to answer the call of nature. After finishing I returned (to the camp) to depart (with the others) and suddenly realized that my necklace over my chest was missing. So, I returned to look for it and was delayed because of that. The people, who used to carry me on the camel, came to my Howdah and put it on the back of the camel, thinking that I was in it, as, at that time, women were light in weight, and thin and lean, and did not use to eat much. So, those people did not feel the difference in the heaviness of the Howdah while lifting it, and they put it over the camel. At that time I was a young lady. They set the camel moving and proceeded on. I found my necklace after the army had gone, and came to their camp to find nobody. So, I went to the place where I used to stay, thinking that they would discover my absence and come back in my search. While in that state, I felt sleepy and slept.

afwaan bin Mu`aal As-Sulamee Adh-Dhakwaanee was behind the army and reached my abode in the morning. When he saw a sleeping person, he came to me, and he used to see me before veiling. So, I got up when I heard him saying, 'Innaa lil-laahi-wa innaa ilaihi raaji`oon (We are for Allaah, and we will return to Him).' He made his camel kneel down. He got down from his camel, and put his leg on the front legs of the camel and then I rode and sat over it. afwaan set out walking, leading the camel by the rope till we reached the army who had halted to take rest at midday. Then whoever was meant for destruction, fell into destruction, (some people accused me falsely) and the leader of the false accusers was `Abdullaah bin Ubai bin Salool. After that we returned to Madeenah, and I became ill for one month while the people were spreading the forged statements of the false accusers. I was feeling during my ailment as if I were not receiving the usual kindness from the Prophet which I used to receive from him when I got sick. But he would come, greet and say, 'How is that (girl)?' I did not know anything of what was going on till I recovered from my ailment and went out with Um Misa to the Manai` where we used to answer the call of nature, and we used not to go to answer the call of nature except from night to night and that was before we had lavatories near to our houses. And this habit of ours was similar to the habit of the old `Arabs in the open country (or away from houses). So, I and Um Misa bint Ruhm went out walking. Um Misa stumbled because of her long dress and on that she said, 'Let Misa  be ruined.' I said, 'You are saying a bad word. Why are you abusing a man who took part in (the battle of) Badr?' She said, 'O Hanata (you there) didn't you hear what they said?' Then she told me the rumors of the false accusers.

My sickness was aggravated, and when I returned home, Allaah's Apostle came to me, and after greeting he said, 'How is that (girl)?' I requested him to allow me to go to my parents. I wanted then to be sure of the news through them. Allaah's Apostle allowed me, and I went to my parents and asked my mother, 'What are the people talking about?' She said, 'O my daughter! Don't worry much about this matter. By Allaah, never is there a charming woman loved by her husband who has other wives, but the women would forge false news about her.' I said, 'Glorified be Allaah! Are the people really taking of this matter?' That night I kept on weeping and could not sleep till morning. In the morning Allaah's Apostle called `Alee bin Abu aalib and Usaamah bin Zaid when he saw the Divine Inspiration delayed, to consult them about divorcing his wife (i.e. `Aaishah). Usaamah bin Zaid said what he knew of the good reputation of his wives and added, 'O Allaah's Apostle! Keep your wife, for, by Allaah, we know nothing about her but good.' `Alee bin Abu aalib said, 'O Allaah's Apostle! Allaah has not imposed restrictions on you, and there are many women other than her, yet you may ask the woman-servant who will tell you the truth.' On that Allaah's Apostle called Burairah and said, 'O Burairah! Did you ever see anything which roused your suspicions about her?' Burairah said, 'No, by Allaah Who has sent you with the Truth, I have never seen in her anything faulty except that she is a girl of immature age, who sometimes sleeps and leaves the dough for the goats to eat.' On that day Allaah's Apostle ascended the pulpit and requested that somebody support him in punishing `Abdullaah bin Ubai bin Salool. Allaah's Apostle said: 'Who will support me to punish that person ('Abdullaah bin Ubai bin Salul) who has hurt me by slandering the reputation of my family? By Allaah, I know nothing about my family but good, and they have accused a person about whom I know nothing except good, and he never entered my house except in my company.'

Sa`d bin Mu`aadh got up and said, 'O Allaah's Apostle! By Allaah, I will relieve you from him. If that man is from the tribe of the Aus, then we will chop his head off, and if he is from our brothers, the Khazraj, then order us, and we will fulfill your order.' On that Sa`d bin `Ubaadah, the chief of the Khazraj and before this incident, he had been a pious man, got up, motivated by his zeal for his tribe and said, 'By Allaah, you have told a lie; you cannot kill him, and you will never be able to kill him.' On that Usaid bin Al-Haheer got up and said (to Sa`d bin `Ubaadah), 'By Allaah! You are a liar. By Allaah, we will kill him; and you are a hypocrite, defending the hypocrites.' On this the two tribes of Aus and Khazraj got excited and were about to fight each other, while Allaah's Apostle was standing on the pulpit. He got down and quieted them till they became silent and he kept quiet. On that day I kept on weeping so much so that neither did my tears stop, nor could I sleep.

In the morning my parents were with me and I had wept for two nights and a day, till I thought my liver would burst from weeping. While they were sitting with me and I was weeping, an Ansaari woman asked my permission to enter, and I allowed her to come in. She sat down and started weeping with me. While we were in this state, Allaah's Apostle came and sat down and he had never sat with me since the day they forged the accusation. No revelation regarding my case came to him for a month. He recited Tashah-hud (i.e. None has the right to be worshipped but Allaah and Muhammad is His Apostle) and then said, 'O `Aaishah! I have been informed such-and-such about you; if you are innocent, then Allaah will soon reveal your innocence, and if you have committed a sin, then repent to Allaah and ask Him to forgive you, for when a person confesses his sin and asks Allaah for forgiveness, Allaah accepts his repentance.' When Allaah's Apostle finished his speech my tears ceased completely and there remained not even a single drop of it. I requested my father to reply to Allaah's Apostle on my behalf. My father said, By Allaah, I do not know what to say to Allaah's Apostle.' I said to my mother, 'Talk to Allaah's Apostle on my behalf.' She said, 'By Allaah, I do not know what to say to Allaah's Apostle.'

I was a young girl and did not have much knowledge of the Qur’aan. I said. 'I know, by Allaah, that you have listened to what people are saying and that has been planted in your minds and you have taken it as a truth. Now, if I told you that I am innocent and Allaah knows that I am innocent, you would not believe me and if I confessed to you falsely that I am guilty, and Allaah knows that I am innocent you would believe me. By Allaah, I don't compare my situation with you except to the situation of Joseph's father (i.e. Jacob) who said, {So (for me) patience is most fitting against that which you assert and it is Allaah (alone) whose help can be sought.} Then I turned to the other side of my bed hoping that Allaah would prove my innocence. By Allaah I never thought that Allaah would reveal Divine Inspiration in my case, as I considered myself too inferior to be talked of in the Holy Qur'an. I had hoped that Allaah's Apostle might have a dream in which Allaah would prove my innocence. By Allaah, Allaah's Apostle had not got up and nobody had left the house before the Divine Inspiration came to Allaah's Apostle. So, there overtook him the same state which used to overtake him, (when he used to have, on being inspired divinely). He was sweating so much so that the drops of the sweat were dropping like pearls though it was a (cold) wintry day. When that state of Allaah's Apostle was over, he was smiling and the first word he said, `Aaishah! Thank Allaah, for Allaah has declared your innocence.' My mother told me to go to Allaah's Apostle. I replied, 'By Allaah I will not go to him and will not thank but Allaah.' So Allaah revealed: {Verily! They who spread the slander are a gang among you . . .} [Surah al-Noor (24):11]

When Allaah gave the declaration of my innocence, Abu Bakr, who used to provide for Misa bin Uthaatha for he was his relative, said, 'By Allaah, I will never provide Misa with anything because of what he said about `Aaishah.' But Allaah later revealed:

{And let not those who are good and wealthy among you swear not to help their kinsmen, those in need and those who left their homes in Allaah's cause. Let them forgive and overlook. Do you not wish that Allaah should forgive you? Verily! Allaah is Oft-forgiving, Most Merciful.} [Surah al-Noor (24):22] After that Abu Bakr said, 'Yes ! By Allaah! I like that Allaah should forgive me,' and resumed helping Misa  whom he used to help before.

Allaah's Apostle also asked Zainab bint Jahsh (i.e. the Prophet's wife about me saying, 'What do you know and what did you see?' She replied, 'O Allaah's Apostle! I refrain to claim hearing or seeing what I have not heard or seen. By Allaah, I know nothing except goodness about `Aaishah." Aisha further added "Zainab was competing with me (in her beauty and the Prophet's love), yet Allaah protected her (from being malicious), for she had piety." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (2661, 4141, 4750) and Muslim (2770)]

On the authority of Ibn `Abbaas that the Aayah {Verily, those who accuse believing chaste women…} [Surah al-Noor (24):23] was especially revealed about (the innocence of) `Aaishah.

On the authority of `Amrah that `Aaishah said: When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم recited (the ayaat) in which my innocence was revealed to the people, he commanded for the two men and the woman (to be brought forth), those who were spreading the slander about `Aaishah, and they were flogged (eighty stripes each). [Majma` al-Zawaaid, Sunan al-Kabeer of al-Baihaqee, Muannif `Abdul Razzaaq and others]

`Urwa said: "The people propagated the slander and talked about it in his (i.e. 'Abdullaah bin Ubai bin Salool’s) presence and he confirmed it and listened to it and asked about it to let it prevail." `Urwa also added, "None was mentioned as members of the slanderous group besides ('Abdullaah) except Hassaan bin Thaabit (the poet) and Misa bin Uthaatha and Hamnah bint Jahsh along with others about whom I have no knowledge, but they were a group as Allaah said. It is said that the one who carried most of the slander was `Abdullaah bin Ubai bin Salool." `Urwa added, "`Aaishah disliked to have Hassaan abused in her presence and she used to say, 'It was he who said (to the infidels): My father and his father (i.e. my grandfather) and my honor are all for the protection of Muhammad's honor from you.". [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (4141)]

Narrated Masrooq: We went to `Aaishah while Hassan bin Thaabit was with her reciting poetry to her from some of his poetic Verses, saying "A chaste wise lady about whom nobody can have suspicion. She gets up with an empty stomach because she never eats the flesh of indiscreet (ladies)." 'Aaishah said to him, "But you are not like that." I said to her, "Why do you grant him admittance, though Allaah said: {and as for him among them, who had the greater share therein, his will be a severe torment.}" (24.11) On that, `Aaishah said, "And what punishment is more than blinding?" She, added, "Hassan used to defend or say poetry on behalf of Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم (against the infidels)." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (4146, 4756) and Muslim (4543)]


`Aaishah and the incident of al-Jamal

Saleh bin Kaisaan and others had said: `Aaishah said: `Uthmaan has been killed unjustly, and I ask you to seek retribution for his death and to return back the system of “al-Shooraa” (council).

Imaam Ahmad reported in his “al-Musnad” that when `Aaishah had reached (al-Bussraa), and when she passed by some of the houses of Banu `Aamer during the night [in the narration of Ahmad it is: passed by the water of Banu `Aamer during the night], some dogs started barking. She asked: Which water is this? They said: The water of al- aw’ab. She said: I do not wish except to return back. Al-Zubair said: You cannot (go back) after the people have seen you. May be Allaah will reconcile between them (because of you). She said: I do not wish except to return back, for I heard the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم one day (addressing his wives) said: “How will one of you be, when the dogs of al- aw’ab would bark at her? [Musnad Ahmad (23732), Saheeh Ibn Hibbaan (6887), Mustadrak al-Haakim (3/117) and the wordings are his. Imaam al-Dhahabee said in “Siyar A`laam al-Nubalaa’” (2/177): The chain of this narration (reported by Imaam Ahmad) is “Saheeh” but they (al-Bukhaaree and Muslim) did not report it. Ibn al-Katheer also graded it as “Saheeh” as per the condition of al-Bukhaaree and Muslim in “al-Bidaayah wal-Nihaayah” (6/217). Also authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee in “al-Saheehah” (474) and by Shaikh Muqbil in “Saheeh al-Musnad” (1567), and “Saheeh Dalaail al-Nubuwwah” (505)]

[The meaning of this Hadeeth is that that Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم had prophesied that one of his wives would participate in the battle]

Narrated Abu Wail: When `Alee sent `Ammaar bin Yaasir and Al-Hasan bin `Alee to (the people of) Koofa to urge them to fight, `Ammaar addressed them saying, "I know that she (i.e. `Aaishah) is the wife of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم in this world and in the Hereafter (world to come), but Allaah has put you to test, whether you will follow Him (i.e. Allaah) or her." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3512, 6598)]

`Ikrimah narrated from Ibn `Abbaas that he said to al-Zubair on the day of the battle of “al-Jamal”: This is `Aaishah, alah is supporting her because they are related; whereas you are more knowledgeable and you want to kill `Alee, your own relative. So al-Zubair returned back. On his way back, he met Ibn Jarmooz, and he (Ibn Jarmooz) killed him (al-Zubair).

After the battle of “al-Jamal”, `Alee stood at the tent of `Aaishah and blamed her for undertaking the journey (towards al-Bassraa). She said: O Ibn Abee aalib! You have captured me, so set me free. So he arranged for her journey towards Madeenah and gave her 12,000 (Dinaar/Dirham). Allaah be pleased with both of them.

`Aasim bin Kulaib reported that his father said: We were with `Alee رضي الله عنه and (in his presence) `Aaishah was mentioned. So he said: “Khaleelah (best friend) of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. [Imaam al-Dhahabee graded it as “Hasan”]

And this is what the Ameer al-Mu’mineen, `Alee, said in favor of `Aaishah, Allaah be pleased with both of them; even though of what took place between the two of them. And no doubt, `Aaishah regretted and was remorseful about her travelling to al-Bassrah and participating in the battle of “al-Jamal”. [Inshaa-Allaah, the incident of al-Jamal will be mentioned in detail under the biography of `Alee رضي الله عنه]

And it is reported that whenever `Aaishah would recite the aayah: {And stay in your houses} [Surah al-Ahzaab (33):33], she would cry so much that her veil would become wet. [“al-Zuhd” of Imaam Ahmad (920)]

On the authority of Ibn Abu `Ateeq that `Aaishah said: Inform me if Ibn `Umar passes by. So when Ibn `Umar passed by, she was informed that this is Ibn `Umar. She said to him: O Abu `Abdul Rahmaan (i.e. Ibn `Umar)! What prevented you from stopping me on my journey? He said: I saw that a person had already influenced you. By that he meant Ibn al-Zubair.

Ibraaheem al-Nakha`I said: `Aaishah once passed by a tree and she said: How much I wished that I was one of the leaves of this tree.


Some of the Ahaadeeth she reported:

Narrated `Aaishah: When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم came to Mecca he entered from its higher side and left from its lower side. [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (1577) and Muslim (1258)]

Narrated `Aaishah: Allaah’s Messenger صلى الله عليه وسلم never beat anyone with his hand neither a woman nor a servant nor anything; except only in the case when he had been fighting in the cause of Allaah. And he never took revenge for anything unless the things made inviolable by Allaah were made violable; he then took revenge for Allaah, the Exalted and Glorious. [Saheeh Muslim (2328)]

Narrated Masrooq: I said to `Aaishah, “O Mother! Did Prophet Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم see his Lord?” `Aaishah said, “What you have said makes my hair stand on end! Know that if somebody tells you one of the following three things, he is a liar: Whoever tells you that Muhammad saw his Lord, is a liar." Then `Aaishah recited the Verse: {No vision can grasp Him, but His grasp is over all vision. He is the Most Courteous Well-Acquainted with all things.} [Surah al-An`aam (6): 103] {It is not fitting for a human being that Allaah should speak to him except by inspiration or from behind a veil.} [Surah al-Shooraa (42):51] `Aaishah further said, “And whoever tells you that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم knows what is going to happen tomorrow, is a liar.” She then recited: {No soul can know what it will earn tomorrow.} [Surah Luqmaan (31):34] She added: "And whoever tells you that he concealed (some of Allaah's orders), is a liar." Then she recited: {O Apostle! Proclaim (the Message) which has been sent down to you from your Lord...} [Surah al-Maaidah (5): 67] `Aaishah added, "But the Prophet saw Gabriel in his true form twice." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (4855)]

Masrooq said: I was resting at (the house of) `Aaishah that she said: O Abu `Aaishah (kunya of Masrooq), there are three things, and he who affirmed even one of them fabricated the greatest lie against Allaah. I asked that they were. She said: He who presumed that Muhammad صلى الله عليه وسلم saw his Lord (with his ocular vision) fabricated the greatest lie against Allaah. I was reclining but then sat up and said: Mother of the Faithful, wait a bit and do not be in haste. Has not Allaah (Mighty and Majestic) said: {And truly he saw him on the clear horizon} [Surah al-Takweer (81): 23] and {he saw Him in another descent} [Surah al-Najm (53): 13]? She said: I am the first of this Ummah who asked the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم about it, and he said: “Verily he is Gabriel. I have never seen him in his original form in which he was created except on those two occasions (to which these verses refer) ; I saw him descending from the heaven and filling (the space) from the sky to the earth with the greatness of his bodily structure.” She said: Have you not heard Allaah saying. {Eyes comprehend Him not, but He comprehends (all) vision. and He is Subtle, and All-Aware} [Surah al-An`aam (6): 103]? (She, i. e. `Aaishah, further said): Have you not heard that, verily, Allaah says: {And it is not vouchsafed to a human being that Allaah should speak unto him otherwise than by revelation, or from behind a veil, or that He sends a messenger (angel), so that he reveals whatsoever He wills. Verily He is Exalted, the Wise} [Surah al-Shooraa (42): 51] She said: He who presumes that the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم concealed anything, from the Book, of Allaah fabricates the greatest lie against Allaah. Allaah says: {O Messenger! Deliver that which has been revealed to thee from your Lord, and if you do (it) not, you have not delivered His message} [Surah al-Maaidah (5):67]. She said: He who presumes that he would inform about what was going to happen tomorrow fabricates the greatest lie against Allaah. And Allaah says: {Say (O Muhammad): None in the heavens and the earth knows the unseen save Allaah} [Surah al-Naml (27): 65]. [Saheeh Muslim (337)]

al-Dhahabee said: These Ahaadeeth are Saheeh. And there is no clear text that indicate that the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم saw Allaah تعالى with his eyes. As for seeing Allaah with the eyes in the Hereafter, then this is going to happen as there are Mutawaatir (a lot of narrations which cannot be denied) narrations about it. Al-Daaraqutni, al-Baihaqee and others have collected all these Ahaadeeth. (In the Saheehain also a few Ahaadeeth have been reported that the people of Jannah will see Allaah with their eyes.)

Narrated `Aaishah: That Allaah's Apostle صلى الله عليه وسلم said to her, “I know when you are pleased with me or angry with me.” I said, “Whence do you know that?” He صلى الله عليه وسلم said, “When you are pleased with me, you say, 'No, by the Lord of Muhammad,' but when you are angry with me, then you say, 'No, by the Lord of Ibraheem.'”  Thereupon I said, "Yes (you are right), but by Allaah, O Allaah's Apostle, I leave nothing but your name." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (5228, 6078) and Muslim (2442)]

It is reported that `Aaishah said, “Um abeebah called for me on her deathbed and said, ‘There used to occur between us the kinds of things that happen between co-wives (al-daraa’ir), so may Allaah forgive me and you those things.’ I said, ‘May Allaah forgive you all those things and release you from (all liability) for that.’ She replied, ‘You have made me happy, may Allaah make you happy.’ And she sent for Um Salamah and said the same things to her.” [Al-Dhahabee, Siyar A`laam Al-Nubalaa’ Vol. 2 p223]

Narrated `Aaishah: While she was on a journey along with the Apostle of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم: I had a race with him (the Prophet) and I outstripped him on my feet. When I became fleshy, (again) I had a race with him (the Prophet) and he outstripped me. He said: “This is for that outstripping.” [Sunan Abu Dawood (2578) and authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee and he said “it is as per the condition of al-Bukhaaree and Muslim”]


HER DEATH

Narrated Ibn Abu Mulaika: Ibn `Abbaas asked permission to visit `Aaishah before her death, and at that time she was in a state of agony. She then said. "I am afraid that he will praise me too much." And then it was said to her, "He is the cousin of Allaah's Apostle and one of the prominent Muslims." Then she said, "Allow him to enter." (When he entered) he said, "How are you?" She replied, "I am alright if I fear (Allaah)." Ibn `Abbaas said, "Allaah willing, you are alright as you are the wife of Allaah's Apostle and he did not marry any virgin except you and proof of your innocence was revealed from the Heaven." Later on Ibn Az-Zubair entered after him and 'Aisha said to him, "Ibn 'Abbas came to me and praised me greatly, but I wish that I was a thing forgotten and out of sight." [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (4753)]

In the narration of Imaam Ahmad it is reported on the authority of Ibn Abu Mulaika that Zakwaan (the freed slave of `Aaishah) said: When `Aaishah was near her death, Ibn `Abbaas asked permission to visit her. When I (Zakwaan) came to her, I saw her nephew, `Abdullaah bin `Abdul-Rahmaan, sitting beside her. I said: Ibn `Abbaas seeks your permission. She said: Leave me alone, I am not in need of Ibn `Abbaas [in another narration: for I am afraid that he will praise me too much]. `Abdullaah bin Abdul-Rahmaan said: He (Ibn `Abbaas) is the reciter of the Book of Allaah, and the most knowledgeable of the religion of Allaah, so give him permission so that he may greet you and visit you. She said: Grant him permission if you wish. He (Zakwaan) said: So I let him enter and when he sat he said: O Mother! Receive the glad tidings. She said: Of what? He said: [By Allaah!] There is nothing between you and your meeting with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and the loved ones except the coming out of your soul from your body. Among the wives of the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم, he loved you the most and he did not love except that which is good. Your necklace broke on that night, [and the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and the people were stranded] and when the dawn approached, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and the people woke up in a place where there was no water. So Allaah تعالى revealed: {then perform Tayammum with clean earth} [Surah al-Nisaa’ (4):43]. And that was because of your merit that Allaah تعالى permitted (Tayammum) for this Ummah. And Allaah تعالى has sent proof of your innocence through Jibreel from above the seven heavens. There is no Masjid, where Allaah’s name is mentioned (and His Book is recited) throughout the day and during the night except that (the verses about your innocence) are recited. She (`Aaishah) replied: O Ibn `Abbaas! Please leave it. By the One in Whose Hand is my soul, I wished that I was a thing forgotten and out of sight. [Authenticated by Shaikh Ahmad Shaakir in his checking of “Musnad” of Imaam Ahmad (3/277, 4/169, 5/90). Also authenticated by Shaikh al-Albaanee in “Saheeh al-Mawaarid” (1893)]

Narrated Al Qasim bin Muhammad: `Aaishah became sick and Ibn `Abbaas went to see her and said, “O mother of the believers! You are leaving for truthful fore-runners i.e. for Allaah's Apostle and Abu Bakr.” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (3771)]

She was 63 years and a few months old when she died.

On the authority of Nafi`: I witnessed Abu Hurairah leading the funeral prayer over `Aaishah in al-Baqee`. Marwaan was the Kahleefah of Madeenah at that time, but he had gone for `Umrah during those days.

`Urwah bin al-Zubair said: `Aaishah was buried in the night.

Hishaam bin `Urwah, Imaam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, and others said: She died in the year 57 Hijri.

Al-Waaqidee and others said: She died in the year 58 Hijri.

Al-Waqidee said: Ibn Abu Sabrah informed us on the authority of Moosaa bin Maisarah, on the authority of Salam bin Sablaan that: `Aaishah died on the night of 17th of the Month of Ramadhaan, after the Witr. She had instructed that she be buried on the night she dies. The Anaars gathered and attended (the funeral). I have never seen so many people on a night before that. And she was buried in al-Baqee`.

On the authority of Qais: `Aaishah said, and before this she had informed to be buried in her room. She said: I have innovated after the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, so bury me with his other wives. So, she was buried in al-Baqee`, Allaah be pleased with her.

I (al-Dhahabee) say: By innovation she meant about her journey on the Day of al-Jamal, about which she regretted and had repented from it. Verily! She had not done that (i.e. undertaken the journey) except with the intention of doing good, as what alah bin `Ubaidullaah and al-Zubair bin al-`Awaam and the other senior companions had judged.

... Aisha narrated that she made a will to 'Abdullaah bin Zubair, “Do not bury me with them (the Prophet and his two companions) but bury me with my companions (wives of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم) in Al-Baqee` as I would not like to be looked upon as better than I really am (by being buried near the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم).” [Saheeh al-Bukhaaree (1309, 1480, 6809)]

`Aaishah narrated 2,210 Ahaadeeth. Al-Bukhaaree and Muslim agreed upon 174 Ahaadeeth. Al-Bukhaaree individually reported 54 Ahaadeeth, and Muslim individually reported 69 Ahaadeeth.


References:
الإصابة في تمييز الصحابة – لإبن الحجر الأسقلاني
أسد الغابة في معرفة الصحابة – لإبن الأثير
الاستيعاب في معرفة الأصحاب - لإبن عبد البر
سير اعلام النبلاء – إمام الذهبي

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