August 2021
The Prophet Married Aisha For The Benefit Of Islam And Humanity
1. The Prophet married Aisha primarily for three reasons:
- To reinforce the friendly relations already existing with Abu Bakr (his closest companion).
- To educate and train Aisha for the purposes of Islam.
- To utilize her capabilities for the sake of Islam.
2. Her Marriage with the prophet was a Wahy (Divine Revelation). She, herself relates from the Prophet. “He said, ‘I saw you in dreams three times. The angel brought you to me and you were clad in white silk. He (the angel) said that it was your consort and he (angel) showed me by opening your face. You are just like that…” Sahih Muslim, Vol.2, p. 285.
3. Aisha (r.a.) was born after her parents had embraced Islam. Therefore, she was free from the defilement of polytheism right from her birth.
4. In her youth, already known for her striking beauty and her formidable memory, she came under the loving care and attention of the Prophet himself. As his wife and close companion, she acquired from him knowledge and insight such as no woman has ever acquired.
Aisha lived on almost fifty years after the passing away of the Prophet. She had been his wife for a decade. Much of this time was spent learning and acquiring knowledge of the two most important sources of God’s guidance, the Qur’an and the Sunnah of His Prophet. Aisha ( r.a.) was one of the three wives (the other two being Hafsa (r.a.) and Umm Salama (r.a.) who memorized the Revelation. Like Hafsa (r.a.), she had her own script of the Qur’an written after the Prophet had died.
So far as the Hadith or sayings of the Prophet is concerned, Aisha ( r.a.) is one of four persons (the others being Abu Hurayra, Abdullah ibn Umar, and Anas ibn Malik) who transmitted more than two thousand sayings. From her, 2210 Hadith have come, out of which 174 Hadith are commonly agreed upon by both Bukhari and Muslim.
Many of her transmissions pertain to some of the most intimate aspects of personal behavior which only someone in Aisha’s position could have learnt. What is most important is that her knowledge of Hadith was passed on in written form by at least three persons including her nephew Urwah who became one of the greatest scholars among the generation after the Companions.
It is the claim of the Scholars of Islam that without her, half of the Ilm-I-Hadith [knowledge, understanding of the Hadith (and Islam)] would have perished.
5. Many of the learned companions of the Prophet and their followers benefited from Aishah’s knowledge.
Abu Musa al-Ash’ari once said: “If we companions of the Messenger of God had any difficulty on a matter, we asked Aisha about it.”
“Yahya related to me from Malik from Yahya ibn Said from Said ibn al-Musayyab that Abu Musa al-Ash’ari came to Aisha, the wife of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, and said to her, “The disagreement of the companions in a matter which I hate to bring before you has distressed me.” She said, “What is that? You did not ask your mother about it, so ask me.” He said, “A man penetrates his wife, but becomes listless and does not ejaculate. “She said, “When the circumcised part passes the circumcised part ghusl is obligatory.” Abu Musa added, “I shall never ask anyone about this after you.” Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik, Hadith 2.75.
Arwa Bin Zubair says, “I did not find anyone more proficient [than Aisha (r.a.)] in the knowledge of the Holy Qur’an, the Commandments of Halal (lawful) and Haram (prohibited), Ilmul-Ansab and Arabic poetry. That is why even senior companions of the Prophet used to consult Aisha ( r.a.) in resolving intricate issues”. Ibn Qayyim and Ibn Sa’ad, Jala-ul-Afham, vol. 2, p. 26.
Abu Musa al-Ash’ari says: “Never had we (the companions) had any difficulty for the solution of which we approached Aisha and did not get some useful information from her”.
Sirat-I-Aisha, on the authority of Trimidhi, p. 163.
6. As a teacher she had a clear and persuasive manner of speech and her power of oratory has been described in superlative terms by al-Ahnaf who said: “I have heard speeches of Abu Bakr and Umar, Uthman and Ali and the Khulafa up to this day, but I have not heard speech more persuasive and more beautiful from the mouth of any person than from the mouth of Aisha.”
The Prophet said, “The superiority of ‘Aisha to other ladies is like the superiority of Tharid ( i.e. meat and bread dish) to other meals. Many men reached the level of perfection, but no woman reached such a level except Mary, the daughter of Imran and Asia, the wife of Pharaoh.” Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith, Narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash’ari Hadith 4.643.
Musa Ibn Talha (r.a.) says, “I did not see anyone more eloquent than Aisha (r.a.)”. Mustadrak of Hakim, vol.4, p.11.
7. Men and women came from far and wide to benefit from her knowledge.
Aisha’s great interest in the study of the Qur’an is understandable. She was an eye-witness to a number of revelations and had therefore a clear idea of the circumstances in which they were revealed. It was on her bed alone (and no other consort’s) that the Prophet received Wahy (Divine Revelations) several times. This helped her in interpreting the verses.
8. At the time of the Prophet’s death, the Prophet’s head was on her lap. It was in her quarters that the Prophet was buried.
The life of Aisha (R) is proof that a woman can be far more learned than men and that she can be the teacher of scholars and experts. Her life is also proof that a woman can exert influence over men and women and provide them with inspiration and leadership. Aisha (R) is a continuing inspiration and role model to today’s youth who are diligently searching for an example amongst pop stars, movie actresses, and sports stars. May the memory of her’s life forever in the heart of the Muslim Ummah and may Allah grant her the highest abode in Paradise…Ameen.
Conclusion
It was the aforementioned qualities of Aisha ( r.a.) and the Prophet’s guidance in molding these capabilities for the service of Islam, were the main reasons, why the Prophet Married young Aisha (r.a.), and not the perverted reasons brought forth by misguided orientalists.
Muslims invite all sincere humans to study the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon) in the light of the authentic sources of the Qur’an and the Sunnah (exemplary sayings and deeds of the Prophet) and judge for themselves where the truth lies. Indeed, by recognizing the truth of Islam as the final and complete Guidance sent by our Creator can humanity find lasting peace in this world and a means of salvation from the hellfire in the hereafter.
“I have studied him – the wonderful man and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Saviour of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much-needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today.”
George Bernard Shaw, The Genuine Islam, vol. 1, no. 81936.
Though the Prophet is not among us in his flesh, his exemplary life has been preserved for all humanity to follow.
When Truth comes Falsehood disappears, Islam came, now Shirk (polytheism) must clear.
Welcome to Islam…
Quran Majeed Ki Sifaat (Part 4)
Dream Prophecies Come True
In describing the victory of Damascus, Syed Mullah Muhammad Wakedi writes that the Muslim forces endured extreme hardship during the war.
Hazrat Abu Obaida (radi Allah unhu) dreamed of the Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wa Sallam) near the end of the war. In the dream, the Beloved Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihe Wa Sallam) declared: Insha’Allah, the city will be conquered tonight. After this, the Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wa Sallam) expressed his desire to leave. At this Hazrat Abu Obaida (radi Allah unhu) humbly stated: Oh Prophet of Allah! (sallallahu alaihe wa sallam), you are leaving very soon.â The Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wa Sallam) replied: I have to attend the funeral prayer of Abu Bakr.â
The subsequent events confirmed the prophecies contained in the dream. Damascus was conquered on the very night Hazrat Abu Obaida (radi Allah unhu) dreamed the Beloved Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihe Wa Sallam). It also turned out that Hazrat Abu Bakr (radi Allah unhu) passed away on the same night.
In the morning, Hazrat Abu Obaida (radi Allah unhu) received the good news of the victory of Damascus from Hazrat Abu Huraira (radi Allah unhu). Hazrat Abu Obaida (radi Allah unhu) did not find it necessary to further confirm the victory of Damascus since he had already received the news earlier in his dream. Hazrat Abu Obaida (radi Allah unhu) entered Damascus on Monday, the 11th Jamadi-us-Sani in 13 Hijri.
Darhi Aur Moonch Kay Ahkam
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH): The Voice Of Truth, Tawheed
With eyes as bright as the shining sun, a reality on the lips more brilliant than the light of the sun, a heart fresher than the flowers of the gardens of Yathrib and Taif, habits and morals more decent than the moonlit nights of the Hejaz, a mind brisker than the strong winds, a captivating tongue, a heart with heavenly light, firm determination like a trenchant sword and heavenly words on the tongue — such was Muhammad (peace be upon him) son of Abdullah, the Prophet who destroyed the idols which had separated brothers from brothers. He did not break only the idols of wood and stone but also broke the idols of wealth, indecent habits, and party spirit.
The only thing which the cowardly Quraish desired was money should be transferred from the hands of the nomadic Arabs to their own pockets. The only value which they attached to life was that in order to earn profit they should travel through the desert on the back of the camels undergoing extreme hardships and then return to their hometown Makkah, the same Makkah which was the city of idol-worship, and where money was the only thing which counted. Suddenly they heard a voice that shook their nerves. Their hopes were shattered. The world turned away its face from them saying: “The value of a man is not the same which you have assessed and the object of the creation of the people is not the same which you think it to be.” This was the voice of Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Banu Asad and Banu Tamim were so foolish and ignorant that they buried their daughters alive without any cause. There was no justification for their doing so except that it was a custom that had survived amongst them. They were opposed to the Divine will. They hated the beauty of nature. And then they heard a voice, which was expressive of deep love and sympathy for the people saying: “Don’t bury your daughters alive. Daughters are as good the creation of Allah as the sons. No human being has a right to deprive others of life. It is only Allah who creates the people and makes them die.” This was the voice of Muhammad.
The Arabs, in the pre-Islamic era, (Jahiliyah) were always fighting. They fought and shed blood for years on account of very trivial things. They killed their own brothers and then rejoiced and glorified themselves on it. To sacrifice their lives for the sake of their own ignorance was something very ordinary for them. The children cried and screamed and grew up in conditions that were not conducive to the creation of love or sympathy for anyone in their minds. In these circumstances, they heard another voice which said “What are you doing? You kill one another although you are all brothers because all of you have been created by Allah. Strife is something satanic. Peace and friendship are more beneficial for you. The blessing for which you fight can’t be achieved except through peace.” This, too, was the voice of Muhammad (PBUH).
During the period of Jahiliyah, the Quraish were known for haughtiness and egotism. They considered the non-Arabs inferior to themselves. Not only this but they did not consider the non-Arabs even human beings. Muhammad (PBUH) disliked this attitude very much. Addressing these proud people he said: “No Arab is superior to a non-Arab unless he is more pious. Whether you like it or not all human beings are brothers of one another.” There were oppressed, homeless, and helpless persons whose faces had been scorched by the hot winds. Society had discarded them and made their lives miserable. They were more humble in the eyes of the people than the particles of sand and their life had become extremely unenviable. And these were the true friends of the Prophet of Islam, just as the indigent and outcasts of the society were the friends of Jesus Christ and other great men of the world.
It was these very people for whose benefit the Prophet of Islam endeavored to prevent the establishment of a dictatorship, disallowed slavery, freed man from the bondage of his fellowmen, and established the public treasury so that all might benefit from it without any discrimination. He directed the efforts of the people toward public welfare. He insisted on the Quraish, who were his kinsmen, at every step, that they should improve their conduct, do good deeds, and keep their attention directed wholeheartedly to Allah, who has united the scattered creation into a single whole. However, the Quraish instigated the ignorant persons as well as their own children to stone and ridicule him. The helpless, oppressed and homeless slaves among whom one was Bilal, the Muezzin of the Prophet, were over-joyful when they heard this: “All human beings are fed by Allah. He likes him most who is more helpful to His creatures.”
Those who were his enemies and stoned and ridiculed him heard these animated Divine words: “And by the mercy of Allah, you (O Muhammad) dealt with them gently. And had you been severe and harsh hearted, they would have broken away from about you; so pass over (their faults), and ask (Allah’s) Forgiveness for them, and consult them in the affairs. Then when you have taken a decision, put your trust in Allah, certainly, Allah loves those who put their trust (in Him).” (Qur’an: 3:159) This was the voice of Muhammad.
The following pure words were imprinted on the minds of those who were endeavoring in the path of Allah for a better life, and were ready to support him (Muhammad) in his campaign against idol worship and evil-doing, and were afraid lest their rights and good conduct might be wasted in the battlefield. “Remember! Don’t be treacherous. Don’t commit a breach of trust. Don’t kill either a child or a woman or an old man or a monk in a monastery. Don’t burn a date palm tree and don’t cut any tree nor pull down a building.” This voice was the voice of Muhammad. After hearing this heavenly voice from Muhammad, his Companions spread it in all the four corners of the world. They covered powerful rulers and kings with this voice, established brotherhood amongst human beings and strung them in one faith, and created the relationship between man and God.
The shade of Muhammad (PBUH) spread so much that the entire Old World came under it and the land from the east up to the west began producing the fruits of goodness, knowledge, peace, and friendship. The Prophet of Islam stretched his hand and sowed the seeds of friendship and brotherhood throughout the world. That hand is still stretched and is busy sowing the seeds. Hence, there is no part of the world wherein the followers of Muhammad (PBUH) are not found. One of them may be in Pakistan and the other may be in Spain, but in spite of this, both of them are treated to be under one and the same standard.
The Prophet provided honor and respect to the Orientals which is even now a shining crown on their heads. This voice of the Prophet was a call for human brotherhood. It stopped the hands of the rulers from reaching the property of the subjects and gave equal rights to all human beings. In his religion there is no discrimination between a common man, a ruler and a subject; an Arab and a non-Arab, because all human beings are the slaves of Allah and it is He who provides sustenance to all of them. This voice emancipated women from the oppression of men, freed the laborers from the injustice of the capitalists, and delivered the servants from the degradation of submission to their masters. As opposed to Plato and other philosophers, who deprive the workers of their social rights on account of their mean occupation and have divided the society into many grades, the Prophet of Islam made all human beings participate in the affairs of government. He also disallowed usury and exploitation of one man by another.
Do Mahboob Qatray Aur Do Qadam
Picking And Choosing From Deen..Is This Obedience?
Among some similarities between the plight that the Bani Israel underwent and today’s Muslims are undergoing: Humiliation at a collective level. Can you believe that the reasons are also the same as per the standards charted out in the Qur’an. A large part of both the communities display obedience to Allah’s law but are choosy in picking up the commandments and leaving the rest.
Surah al Baqarah says in its 86th verse: Then you believe in one part of the book and reject the rest? But most of the Muslims may argue that they believe in the whole Qu’ran and not partly. Let us not forget that Iman, Belief also means action, hence the entire book must be followed and not just a few comfortable verses. There is an example illustrated in the Qur’an. Let me help you in understanding.
Among the covenants that Allah took from the Bani Israel were two clauses: 1. Do not shed your own blood ( Do not kill your fellow believers ) 2. Do not drive your own people out of their houses into exile. ( Surah al Baqarah, verse 84 )
Years before Prophet Mohammed (PBUH ) was born, many Jews settled in Medina in search of the last Prophet to come. They knew that he would be reaching Medina after migration. The main two Jewish tribes were Banu an Nadir and Banu Quraiza. Both the tribes were each other’s enemy and assisted two warring Arab tribes, Aws and Khazraj. When the two Arab tribes fought each of these two tribes also fought with each other. Later, they collected money to free their own Bani Israelis from the enemy camp. e.g. The Banu Quraiza after fighting with Banu Nadir, gave money to set the Bani Nadi’s war captives free. Even the Arabs were surprised that, a few days back they fought with each other and now they were paying for each other’s ransom!
On being asked, the Jews used to say: we are commanded in the Law to give Fidya and set free our brothers in Judaism! What they disobeyed was not to shed blood and drive each other out. They obeyed one command of freeing the war captives but disobeyed the other two. They fought and killed each other and also drove out each other.
So Allah reminds it in verse number 87 of Surah Baqarah and asks “: What is the reward of those among you who behave like this, except a disgrace IN THIS WORLD? The Arabic word here is ” Khizyun ‘It means embarrassing humiliation that exposes weakness or faults in masses.
Many of us are into this habit of picking and choosing clauses of deen as per our own convenience. Some of us are fond of Hajj and Umrah but don’t mind if the incoming money is haram. Some sisters observe excellence in worship but don’t observe Hijab. Some of us are punctual in Majid but remain indulged in gheebah. Make a list of your own and see where each one of us falters…Deen is not of picking and choosing like goods from a Mall. Rather it is a way of life that includes the way of thinking, way of behaving, way of choosing and rejecting, and also an attitude that is guided by Allah.
Nisaar Nadiadwala