Hazrat Aisha (RA) was born in Makkah in 613 or early 614 CE. Her parents were Umm Roman Zainab (RA) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), the Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) closest companion and the first caliph of Islam. Hazrat Ayesha (RA) is a role model for all women; she was a wise and strong woman with a distinct and appealing personality.
MARRIAGE OF HAZRAT AISHA (RA) WITH THE HOLY PROPHET (PBUH)
Hazrat Aisha (RA) was the third wife of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). According to studies she married to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) at the age of 6, while some scholars believe that the age of Hazrat Aisha (RA) at the time of her marriage was 9 or 10.
Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) once saw a dream in which an angel gifted him something covered in silk and when the Holy Prophet removed the silk from it, it was Hazrat Ayesha (RA), the Prophet (PBUH) asked the angel what is it, the angel told him that it is your wife.
Hazrat Ayesha (RA) once mentioned:
‘Allah’s Messenger (S.A.W.) said (to me)’
“You were shown to me twice in (my) dream. Behold, a man (Angel) was carrying you in a silken piece of cloth and said to me, “She is your wife, so uncover her,’ and behold, it was you. I would then say (to myself), ‘If this is from Allah, then it must happen. “(Sahih Bukhari: 7011)
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) married Hazrat Ayesha (RA) in the month of Shawwal after the battle of Badar. She spent a very simple and modest life with the Holy Prophet (PBUH). The house in which she lived with the Prophet (PBUH) was just made of clay and palm trees. The room just had a mattress of palm trees and a curtain of hair.
LOVE OF THE HOLY PROPHET (PBUH) FOR HAZRAT AYESHA (RA)
Hazrat Ayesha (RA) was an ideal wife. She supported the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in every thick and thin of life. She supported him in every phase of his life and never left the Holy Prophet (PBUH) alone in hardships and suffering.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) cherished Hazrat Ayesha (RA) with an intense fondness. She was one of the Prophet’s most cherished wives, and he frequently praised her moral qualities, wit, and commitment to Islam. At an early age, the Prophet (peace be upon him) wed Hazrat Ayesha (RA), and their union served as an example of love, adoration, and respect for one another.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to frequently exhibit his love for Hazrat Ayesha (RA) by spending time with her, asking her opinion on significant issues, and doing both verbal and physical acts of affection. He frequently referred to her as “A’ish,” a sweet nickname, and showered her with presents and love.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) praised the intelligence, character, and personality of his wife Hazrat Ayesha (RA) at several events.
Some of the famous sayings of the Holy Prophet for his wife Ayesha (RA) are:
- “Ayesha is the most beloved of my wives to me, and the most beloved of all women.” (Tirmidhi)
- “May Allah have mercy on Ayesha. She was always the first to do good deeds.” (Bukhari)
- “Ayesha is the daughter of truthfulness.” (Tirmidhi)
ROLE OF HAZRAT AISHA (RA) IN SPREADING ISLAM
Hazrat Ayesha (RA) was famous for his vast knowledge, wisdom, and intelligence. She was considered one of the intelligent scholars of the time and many companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) seek her help in various Islamic matters. She also played a vital role in narrating the hadiths and narrated over 2000 hadiths of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
Not only she provided her mental services to Islam but also participated in several Islamic events physically and emotionally. She played an active role in several political and social affairs of the Muslim community, especially after the death of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). She participated in the battle of Jamal and the civil war between Caliph Ali and Muawiyah which showed that she was highly committed to the betterment of the Islamic community.
Hazrat Ayesha (RA) also laid hands in helping the needy and deserving people. She was a generous lady and was always ready to help those who were in need. She also used her wealth in the formation of mosques and other religious institutions.
LIFE OF HAZRAT AISHA AFTER THE DEMISE OF THE HOLY PROPHET (PBUH)
Hazrat Ayesha (RA) always helped the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in his goal of spreading Islam and helped him in every regard.
Even after the death of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) she did not stop and continued working on the mission of spreading Islamic teachings.
She was a supporter of the four Caliphs of Islam and guided them in various affairs with his intelligence and knowledge about Islam.
Moreover, she accompanied them on various journeys and Islamic campaigns. She participated in many social and political events and always played an important role in the welfare and progress of the Islamic community.
SAYING OF THE QURAN ABOUT HAZRAT AISHA (RA)
When the enemies of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) accused Hazrat Ayesha (RA) of committing Zina and raised fingers at the character of Hazrat Ayesha (RA), ALLAH (SWT) helped Hazrat Ayesha (RA) and sent revelation on the Holy Prophet (PBUH) proving the innocence of Hazrat Ayesha (RA).
The 11-21 verses of Surah Noor were revealed proving that Hazrat Ayesha was innocent and had not committed any sin.
When the revelation ended, the Holy Prophet was very happy and said to Ayesha (RA):
“Glad tidings O Aisha! Allah acquitted you and stated that you were free and away from that slander.”(Muslim, ibid, Vol. 8)
DEATH OF HAZRAT AYESHA (RA)
On Ramadan 17, 58 AH (about 678 CE), in Medina, Saudi Arabia, Hazrat Ayesha (RA) passed away. At the time of her passing, she was 64 years old. Before her death, Hazrat Ayesha had been ill for a few days, and her health had gotten worse over time. She prayed and recited the Quran until her final moments despite her condition. She is buried in Jannat –al –Baqi.
FINAL WORDS
She was one of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) most well-known companions and had significantly influenced the growth of Islam. She had been a key figure in the early years of Islam and was well-known for her expertise and education.