HER EXAMPLE FOR US...WHO IS SHE?

We all have known that out of the wives that the prophet (pbuh) had, she enjoys a very important status. Her life is a proof that she was far more knowledgeable, well aware of tenants of Islam. She has been a source of inspiration for many during her times. Many of the learned companions of the Prophet and their followers benefitted from her knowledge.

She was one of three wives who memorized the Revelation. Like Hafsah (R.A), she had her own script of the Quran written after the Prophet had died. So far as the Ahadith or sayings of the Prophet is concerned, she is one of four persons (the others being Abu Hurayrah, Abdullah ibn Umar, and Anas ibn Malik) who transmitted more than two thousand sayings. Have you all guessed? Who is she? It is none other than Aisha (Radhiallahu anha).

The Prophet entered into marriage with Aisha (R.A) when she was six … and at the time [of joining his household] she was a girl of nine years of age. She died at the age of 67 and she was 18 when prophet (pbuh) died. She had lived with the prophet (pbuh) for not more than a decade. In her youth, already known for her formidable memory, she came under the care and attention of the Prophet (pbuh). As his wife and close companion, she acquired from him knowledge and insight such as no woman has ever acquired.

Men and women came from far of places to benefit from her knowledge. The number of women is said to have been greater than that of men. Some of her students were outstanding. Abu Musa al-Ashari once said: "If we companions of the Messenger of Allah had any difficulty on a matter, we asked Aisha about it."Many of the traits pertaining to personal behavior which only someone in Aisha (R.A) position could have learnt from Prophet (pbuh). 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. “Musa ibn Talha said: I never saw anyone more eloquent than Aisha.”

Her nephew Urwah asserts that Aisha (R.A) was proficient in her extensive understanding of Qur'an, Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), Islamic teachings and traditions (Sunnah), medicine (tibb) and poetry. Many of the senior companions of the Prophet came to her to ask for advice concerning questions of inheritance which required a highly skilled mathematical mind. Scholars regard her as one of the earliest fuqaha of Islam along with persons like Umar ibn al-Khattab, Ali and Abdullah ibn Abbas. The Prophet referring to her extensive knowledge of Islam is reported to have said: "Learn a portion of your religion (din) from this red colored lady." "Humayra" meaning "Red-coloured" was an epithet given to Aisha (R.A) by the Prophet.

Youth girls of today have their ideal as famous personalities from Glamour field including actor, actresses, sports personalities and others from different field. But one of the best ideal for all of us is definitely this sahaabiya and wife of our prophet (pbuh).

"The Messenger of Allah (pbuh) would say to `Aisha, (may Allah be pleased with her): "I know when you become angry or pleased of me" She said, "I asked, how could you know that?" He said, "When you are pleased, you say, "No, by the Lord of Muhammad and when you are angry, you say, "No, by the lord of Ibrahim"(Reported by Bukhari).

What is the reason for this behaviour to be included in bukhari? This behaviour of Aisha (R.A) was approved by prophet (pbuh) that is the reason why this hadith has been reported in the bukhari. The personality of Aisha (R.A) is an example for many of us. It teaches us several practices and how to deal with any situation. When we relate our lives and think for a while as to what the companions would do if they had been in our place... we would definitely get the answer. But the greatest concern is that we don’t relate it to them, nor do we relate it to Aakhiraah. May Allah help us achieve the qualities that this Mother of believer’s had. Ameen.