Aisha Bint Abu Bakr (RA) stands out as one of the most famous wives of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), known for her incredible personality and invaluable contributions to Islam. Her life isn’t just part of history but a source of inspiration for all of us.
In this blog, we will take a closer look at the life of Aisha Bint Abu Bakr (RA), her role in our Prophet’s (PBUH) life, and the qualities that made her truly exceptional.
Her Early Life
She was born in Makkah about four years after Muhammad (PBUH) became a prophet. She was the daughter of the closest companion of the Prophet (PBUH), Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) and Umm Ruman (RA). She belonged to the Banu Taym tribe of Quraysh and grew up as a Muslim.
She used to enjoy swinging and playing with dolls. Once when the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) returned from the expedition to Tabuk or Khaybar, a gust of wind lifted the curtain in front of Aisha’s (RA) storeroom. This revealed some dolls that belonged to her. Among them, he saw a horse with wings made of rags, and asked, ‘A horse with two wings?’ She replied, ‘Have you not heard that Solomon (AS) had horses with wings? The Prophet (PBUH) laughed so heartily that she could see his molar teeth. (Sunan Abi Dawud, 4932) This incident reveals that she was brilliant and quick-witted.
Her Marriage to Our Beloved Prophet (PBUH)
Aisha (RA) was the third and the youngest wife of the Messenger of Allah (PBUH). The Holy Prophet (PBUH) married her by the commands of Allah. It is narrated by Aisha (RA) that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) told her,
‘You were shown to me twice in (my) dream. Behold, a man 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 Al-Bukhari, 7011)
She lived happily with our beloved Prophet (PBUH) and supported him in spreading the message of Islam. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to call her ‘Humaira’ (reddish) because of her fair complexion and rosy cheeks. She was playful and often raced with our beloved Prophet (PBUH).
Once the Prophet (PBUH) wanted to even the score after previously losing a race to Aisha (RA). These two races happened at different times, with Aisha winning the first one. When the chance for a rematch came, the Prophet (PBUH) won and playfully reminded Aisha, saying, ‘This is for that (first) race!’ This is just one of many examples that encourage today’s couples to engage in fun activities like racing to bring joy to their relationships.
She stood by our beloved Prophet (PBUH) through thick and thin. There were months when they had little to eat and survived only on dates and water. Urwa reported that Aisha (RA) told him,
‘O, my nephew! We used to see the crescent, and then the crescent and then the crescent in this way we saw three crescents in two months and no fire (for cooking) used to be made in the houses of Allah's Messenger (PBUH). I said, ‘O my aunt! Then what use to sustain you?’ Aisha said, ‘The two black things: dates and water.’
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, 2567)
Today, if we don’t have food in our homes, I don’t think we would last a week. How many of us can bear patience with our spouses when they don’t have much? Aisha’s (RA) patience and resilience truly make her an outstanding and remarkable example for all of us.
Looking for inspiration from remarkable women in Islam? Our curated collection of Islamic books is filled with valuable lessons to help you live a meaningful life. Explore and shop now!
Some Unique Facts about Aisha Bint Abu Bakr (RA)
Here are some unique facts about Aisha (RA) that distinguish her from all other women:
1. She was the Only One Who was Unmarried Before Marrying the Prophet (PBUH).
While all of the Prophet’s (PBUH) other wives had been married before, Aisha (RA) was the only one who entered marriage with him as her first spouse.
2. After Khadija (RA), She was the Most beloved Woman to the Prophet (PBUH).
The relationship between Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his companions was full of kindness and respect. However, his love for some individuals stood out profoundly. One of them was his wife, Aisha (RA), who was very dear to him after Khadija (RA), as shown in the following hadith:
Narrated Amr bin Al-As,
‘I came to the Prophet (PBUH) and asked, ‘Who is the most beloved person to you?’ He said, 'Aisha.’ I asked, ‘Among the men?’ He said, ‘Her father…’’
(Translation of Sahih Bukhari, Book 57)
3. She was the Most Knowledgeable among the Women.
After the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Aisha (RA) played an important role in spreading Islamic knowledge. She had an excellent memory and used it to memorise many hadiths. She even narrated 2210 Ahadith (the Prophet’s (PBUH) sayings). She became a teacher of scholars and experts and helped teach Islam to women, men, and children.
Abu Musa (RA) narrated,
‘Never was a Hadith unclear to us - the Companions of the Messenger of Allah - and we asked 'Aishah, except that we found some knowledge concerning it with her.’
(At-Tirmidhi, 3883)
Aisha's (RA) strong desire to learn, her love for gaining knowledge, and her excellent memory helped her become a great scholar. Did you know she was proficient not only in Islamic law and teachings but also in medicine and poetry? Urwah bin Az Zubair (Aisha’s nephew) said,
‘I have not sat with anyone more well-versed in judiciary verdicts, history of the pre-Islamic era, poetry or medicine than ‘Aaisha (RA).’
(Ilaamul Muwaqqieen by Ibn Al Qayyim – Vol.1)
4. The Only Woman Whose Chastity Was Declared by the Quran.
You may or may not have heard of the slander incident. Aisha (RA) once accompanied our beloved Prophet (PBUH) on a campaign and was travelling with a caravan. When the order was given to return from Banu Mustaliq, Aisha (RA) was not in her tent because she had gone to look for a necklace she had lost (a gift from her mother).
When she realised that the army convoy had left without her, she stayed behind and sat down to rest, hoping someone would return to get her once they noticed she was missing. It was night, and she fell asleep. The next morning, Safwan ibn Al-Muattal (RA) found her and brought her back to the Prophet (PBUH).
The leader of the hypocrites, Abdullah bin Ubayy, saw this as an opportunity to accuse Aisha (RA) and spread false rumours about her being unfaithful. Aisha (RA) was in extreme pain and sadness for a whole month because of the false rumours spread about her.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Aisha’s (RA) parents heard about it but never told her anything. In fact, the Prophet (PBUH) knew for sure that Aisha (RA), his wife, was innocent and free from such accusations. This is when Allah clearly declared her innocence in verses of Surah An-Nur 11-17.
‘Indeed, those who came up with that (outrageous) slander are a group of you. Do not think this is bad for you. Rather, it is good for you. They will be punished, each according to their share of the sin.’
(Surah An-Nur, verse 11)
After this revelation, our Prophet (PBUH) was overjoyed and said,
‘Aisha! Thank Allah, for Allah has declared your innocence.’
(Sahih Al-Bukhari, 2661)
You can imagine her position and status as it was Allah who defended her. The verse and this incident also gave the rule for adultery, which is that four witnesses are needed to prove it.
5. Our Beloved Prophet (PBUH) Passed Away in Her House.
Aisha (RA) had the honour of being with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his final moments. He passed away in her house. Ibn Abu Mulaika narrated,
'Aisha said, The Prophet died in my house on the day of my turn while he was leaning on my chest closer to my neck...Abd ur Rahman came with a Siwak and the Prophet was too weak to use it so I took it, chewed it and then (gave it to him and he) cleaned his teeth with it.’
(Translation of Sahih Bukhari, book 53)
The Prophet (PBUH) was laid to rest in Aisha's chamber, with his grave situated in the southern part of the 'Sacred Chamber.'
Conclusion
After Khadija (RA) and Fatima (RA), Aisha (RA) is regarded as the best woman in Islam from the family of our beloved Prophet (PBUH). She was deeply connected to the Prophet (PBUH). Their marriage was built on love, respect, and understanding. She was always content with her simple life and always grateful for what she had. She never spoke ill of anyone and was known for being kind, generous, and humble.
In short, the life of Aisha (RA) is proof that women can be scholars and they can be far more learned than men. Are you doubting your potential to achieve greater things? Take inspiration from the life stories of our mothers (Ummul Mumineen) and make a positive difference. The sky is the limit!
Selling at Riwaya
Do you sell Islamic books and looking for an opportunity to reach a wider Muslim community?
If yes, then we’ve got great news for you. At Riwaya, we support Islamic businesses just like yours by providing access to the UK’s largest online Islamic marketplace. With 100s of sellers already on board and 100000s monthly visitors, your brand can reach a huge market of Muslim customers. On top of that, we handle everything from marketing campaigns to SEO and secure payments so you can focus on what you do best: selling your amazing products!
So, what are you waiting for? Join us today and start earning thousands in monthly sales!
