By Rumki Chowdhury
The first Muslim female politician was also the first female scholar of Islamic studies and history, who served the Muslim community even after 44 years following the passing of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It was her level of intelligence and memory that truly gained her recognition within the Muslim community who sought her wisdom to resolve their problems. This woman was also responsible for recording 2,210 hadiths relating to the Prophet’s ﷺ personal life, the Islamic laws of inheritance, sexual hygiene, pilgrimage and destiny or the last days of one’s life. Approximately 1.8 billion Muslims worldwide owe their knowledge of Islam to Aisha Bint Abu Bakr (614-678 AD) رضي الله عنها, the third wife of the Prophet ﷺ.
Moreover, her contributions have earned her the title, “Umm al-muminin” or “Mother of the Believers” and her position of wife of the Prophet ﷺ and daughter of the first caliphate, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنها earned her the title, “Al-Siddiq/Al-Siddiqa” or “The Truthful.”
It is, however, unfortunate that people are more concerned about how old Aisha was when she married the Prophet ﷺ rather than her admirable work. It is important to note that we are currently living in a different culture and society than they had lived in the past so marrying as a child or teenager was common at that time, including in Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. Moving forward, let us focus on Aisha’s رضي الله عنها extraordinary accomplishments and the legacy she has left behind, one that has shaped the pathway for not only Muslims, but also non-Muslims.
Aisha’s رضي الله عنها was born and raised in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, by two of the Prophet’s ﷺ most beloved companions, Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنها and Umm Ruman رضي الله عنها. They belonged to the Banū Taym tribe, one of the most influential and wealthy clans of the Quraysh.
Regardless, Aisha رضي الله عنها chose to live a simple, humble and impoverished life with the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who loved her dearly. One of his companions, Anas Ibn Malik عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَام asked the Prophet ﷺ, “O’ Messenger of Allah, who is the most beloved of people to you?” the Prophet ﷺ replied, “Aisha.” There is another account where on Eid, she wished to see Africans perform with spears so the Prophet ﷺ took her to see them. The Prophet ﷺ spent most of his time in Aisha’s رضي الله عنها room, lying down on her lap, chatting to her or reciting the Qur’an. That is also the room where the Prophet ﷺ died.
Aisha رضي الله عنها took it upon her to preserve the Qur’an by memorizing it, reciting it and teaching it to others. She also passed on Islamic teachings or hadith that included the technique of prayer or salah. The Prophet’s ﷺ companions also consulted her on matters that had to do with numbers because Aisha رضي الله عنها was an expert mathematician.
She was also gifted speaker: A Muslim commander by the name of Al-Ahnaf said, “I have heard speeches of Abu Bakr and Omar, Uthman and Ali and the Khalifa 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 A’isha.” It was this kind of eloquence that made her an exemplary political leader.
Furthermore, she was a healer. Whenever foreigners visited and shared their knowledge of medicine with the Prophet ﷺ, Aisha رضي الله عنها listened to them and remembered the information to use these treatments and remedies on her own community members.
Aisha رضي الله عنها asked questions and challenged mistakes, including leading an army, while on camelback, into war. This was known to be “The Battle of Basra” or “The Battle of the Camel.” However, this experience also led her to live her last days in Medina where she focused less on politics and more on the knowledge of the Qur’an and Hadith, and teaching others that knowledge.
Whenever Aisha رضي الله عنها received gifts, money or an allowance from her relatives, she gave it all away to charity, leaving herself nothing. Her level of humanity, kindness and generosity was immense and is admirable.
About the Author:
Rumki Chowdhury is Editor of World Hijab Day Organization. Moreover, she is a professional editor and an award-winning published author and poet. She has an MA in English Literature from Queen Mary University of London, a BA in English Writing from William Paterson University of New Jersey and an English Subject Teaching Degree from Gävle Högskolan in Stockholm, Sweden. She speaks Bengali and Swedish fluently! She has years of experience in the media and publishing worlds. Rumki lives with her husband and their three daughters.
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