A’ishah bint Abu Bakr or Aisha, known as the “Mother of Believers,” was the prophet Muhammad’s favorite wife. Her legacy, though, stretches far beyond that. Aisha was a pioneer in the history of Feminism, and expanded the prophet’s message after his death. She took part in the continuation of Muhammad’s teachings, diffusing Islam beyond its geographic and historical limits.
Aisha’s story –one of the prophet’s twelve wives– began at the tender age of six, when she married prophet Muhammad, who at the time was 54 years old. This age gap causes controversy to this day, since it questions the human nature of Islam’s founder, Muḥammad ibn Abd Allāh.
When the Prophet died, Aisha lived through four caliphates, including her father’s, Abu Bakr, the first caliph after Muhammad.
Aisha was the prophet’s youngest wife, a girl who in the seventh century was renamed the “Mother of the Believers.” She was one the one who held the reins, the right hand of the one responsible for transmitting God’s word on earth, and also the person responsible for ensuring the continuation of the Muslim legacy.
They married in 623 AD, although some writings state that during her childhood she stayed at her father’s house until she reached puberty and the marriage could be consummated.
There are voices against Islam that blame Muhammad of pederasty for having sex with a child. Arabic writings of the time prove that it was a common practice by the tribe men to acquire early aged women. Notwithstanding, it isn’t clear how old was Aisha when she lost her virginity.
You can read about Aisha’s life in Mother of the Believers a book by Kamran Pasha. He narrates the unexpected events this revolutionary woman experienced through a captivating chronicle, profusely well documented, which tells the story of how Islam first saw the light.
In Pasha’s words: In Mother of the Believers, I attempt to bring to life the remarkable voice of Aisha, the Prophet’s youngest wife, who was a scholar, a politician, and a military commander who led battles into Iraq. Aisha’s life single-handedly challenges the prevalent stereotype of the oppressed and submissive Muslim woman, and she remains a role model for Muslim feminists today.
The American Muslim Association considers this book a great account that fulfills the objective of effectively communicating muslims 5 W’s.
Aisha revealed during the third caliphate that she didn’t approve of the caliph Uthman Ibn Affan’s actions.
Although, she wasn’t in tune with his ideas, she didn’t agree with his assassination nor with the party of Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph. During this caliphate Aisha tried to avenge Uthman’s death by engaging in the Battle of the Camel.
Aisha took part in the battle lecturing and traveling on the rearguard seated in the saddle of a camel. Even if she lost the battle, her participation and determination caused a lasting impression.
MOTHER OF THE BELIEVERS
In different passages of the Quran, Aisha appears as the “Mother of the Believers”. Sunnis believe she played a crucial role in Islam history, during and after Muhammed’s life, as she ruled the roost in different episodes and was a valuable witness to many others. Shia, on the contrary, view her negatively. This branch of Islam points the finger at Aisha for defying Ali in the Battle of the Camel, when she fought his army in Basra, according to Shia Pen.
“Aisha contributed to the growth, development, and understanding of Islam. Being a role model to a significant amount of others added to her attributions as a consultant regarding Muhammad’s prayer and practices, soon introducing herself into a world of politics” –Excerpt from Muslim Names, a book by Adam Marlow.
In Muslim tradition, after Muhammad’s first wife, Khadija bint Khuwaylid, died before the migration to the city of Medina, Aisha is described as the most favored wife.
In her book, The Veil And The Male Elite: A Feminist Interpretation Of Women’s Rights In Islam, the writer Fatima Mernissi tells the story of a companion of Muhammad’s that asked him a question:
“Who is the person you love most in the world?”. To which he responded: “Aisha.”
Three professors give us more insight into their love story. Nadia Abbott, in her book Aishah The Beloved of Muhammad, explains how the prophet built Aisha’s apartment including a door that would open directly to the mosque. She also recounts, along with Ruth Roded in her book Women in Islamic Biographical Collections: From Ibn Sa’d to Who’s Who, that both would bathe together, and according to Sa’diyya Shaikh’s Encyclopedia of Islam & the Muslim World, Aisha would lie facing Muhammad while he prayed.
Other biographers give an account of Muhammad’s last days. When he got sick and believed he was about to die, Muhammad asked his wives to let him stay with Aisha. The prophet lived in her apartments until the end and took his last breath in the arms of his most beloved wife, Aisha.
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Islam, with its more than 1.7 billion parishioners around the world, is the second most important religion. The teachings started in 610 CE when the prophet Muhammad reported revelations he believed to be from God.
The religion is much more than bearded men in tunics and women covered from head to toe.
Islam inspired a remarkable culture that flourished in architecture and in the field of medicine, among others.
Translated by Laura Calçada
