Aisha (R.A.) - A woman to be emulated - An inspiration to present day women Aisha (R.A.) is undoubtedly one of the greatest teachers produced by Islam. She belongs to the band of illustrious divines who carried on the work and mission of the Prophet (Sal.) after his demise, by interpreting and passing on his teachings. Among men, several names claim this distinction, but among women, Aisha (R.A's) is the only name. For full nine years she shared life with the Prophet (Sal.), getting more attention than any one else. This gave her almost as deep an insight into the mind of the Prophet (Sal.) as any of the closest and the oldest of his comlpanions could claim. Aisha (R.A.) was gifted with a wonderful memory. Added to this was the habit of careful observation. This enabled her to describe in minute detail experiences dating as far back as her childhood. These qualities made her a very important authority on Islamic law. The ultimate sources of law in Islam are the holy Qur'an and the Sunnah. The Holy Qur'an is the word of Allah. The Sunnah is the act or the word of the Prophet (Sal.). Many chapters of the Qur'an were revealed in Aisha (R.A's) home. Careful observation and strong memory enabled her to store in memory what the Prophet (Sal.) did and said on various occasions. These facts made her opinion on points of law highly respected. Once Abu Hurairah (R.A.) told people , "If a man stands in prayer and a woman or an ass or a dog passes in front of him, his prayer becomes void". When the report reached Aisha (R.A.), she exclaimed: "What does he mean? Is a woman no better than an ass or a dog? My apartment was so small that my bed lay right in front of the Prophet's prayer mat. He stood in prayer and I stretched in bed, my feet dangling over the prayer mat. When going to prostrate, he gave a gentle knock to my feet and I plulled them back. I stretched them out again. Some times necessity drove me to pass in front of them as he stood in prayer." This explanation compelled Abu Hurairah to take back his ruling. Aisha (R.A's) life demonstrates to what heights a Muslim woman can rise. Before the advent of Islam, a woman had no status in society. Nowhere in the world could she claim anything as a matter of right. Islam suddenly raised her to the greatest heights of human dignity. All the same, it insisted that a woman should retain the softness and the purity of her nature. Aisha (R.A's) example shows how this may be done. She was strict in observing the veil and the rules of the moral code and yet she played a vital role in the social, religioius and political life of her people. Aisha (R.A.) was a devout woman. In addition to the five obligatory prayers, she also said the pre-dawn and early forenoon prayers all her life. She frequently fasted even after the month of Ramadhan. Before the Prophet (Sal.) passed away, he was the undisputed ruler of the whole of Arabia . But his most favourite wife, Aisha (R.A.)gladly shared with him the life of semi-starvation, without a murmur. Aisha (R.A.) had no love for fine clothes. She had only one suit of clothes at a time. When this wore out, she got another. As soon as she got some money, she distributed it among the poor. Ill-will never entered Aisha (R.A's) heart, however great the provocation. Once an Egyptian called on her. "What type of man is your governor?", she asked. "He treats the people well", was the reply. "Whatever the treatment of this man toward my brother, Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr", remarked Aisha (R.A.), "I cannot help declaring that the Messenger of Allah said in my presence: 'O Allah! If a governor of my people is hard on them, Thou, too be hard on him,. But if he is kind to them, Thou, too, be kind to him'". The Prophet (Sal.) loved Aisha (R.A.) dearly. But his love for her was nothing compared to his devotion to Allah. Aisha (R.A.) herself has declared: "As soon as the call for prayer came, he rose up and walked off as if he had nothing to do with me"". The moment he stepped into the house, he repeated the words: "If a man gets two valleys full of gold, he is sure to crave for a third one. Dust alone can fill his belly. Allah has created different forms of wealth that we give thanks to Him and help the poor. Allah leans towards the person who leans towards Him." This constant declaration was meant to remind his family that worldly riches don't count for much. The Prophet (Sal.) and Aisha (R.A.) often spent a whole night in prayer. Both stood up in prayer, weeping and asking Allah's forgiveness. This had a profound effect on Aisha (R.A) . So much so that even after the death of the Prophet (Sal.), praying and fasting were two acts of ibadat (devotion) dearest to her.
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