Aisha Mother of the Believers |
|
---|---|
Native name | (Arabic): عائشة |
Born |
‘Ā’ishah bint Abī Bakr c. 613/614 CE Mecca, Hejaz, Arabia
(present-day Saudi Arabia) |
Died | 13 July 678 / 17 Ramadan 58 AH (aged 64) Medina, Hejaz, Arabia
(present-day Saudi Arabia) |
Resting place |
Jannat al-Baqi, Medina, Hejaz, Arabia (present-day Saudi Arabia) |
Spouse(s) |
Muhammad (m. 619 – 8 June 632) |
Parent(s) |
Abu Bakr (father) Umm Ruman (mother) |
Military career | |
Battles/wars |
‘Ā’ishah bint Abī Bakr (613/614 – 678 CE;Arabic: عائشة transliteration: ‘Ā’ishah [ʕaːʔɪʃa], also transcribed as A'ishah, Aisyah, Ayesha, A'isha, Aishat, Aishah, or Aisha /ˈɑːiːˌʃɑː/) was one of Muhammad's wives. In Islamic writings, her name is thus often prefixed by the title "Mother of the Believers" (Arabic: أمّ المؤمنين umm al-mu'minīn), per the description of Muhammad's wives in the Qur'an.
Aisha had an important role in early Islamic history, both during Muhammad's life and after his death. In Sunni tradition, Aisha is thought to be scholarly and inquisitive. She contributed to the spread of Muhammad's message and served the Muslim community for 44 years after his death. She is also known for narrating 2210 hadiths, not just on matters related to the Prophet's private life, but also on topics such as inheritance, pilgrimage, and eschatology. Her intellect and knowledge in various subjects, including poetry and medicine, were highly praised by early luminaries such as al-Zuhri and her student Urwa ibn al-Zubayr.
Her father, Abu Bakr, became the first caliph to succeed Muhammad, and after two years was succeeded by Umar. During the time of the third caliph Uthman, Aisha had a leading part in the opposition that grew against him, though she did not agree either with those responsible for his assassination nor with the party of Ali. During the reign of Ali, she wanted to avenge Uthman's death, which she attempted to do in the Battle of the Camel. She participated in the battle by giving speeches and leading troops on the back of her camel. She ended up losing the battle, but her involvement and determination left a lasting impression. Afterwards, she lived quietly in Medina for more than twenty years, took no part in politics, became reconciled to Ali and did not oppose caliph Mu'awiya.