ՙĀ՚ishah bint Abī Bakr
ՙĀ՚ishah bint Abī Bakr was a prominent historical figure in early Islamic history, known for her close relationship with the Prophet Muḥammad, whom she married in 624 CE. As the daughter of Abū Bakr, one of Muḥammad's closest companions, her marriage served to strengthen political ties within the nascent Muslim community. She is often described as Muḥammad's most beloved wife and played a significant role in his life, being present during key events, including the Battle of Uhud and his last pilgrimage.
After Muḥammad’s death in 632 CE, she became politically active, notably opposing the third caliph, ՙUthmān ibn ՙAffān, and later engaging in the Battle of the Camel against the fourth caliph, ՙAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib. Despite facing personal challenges, including accusations of infidelity and her defeat in the battle, she is regarded as a significant figure for her contributions to Islamic scholarship, particularly in her understanding of the Qur՚n and her role as a transmitter of the Prophet's teachings. Her command of the Arabic language and knowledge of pre-Islamic customs further established her as an influential voice in early Islamic discourse.
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Subject Terms
ՙĀ՚ishah bint Abī Bakr
Related civilizations: Islam, Arabia.
Major role/position: Scholar
Life
ՙĀ՚ishah bint Abī Bakr was the daughter of Abū Bakr, the prophet Muḥammad’s closest supporter, and was married to Muḥammad in Medina in 624 c.e. partly to solidify that support. As a child, ՙĀ՚ishah had played with her friends in her father’s courtyard and later in Muḥammad’s house. She became his most beloved spouse (she was his third of several, in keeping with the Muslim tradition), and although she had little effect on his religious thought or political acts, he trusted her so completely that, when she was once accused of being unfaithful, he castigated her accusers rather than doubting her. She participated in the Battle of Uhud (625 c.e.) and served at the back lines attending the wounded. She also accompanied the Prophet in his last pilgrimage. The Prophet spent his last days in May, 632 c.e., at her dwelling and died in her arms. She was eighteen and childless.
About a decade later, she became politically active, stirring opposition against the third caliph, ՙUthmān ibn ՙAffān (r. 644-656 c.e.). She also opposed his successor, ՙAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib, during the Battle of Camel (656 c.e.), so called for the camel she rode during the battle.
Two incidents in her life gave her grave sorrow. One was the search for her lost onyx necklace during an expedition with Muḥammad, which made her fall behind the army returning from the Bani al-Mustaliq campaign and thus become subject to the slander of hypocrites; it ended in the revelation of nine verses that safeguard the chastity of all women and men alike who might be subject to slander at any time (Qur՚n XXIV/11-20). The second was the Battle of Camel, which ended in her defeat by her opponent ՙAlī, who nevertheless treated her with respect and sent her back to Medina.
Influence
ՙĀ՚ishah’s command of the Arabic language, poetry, history, genealogy, and the customs of pre-Islamic Arabia made her instrumental in comprehending the sayings of Muḥammad and transmitting them to the next generations. She is considered an important exegete of the Qur՚n.
Bibliography
Abbott, Nabia. Aishah: The Beloved of Mohammed. 1942. Reprint. London: Al Saqi, 1985.
Kennedy, Hugh. The Prophet and the Age of the Caliphates. London: Longman, 1986.
Spellberg, D. A. Politics, Gender, and the Islamic Past: The Legacy of ՙĀ՚ishah bint Abī Bakr. New York: Columbia University Press, 1994.