An Exemplary Woman

Aisha bint Abu Bakr al-Siddiq is an outstanding example of Islamic scholarship. She was the wife of the Prophet of Islam and lived for nearly fifty years after his death. Throughout this long period, she continued to pass on the wisdom and teachings of Islam. In an age before modern recording methods, she became a living repository of the Prophet’s teachings. Her knowledge and understanding of Islam were so deep that even the Prophet’s Companions travelled from distant places to seek guidance from her.

Aisha’s life offers an inspiring example for women everywhere. She chose a life of great simplicity and remained content with little in material and financial matters. This enabled her to benefit fully from her companionship with the Prophet. She devoted herself to learning the religion directly from him. As a result, after his death, she continued for many years to teach and guide others.

The same opportunity remains open to all women. Those who adopt a simple way of life and devote themselves to acquiring religious knowledge may also receive God’s help and become a source of blessing to others, just as Aisha was in her time. (Al-Risala, February 2008)