SHE IS Ā’ISHAH! By: Umm ‘Affān

 FAJR REMINDER: SHE IS Ā’ISHAH!

By: Umm ‘Affān

Rajab 6, 1447 (27-December-2025)

Previously, I touched upon the remarkable figure of Ā’ishah (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha) briefly, but I would like to delve deeper into her life. She was the beloved wife of our Prophet (ﷺ) following the passing of his first wife, Khadījah Bint Khuwaylid (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha).

Her name, Ā’ishah, is derived from the Arabic word Ā’ish, which means “living.” The name is often given to a girl with the hope that she will live a long and healthy life. The Prophet (ﷺ) affectionately referred to her as “Ā’ish!”

In a notable instance, he (ﷺ) said to her: “O Ā’ishah, here is Angel Jibrael sending you greetings (of peace).” To which Ā’ishah responded, “And upon him be peace, the mercy of Allāh, and His Blessings. You see what I do not see.” [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6249, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2447] Allāh Akbar! This reflects her elevated status. Furthermore, he (ﷺ) often called her “O Bint Aṣ-Ṣiddīq” and sometimes “Ḥumayrā’,” a term referring to her lighter complexion.

Ā’ishah was born in Makkah four years after the Prophet’s (ﷺ) mission began. She was the daughter of ‘Abdullāh Ibn ‘Uthmān, better known as Abū Bakr Aṣ-Ṣiddīq (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu), and Umm Rūmān Bint ‘Āmir Ibn ‘Uwaymir (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anha). Both were among the pioneers in embracing Islām and shared a close relationship with the Prophet (ﷺ), often welcoming him into their home. Her father was a close friend and companion of the Prophet.

As a result, Ā’ishah grew up immersed in Islām from infancy, acquiring substantial knowledge in the Qur’ān, Sunnah, and Fiqh, which led her to become one of the greatest Muslim scholars in history. Abū Mūsā (Raḍiyallāhu ‘Anhu) narrated: “We never encountered a problem that arose among us, the companions of the Messenger of Allāh (ﷺ), without consulting Ā’ishah, who always had something valuable to share.” [Sunan At-Tirmidhī 3883]

In addition to her religious knowledge, Ā’ishah was renowned for her expertise in medicine, history, and poetry.

I beseech Allāh to shower His special Mercy upon our mother, Ā’ishah. Aameen.