Ayesha bint Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنها) was born in Makkah in 613 CE, around five years after the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ began receiving revelation. She was the daughter of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA), the Prophet’s closest companion and the first Caliph of Islam. Her mother, Umm Ruman (RA), was a devout and righteous woman. Ayesha (RA) grew up in a household distinguished by its piety, virtue, and steadfast commitment to Islam.
She was brought up in an environment rooted in faith and devotion. As a young girl, she developed a sharp intellect and remarkable memory, traits that would later serve the Ummah for generations.
Marriage to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
Ayesha (RA) married the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ in 1 AH (623 CE) in Madinah. Though the marriage was contracted earlier, she began living with the Prophet ﷺ a few years later. She was the only Unmarried Woman that the Prophet ﷺ married and was known to be his most beloved wife after Khadijah (RA).
The Prophet ﷺ was open in expressing his deep affection for her. When asked who he loved most, he replied, “Ayesha.” Her close companionship with the Prophet ﷺ allowed her to observe and learn from him intimately, making her a unique transmitter of his teachings and actions.
Her Role in Hadith and Islamic Scholarship
Sayyidah Ayesha (RA) is among the top narrators of Hadith, having reported over 2,200 authentic narrations. Her narrations cover a wide range of topics including:
(a) Worship and ritual acts
(b) Family and marital life
(c) Legal matters (fiqh)
(d) Ethics and character of the Prophet ﷺ
Her house became a center of learning after the Prophet’s passing. Many companions and successors would come to her for clarification on religious matters, especially those related to women, family law, and the Prophet's private life—areas where her knowledge was unmatched.
She corrected misunderstandings, debated with scholars, and even issued fatwas (legal rulings). Among her notable students were:
(a) Urwah ibn al-Zubayr
(b) Qasim ibn Muhammad
(c) Abu Salamah ibn Abdur Rahman
Her depth of understanding led Imam al-Zuhri and others to say, "If the knowledge of all women were combined, the knowledge of Ayesha would surpass them all."
Political Involvement and the Battle of the Camel
Ayesha (RA) was also engaged in the political affairs of the Muslim community after the Prophet’s ﷺ death. One of the most significant and controversial events was her involvement in the Battle of the Camel during the caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA). Though her intention was to mediate and seek justice for the assassination of Caliph Uthman (RA), the situation escalated into conflict.
Later, she deeply regretted the outcome and withdrew from political life, dedicating the rest of her years to worship and teaching.
Character and Personal Traits
Ayesha (RA) was known for her:
[1] Sharp intellect
[2] Eloquence in speech
[3] Keen memory
[4] Deep piety and devotion
She was outspoken, courageous, and never hesitated to speak the truth. Her commitment to justice and her role in preserving the Prophet’s teachings earned her immense respect among the scholars and companions.
Her Final Years and Legacy
Ayesha (RA) lived for nearly 47 years following the passing of the Prophet ﷺ and died in the month of Ramadan in 58 AH (678 CE) at the age of 65, during the rule of Caliph Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan. She was laid to rest in Jannat al-Baqi‘, the revered cemetery in Madinah, alongside other distinguished companions.
Legacy and Achievements
Recognized as one of the greatest female scholars in Islamic history.
[1] A key source of Hadith, contributing to the preservation of the Prophet's Sunnah.
[2] Played a pivotal role in developing Islamic jurisprudence, especially in issues concerning women and family life.
[3] A role model for Muslim women in terms of knowledge, leadership, modesty, and courage.
Referred to as
Sayyidah Ayesha bint Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنها) stands as a towering figure in Islamic history—not just as the beloved wife of the Prophet ﷺ, but as a scholar, teacher, and leader in her own right. Her life continues to inspire millions across the world, reminding us of the importance of knowledge, integrity, and devotion to Allah and His MessengerUmm al-Mu’minin (Mother of the Believers) by divine command in the Qur’an- (Surah Al-Ahzab 33:6)