Known For: Extensive knowledge of Islam and Islamic jurisprudence; hadith transmitter; social and military leader of the Muslim community
Dates: Hijri 614-678 (AH)
Country: Saudi Arabia

About

Aisha bint Abu Bakr was the voice of authority for many of the hadith known today and she was responsible for the transmission of thousands of sayings after the Prophet Muhammad’s death. 

Aisha was the daughter of Abu Bakr, one of the Prophet Muhammad’s closest companions and one of the first converts to Islam.  Aisha was contracted to the Prophet Muhammad at an age given variously as between 9 and 12 years, although her marriage was not consummated until after puberty (usually given as between 12 and 16 years of age), at which point she became marriageable according to the standards of the 7th century Arabia. Aisha’s marriage was seen as a political move in order to tie Muhammad to Abu Bakr’s family.

During their marriage, Aisha and the Prophet developed a close relationship, and some sources describe her as his favorite wife.  It was in Aisha’s arms that the Prophet died in 632 CE.

After his death, Aisha’s role in the Muslim community became increasingly important. She led an army against Ali, the Fourth Caliph, in 656CE. After her defeat at the Battle of the Camel, Aisha was placed under house arrest, where she spent the rest of her life engaged in scholarly pursuits and religious instruction. Many of her pupils eventually became authoritative voices in the transmission of hadith.