Book Review: Aisha: The Wife, The Companion, The Scholar
Book Name: Aisha: The Wife, The Companion, The Scholar
Author: Reşit Haylamaz
There is much literature on the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), the Mothers of the Believers (RA). I was gifted this book and began reading it soon after. The author was able to capture an inside scope of how life was in the time of the Prophet (SAW) through the eyes of his wife Aisha (RA). The book is well written and organized in a way that illustrates the Seerah in an orderly manner. For example, experiences that Aisha (RA) went through were stated in the way they fell on the timeline. What I loved most about this book is that it would use hadith narrated by Aisha (RA) herself as it went along. It was amazing to put a situation that was happening in that time and what she had narrated together.
The book captured her personality traits and character well. She was modest, intelligent, and wise. She was known for her great memory. She listened and learned the Qur’an from a very young age. Her father was Abu Bar (RA) so she grew up in Islam. She was married to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and got to experience revelation at first hand. Her memory was a gift from Allah SWT as she was able to absorb knowledge very quickly. She was one of the top five who narrated the most hadith.
Growing up in Islam and in the household of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), she developed an intellect like no other. She was able to make decisions and give advice. She gave advice to women and to men. There were times when women would ask Muhammad (SAW) questions through her as they were too shy. She would relay their questions and concerns and give them the advice she was told.
The book portrayed Aisha (RA)’s role as a wife. It showed how important she was as a Mother of Islam. Her marriage to the Prophet (SAW) was one of the biggest gifts to Islam. She helped carry on the legacy. It showed her selflessness and how she was very giving. She lived in a small room and was content. She gave any gifts and wealth she had to those in need.
Overall, the author did an amazing job portraying her as a person who we can look up to and who’s character we should replicate. They connected you to the time as if you were experiencing it in real time. I would highly recommend reading this book. It really helps paint a picture and is an enjoyable read. It really inspired me and I hope to read it again in the future, Insha’Allah.