O Level Islamiat P1 First Muslim Community Scribes of Divine Revelation, Ashrah Mubasharah, Mother of Faithful, Significance of Hazrat Ayesha RA
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Q. Describe the work carried out by the
a. Scribes of the Prophet(S) in writing down the revelations?
The Scribes of the Holy Prophet(S) used to learn the revelations which came to the Holy Prophet(S) by Allah. The companions used to listen fresh recitations and Zaid bin Sabith used to recall it in front of the Holy Prophet(S) as his accent was clear which was liked by him – The companions used to write down some revelations on leather pieces, scapula bones, palm leaves, stones, tree trunks, walls etc which were later on collected by Zaid bin Sabith in the period of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) to compile them in a book form. The four Caliphs who were the closest companions of the Holy Prophet (S) as Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), Hazrat Umar Farooq (RA), Hazrat Usman Ghani (RA) and Hazrat Ali (RA), they had also worked as great scribes of the Holy Prophet(S). The work was written by them as Holy Prophet(S) did not know how to read and write. There were 40 permanent scribes. Holy Prophet(S) had specifically chosen some of his companions for writing revelations. He would immediately send for the other when one was absent.
b. Why was the task performed significant?
It was significant as Holy Prophet(S) could not read and write so it was written by the Scribes. The fear of the loss of Holy Quran was reduced as the compilation was done. After the death of Holy Prophet(S) the need appeared to write them down in the form of a book and send it to areas where Islam had spread. The collection of verses on different things was Important because it helped during the time of martyrdom of 360 “Huffaz-e-Quran” that a final decision was taken to compile it. It was also compiled because it was necessary to be a complete code of life for future generations, also to stop all conflicts in Recitation and Meaning.
c. What was the part played by Zaid bin Thabith in compiling the revelations?
Zaid bin Thabith was a great interpreter of the Holy Prophet(S) who knew different languages as Hebrew, Arabic and Syriac. He was called by the Caliph Hazrat Abu Bakr when 360 Huffaz-e-Quran were martyred during the Battle of Yamamah. He addressed
“It would be easy task to move a mountain rather than compilation of the Holy Quran”.
He collected the verses from the parchments, scapula bones, stones, palm leaves and also wrote the verses learnt by companions, then he properly arranged them in order as Holy Prophet(S) used to tell him after every revelation where the verse would be added, how many Surahs & Paras will be of the Holy Quran.
During the period of Hazrat Usman, Hazrat Zaid bin Thabith was called because the Governor of Basra, Huzzaifa told him that the newly converted people in different areas were reciting the Holy Quran in different accent which could change its meanings. Therefore Zaid Bin Thabith who had the proper accent which was clear to understand, was given the task of marking punctuations for proper pronunciations. After this the problem was solved because the previous copies were burnt.
Q. What is the difference between Imamat and Khilafat?
In literal terms, Khilafat signifies the one who follows, but in the terminology of Islamic Shariah, it refers to the person whose authority as a ruler of Islamic territories is confirmed by the general „bait‟. He is appointed as the leader of Muslim Ummat to use the delegated authority of man in the light of Sunnah and Quran for the communities‟ welfare. They themselves led simple lives and served the Ummat. They never closed the doors of their houses. They disguised themselves to search for the problems of the people. They were answerable for their work and deeds to the people as they were elected by them.
The children and the grandchildren of the Prophet hold great importance. The Muslims hold his daughter Fatima, her husband, Ali and their sons Hassan and Hussain in high esteem.
“And Allah only wishes to remove all abomination from you, members of the family, Ahl-e-Bait and to make you pure and spotless”.
These five are considered as “People of the Cloak” i.e. Ahl-al-Kisa”.
The Holy Prophet said
“I am at war with whoever fights against Ali, Fatima, Hassan and Hussain and at peace with whoever is at peace with them”.
The male members of the Prophet(S) family are considered as Imams or Spiritual Leaders. They are sinless and infallible, having a status that of very close to the Prophet. Among the Shia Muslims, a line of Holy Prophet(S) direct male descendants are regarded as inspired teachers whose words and action, have a value, that is, next in importance to the Prophet's Sunnah.
Q. What is the importance of Scribes in Islam?
The Scribes of the Divine Revelation or "Kaatibeen-i-Wahi‟ are referred to as those who wrote and organised the verses of the Holy Quran in the proper order. Whenever the revelation was revealed, the Holy Prophet used to call one or more of his scribes to whom he dictated the revelation. After writing, they were asked to read at and they were told to place the verses accordingly in the Surahs on correct placement.
They played a significant role in preserving the Revealed Guidance. Although they were memorized but their inscription made possible the documentation of the words of Allah. The death of Huffaz-e-Quran in Battle of Yamamah, led to the compilation of Quran in a book form for the future generations. Thus, by preserving a written form of the Holy Quran, future conflicts in the Muslim Ummat which could have occurred have now been safely averted. The most famous scribes were Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud, Hazrat Zaid bin Sabith, Hazrat Abu Bakr, Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Usman, Hazrat Ali, Hazrat Hafsa, Hazrat Ayesha and Hazrat Ubbay bin Kaab Ansari. The arrangement of the Quran had already been made by the Prophet in his life and he also corrected the mistakes and accent of the scribes to follow it properly.
Q. Why are the ten blessed companions called Ashrah Mubasharah?
The Prophet(S) spoke very highly of his companions
“My companions are like the stars; whichever of them you follow you will be guided”.
The companions were those who saw or witnessed the prophet in his daily life as well as in the great events of his career, so their lives were his first imitation. Among the companions of the prophet, a number of them played leading roles in his life. He promised ten of his closest companions, who visited him on several occasions‟ direct entry into Paradise. They are regarded as leading members of the community, who followed Prophet Muhammad. He appreciated their concern and support and spent most of their time in the companionship of the Holy Prophet, to whom they were immensely devoted. They gained profound knowledge of the Quran and Sunnah and after the Prophet‟s demise, they became the most precious source of imparting knowledge of Islam, in its true spirit, to the eager followers. They rendered invaluable services for their growth and expansion of Islam and supported the Prophet at a time when the early Muslims were mercilessly targetted to cruel forms of opposition. Allah rewarded them by giving them glad tidings of entry into Paradise during their lifetime.
The Holy Prophet said “Do not abuse my companions for if any of you spend gold equal to Uhad Mountain in Allah‟s cause, it would not be equal to a mudd (2/3 of kg) or even half mudd spent by one of them”.
Q. Why were the wives of the Holy Prophet called “Mothers of the Faithful”.
The Holy Quran describes the special rank of the wives of the Holy Prophet.
“The Prophet is closer to the believers, than their own-selves and his wives are their mothers”.
The Holy Prophet contracted several marriages, during his lifetime. His wives are held in high esteem. The Holy Quran states that the Prophet‟s wives are their mothers, that is why they are considered as mothers of the believers and are known as Umm-ul-Momineen or Mothers of the Faithful”.
The title clearly depicts the relationship; they had with the followers of the Prophet(S). All wives rendered numerous services to Islam of high recognition which uplifts their status in the eyes of Allah. They remained devoted to Prophet Muhammad, through-out their lives, assisted him in his mission, and after his demise undertook the responsibility of spreading the teachings of Islam to others. The responsibilities and duties of the Prophet‟s wives differ from those of other women. Many of the Ahadis have also been narrated by them which gives them a distinguishable status as a source of valuable Hadis literature, since they remained in close companionship with him, the sunnah of the Prophet concerning domestic matters have also been derived from their authority. They have created for themselves a place in history, by their personal virtues and humbleness of character. Their approach towards life was moulded, under the guidance of their distinguished husband. Their sincerity of faith, simplicity of life, contentment as far as comforts and worldly enjoyments were concerned and their spirits of sacrifice are the glaring features of their noble personalities. They were not allowed to remarry after his demise. Unlike other women, they lived rather public lives because the house in which they had apartments was also the Prophet's mosque. The Muslims would gather there daily and particularly in the Prophet's later years, deputations from Arabian tribes made frequent visits, so they were often visible to the others and their every action and word could be witnessed and discussed.
Significance of Hazrat Ayesha during the life time of the Holy Prophet (SAW)
Hazrat Ayesha had the honour to become the third wife (although some say she was the second) of the Holy Prophet (SAW) and is given the title “Mother of the faithful” by the Quranic verse,
“The Holy Prophet(S) is closer to the believers than their own selves and his wives are their mothers” (Surah Ahzab; 33.6)
Her Nikah to the Holy Prophet(S) was performed when she was nine years of age. However, the departure ceremony was carried out two years later (Most scholars say in 2 A.H). As her marriage with the Holy Prophet (SAW.) took place in the month of Shawwal, it destroyed many superstitious Arab customs, including the prohibition of Nikkah in the month of Shawwal.
She was the daughter of the Holy Prophet‟s intimate friend Hazrat Abu Bakr. She had the distinction of being the only virgin wife of the Holy Prophet. She gave him care and support in his later years and was able to get great spiritual benefit under her enlightened husband.
She was the most favourite wife of the Holy Prophet(S) as he had special love for her and said:
“Ayesha enjoys superiority over all other women”.
In the battle of Uhad, she served water to the wounded and accompanied the Holy Prophet(S) in several battles as well as the Farewell pilgrimage.
Many verses were revealed on her account and proved to be of immense guidance for the coming generations. For example once when she was accompanying him on an expedition and got lost while she was looking for a necklace she had dropped. Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) partly moved on without noticing her absence, and she was eventually brought back to Madina by a young man, who came across her as she sat waiting in the desert. The Hypocrites of Madina made false allegations against her. But then the verses of Surah Nur were revealed declaring her innocence. Similarly, verses about Tayammum (dry ablution: Surah 4:43) and many others were also revealed on her account in specific and for the benefit of the Muslim Ummah in general during the lifetime of the Holy Prophet.
She was the most learned wife of the Holy Prophet as she was unmatchable in her knowledge and wisdom. She was a rich source of knowledge for Muslim women during the Holy Prophet‟s life and after his death.
The Holy Prophet(S) spent the last days of his life in her apartment when he was seriously ill. He died with his head resting in her lap and was buried in her apartment.
Significance of Hazrat Ayesha (RA) After the life time of the Holy Prophet (SAW)
Hazrat Ayesha(RA) played a leading role in propagating the message of Islam after the demise of the Holy Prophet(S). She lived for forty eight years after the death of the Holy Prophet(S) which she spent in advising the leading companions and others on various problems in the light of Islamic teachings. In the course of ten years of her association with the Holy Prophet(S), she was able to collect extensive and detailed information about Islam, and is for this reason counted amongst the leading jurists (Faqihs) of the first generation.
She has reported two thousand two hundred and ten (2210) traditions. According to scholars about one fourth of the Islamic knowledge has been transferred by Hazrat Ayesha(RA).
She is the pioneer of devising a system of coordination of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah. Many Islamic laws have been derived on her authority.
She was also a rich source of knowledge for Muslim women during the Holy Prophet‟s life and after his death.
According to an estimate, she had about two hundred pupils. Eminent scholars like Abu Huraira, Abu Musa Ash'ari and Abdullah bin Zubair were among her students. Harzat Urwa bin Zubair said: Ayesha was the most scholarly person of her time in Quran, Hadith, Fiqh, History and Genealogy”.
It was Hazrat Ayesha (RA) who testified to the sublimity of the morals of the Holy Prophet and said,
“His morals are the Quran”.
In Islamic Jurisprudence, the interpretation of the Holy Quran and Sunnah, eminent jurists like Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Bukhari followed the principles laid down by Hazrat Ayesha. Ahmad ibn Hanbal devoted a section of his Musnad to Ahadith recorded on her authority, and about 300 are included by al-Bukhari and Muslim in their Sahihs.
The titles given to her by the eminent companions are: A‟lam un-nas (most learned), Afqah-un-Nas (most prominent among the jurists) and Ahsan-al-Nas (the best among men and women).
In the caliphate of Hazrat Ali (RA), she was a leader among those who asked for the punishment of Hazrat Uthman‟s (RA) assassins. The two sides confronted each other in 35 A.H/656 AD; this was known as the battle of Camel, because it took place around the camel which carried her litter, Hazrat Ayesha's (S) side lost this battle, and she was conducted back to Madina, where she continued to live for the rest of her life. She played no further part in public affairs, but her views were often sought by the leading Muslims, and her approval was regarded as Important.
She is the only wife of the Holy Prophet whose chastity and purity is mentioned in the Holy Quran (Surah Noor 24:11-13)
Biographical Account of Hazrat Ayesha (RA)
Hazrat Ayesha (RA) was the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), the intimate friend of the Holy Prophet. Her mother's name was Umm-e-Rumaan. She was born in the month of Shawwal in the fourth year of Prophethood (614 A.D). She was brought up in a highly modest and pious environment. She used to say that she couldn't remember her family not being Muslims, or a day that the Holy Prophet (S) and her father didn‟t visit each other.
She was known by the titles-Humaira and Siddiqa and her surname (Kuniyat) was Umm-e-Abdullah.
Hazrat Ayesha (RA) became the third wife of the Holy Prophet (SAW). Her Nikah to the Holy Prophet was performed when she was nine years of age. However, the departure ceremony was carried out two years later (Most scholars say in 2 A.H). Marriage to the Holy Prophet (S) did not change her playful ways, even he would join in the games she played with her toys. Her beauty and lively character attracted him to her, above all his wives. She was the only virgin wife of the Holy Prophet (S).
She was a very brave woman and took part in many expeditions. In the battle of Uhad she offered her services in providing water to the injured and dressing their wounds.
Many verses were revealed on her account and proved to be immense guidance for the coming generations. For example once when she was accompanying him on the expedition of Banu Mustaliq and got lost while she was looking for a necklace she had dropped. Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) party moved on without noticing she had dropped. Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) party moved on without noticing her absence, and she was eventually brought back to Madina by a young man, who came across her as she sat waiting in the desert. The Hypocrites of Madina made false allegations against her. But then the verses of Surah Nur were revealed declaring her innocent.
The Holy Prophet (S) spent the last days of his life in her apartment when he was seriously ill. He died with his head resting in her lap and is buried in her apartment. She spent ten years of her life with Holy Prophet. She lived for forty-eight years after the death of the Holy Prophet which she spent in advising the leading companions and others on various problems in the light of Islamic teachings. She has reported 2210 traditions. According to scholars about one fourth of the Islamic knowledge has been transferred by Hazrat Ayesha (RA). She had an excellent memory and was an authority in the interpretation of Quran, hadith, fiqa, history, genealogy and life of the Holy Prophet (S) (Seerah).
She was a very generous lady. Once Ameer Mavawiya sent her one hundred thousand dirhams, all of which she distributed among the poor and did not save anything for her. She was very regular in offering the prayers of Tahajjud and Chasht and she offered Hajj every year.
Hazrat Umar (RA), during his reign, fixed a monthly salary of 10,000 dirhams for all the wives of the Prophet but for Hazrat Ayesha (RA), he set a salary of 12,000 dirhams a month keeping in view her high status and her depth of relationship with the Holy Prophet (SAW).
In the caliphate of Hazrat Ali (RA), she was a leader among those who asked for the punishment of Hazrat Uthman's assassins. The two sides confronted each other in 35 A.H/656 AD; this was known as the battle of camel, because it took place around the camel which carried her litter. Hazrat Ayesha's side lost this battle, and she was conducted back to Madina, where she continued to live for the rest of her life. She played no further part in public affairs, but her views were often sought by the leading Muslims, and her approval was regarded as Importance.
She died in 58 A.H/678 at the age of 73, and was buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi.
