[b]A VERY GREAT SLANDER
AND THE PROCLAMATION OF HADHRAT AISHA(RA) CHASTITY AND INNOCENCE FROM ALLAAH TA`ALA [/b]

This incident is reported in a detailed Hadith, related in Bukhari Shareef, regarding one of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)'s expeditions. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was preparing for the battle of Bani Mustaliq, and he (as was his usual practise when travelling), drew lots in order to select the wife who was to accompany him along. Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha)'s name was drawn and she accompanied Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) on this journey. According to the norm, Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) would sit in a howdah (canopy) and it would be lifted and placed on top of the camel. Upon the return journey, as the caravan was nearing Madinah Tayyibah, this incident occurred.

The caravan stopped at a certain place, and before it left this spot, a caller called out to everyone that they were about to leave, so that everyone may get ready to move on. Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) wanted to relieve herself and she went out, and away from the main caravan. It so happened that her necklace broke and she stalled awhile, looking for it. This delayed her and after she had found the necklace, she returned to the caravan, only to find that it had already moved on. Prior to the departure of the caravan, her howdah was lifted upon the camel. Everyone assumed that she was inside the howdah.

Those who lifted the howdah, had no doubt that Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) was inside, as she was not a fat person, rather she was thin and small built, hence they found no difference in the howdah.

Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) states that when she returned to the spot where the caravan had stopped over, she found that they had already left. She says: "I decided to spread my shawl and stay in that place rather than running from here to there or running after the caravan. I thought that when Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) discovered that I was not in the howdah, he would return to collect me, therefore if I run around looking for them, they will find it difficult in finding me (if they return). It was the last portion of the night, hence I was tired and fell asleep."
Hadhrat Safwaan bin Mu`tal (radhiAllaahu anhu), who was appointed by Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) to lag behind the caravan, and pick up anything which may have been dropped by anyone, came by.

He reached the place where Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) was, in the morning. There was not yet full light, therefore he could only make out from a distance, that someone was sleeping. Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) says : "As he came closer he recognised me, because he had seen me prior to the revelation of the command of Hijaab. When he saw me (all alone in the desert) he exclaimed: "Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji`oon!" My eyes opened, when I heard his voice, and I immediately covered my face with my shawl. I take an oath in the name of Allaah Ta`ala, neither of us exchanged any word, other than his exclamation of "Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji`oon!"

Thereafter, Hadhrat Safwaan (radhiAllaahu anhu) ushered his camel forward, and set it down. I ascended it, and he took hold of its reins and led it along. By afternoon we reached the army. Some people started their slander, and this evil talk spread. Abdullah bin Ubai bin Sulool, the leader of the Munafiqeen (hypocrites) had the greatest share in this slander. Finally, we reached Madinah Tayyibah, where I remained ill for upto a month. During this period, the slander gained momentum and I knew nothing of it (at that time).

However, during that period, I found it strange that, the normal affection displayed by Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was not shown by him anymore. He only used to come to my house, make salaam, and ask the other occupants of the house regarding my health.

This attitude perturbed me, however, I was still unaware of the slander. Firstly, I had the illness, then this attitude of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), these resulted in my becoming very weak. During this period, one night I went out of the house, in order to relieve myself, with the mother of a Sahabi, Hadhrat Mistah (radhiAllaahu anhu). Her name was Umme Mistah. In those days, we did not have the 'toilets' with(in) the homes, and the women used to go out to the 'toilets' (which were a distance from the homes) at night. As we were returning, Umme Mistah, tripped upon her cloak and she fell. As she fell she said: "Mistah be destroyed!"

I was surprised to hear her cursing her own son. I said to her: "This is an evil thing which you have said, by cursing a good person, who participated in the battle of Badr."

To this she replied in surprise: "Child, are you not aware of what Mistah is saying?" I asked her regarding what she was talking about. She related to me the whole slanderous story which was circulating in Madinah. When I heard this, I became more ill. That night, as per his usual rounds, Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) came by, made salaam and enquired regarding my health. I sought permission from him to go to my parent's home. He consented. The reason for my going was so that I could ascertain whether the story of the slander was true.
When I asked my mother, she consoled me saying: "Daughter, persons such as yourself must have enemies, and such occurrences do present themselves for such women who have an excellent relationship with their husbands. Do not concern yourself unduly with this matter, sooner or later it will disappear." I said: "Subhaanallah! Such (an evil) talk is circulating amongst the people, how can I make Sabr?" I cried the entire night.

My tears did not let up, nor did I sleep. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was extremely concerned regarding the matter, and as yet no Wahi came with regard to this matter. Therefore he made Mashwera with Hadhrat Ali and Usaama bin Zaid (radhiAllaahu anhuma), who were both family persons. Hadhrat Usaama (radhiAllaahu anhu) said clearly: "As far as we know, we have no evil thoughts regarding Aisha. She had done nothing so that we may have evil thoughts about her."

Hadhrat Ali (radhiAllaahu anhu) - ( in order to save Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) from further grief and worry) gave the following advice : "Allaah Ta`ala has not restricted you. There are many (other) women. You should ask from the slave-girl (regarding Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) )."

Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) asked Hadhrat Barira (radhiAllaahu anha), who was the slave-girl of Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha). She said: "I see no fault in her, other than the fact that she would (due to her still being a young girl), knead the dough and fall off to sleep, and the goat would come and eat up the dough." Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) also enquired from Hadhrat Zainab binti Jahsh (radhiAllaahu anhu), who said: "Oh Rasulullah, I do no fill my ears and eyes with slander. I take an oath in Allaah Ta`ala's name, I do not know anything but good of Aisha."
Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) said: "From amongst the wives of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), Hadhrat Zainab was the one who spoke highly of me. Allaah Ta`ala saved her, owing to her Taqwa, from being involved in the slander. Her sister, however, Hadhrat Hamna binti Jahsh, took a part in the slander.

[The Hadith further records that Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) ascended the Mimbar and spoke to the Sahabahs regarding this slander and he heard from those involved therein].
Further on Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) narrates: "I spent the rest of that day and the next crying. The following morning my parents came and sat by me. I cried so excessively, that I thought my liver would collapse (due to the crying). My parents were sitting at my side, and Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) also came and he sat down next to me. Since this slander began, Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) never sat near me.

For the entire month that this matter was continuing, no Wahi had come down to Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) read the Khutbah of Shahaadat and asked me: "Oh Aisha, some rumours have reached me regarding you. If you are innocent, than most surely, Allaah Ta`ala will extricate you. If you have committed any excesses, then make Tawbah and turn to Allaah Ta`ala, because when a servant of Allaah Ta`ala admits his mistake and makes Tawbah, Allaah Ta`ala most certainly accepts it. When Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) had completed his saying, my tears had dried up completely. I did not have even one tear left. I said to my father: "You give an answer." He replied: "What can I say?" Then I said to my mother: "you give an answer." She also replied as my father did. Now I was constrained to speak. At that time I was a young girl, who did not even know much of the Qur`aan Shareef, nevertheless (notwithstanding her inexperience and innocence in life, she was in such a condition which even very intelligent people would not have much to answer for themselves, however, she answered so intelligently, that one can see her deep insight and wisdom), I said, addressing my parents and Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam): "By Allaah, I know that you people have heard this talk and it has made an effect in your hearts, such that (outwardly you all seem to) have accepted it as truth.

If I now deny this rumour, then you would not believe me. If I accept as truth, that which Allaah Ta`ala knows well I am innocent of, then you would readily believe me. I take an oath, by Allaah, I have nothing more to say to you people, other than what Hadhrat Yaqoob (alaihi salaam) said when his sons told him a lie. He said: "Fa Sabrun Jameel....." (For me is a great patience, and Allaah Ta`ala will assist me from all that you aver). After saying this I went back to my bed and lied down. When I said all that I had said, I was certain that Allaah Ta`ala will extricate me from all blame, however, I did not ever expect that Aayaat (verse) will be revealed in the Qur`aan Shareef regarding me, which will be read forever. I assumed that Allaah Ta`ala will reveal my innocence to Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) in a dream.
Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) did not move from his place, nor did anyone from the house move out, when that condition overcame Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) which always overcame him when he received Wahi. During the winter season, he would perspire profusely.

When this condition finished, and the Wahi from Allaah Ta`ala was completed, Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) smiled and the first words he said was: "Oh Aisha, praise Allaah Ta`ala, because He has extricated you ( revealed regarding your innocence)."
My parents, told me to stand up and go to Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and thank him. At that time I was still angry, so I said: 'I will not go to him. Besides Allaah Ta`ala, I owe gratitude to none else. I will only thank Allaah Ta`ala, because He has revealed regarding my innocence. I will not thank him (Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) nor you people. When you heard of the false allegations, you did not oppose it.'

Regarding the innocence of Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha), ten Aayaat were revealed in Surah Noor. The first of these Aayaat is at the beginning of the second Ruku of the Surah:
"Verily! Those who brought forth the slander (against Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha)) are a group amongst you. Consider it not a bad thing for you (Oh Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and family of Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha)). Nay, it is good for you. Unto every man among them will be paid that which he had earned of the sin. And as for him among them who had the greater share therein, his will be a great torment." (Aayat 11)

Regarding the slander of Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha), the names of the following persons are recorded in the Hadith Kitaabs, as the persons who had a share in the slander; Abdullah bin Ubai bin Sulool, Hadhrat Hasaan (radhiAllaahu anhu), Hadhrat Mistah (radhiAllaahu anhu) and Hadhrat Hamna binti Jahsh (radhiAllaahu anha).
Abdullah bin Ubai was the leader of the Munafiqeen of Madinah. he was the originator of the slander, and he was responsible for spreading it. The other three were true and sincere Muslims, who were affected with the talk of the Munafiqeen, and they believed the rumour as true.

As is the Divinely ordained punishment for false accusing an innocent person with adultery, all those who were implicated in this matter were required to bring forth their four witnesses. Since this was a fabricated tale, none could produce witnesses. They were all lashed 80 lashes each for their part in the slander. The Qur`aanic injunction for the punishment to be meted out for false accusing another Muslim also appears in the beginning Aayats of Surah Noor.
The enemies of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) - the Munafiqeen, were constantly occupied in doing their utmost in causing difficulty and hardship upon him. They tried 'all the tricks in the book', and worked tirelessly at harming Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). This slander against Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha), who was the most beloved of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)'s wives to him, was one such plot of the Munafiqeen, and it was started and gained momentum by the leader of the Munafiqeen - Abdullah bin Ubai bin Sulool.

Allaah Ta`ala, not only cleared Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) of all blame, ten Aayaat were revealed, which appear in the Qur`aan Shareef, and will be recited by all Muslims until Qiyaamah, wherein the innocence and chastity of Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) are extolled.

This incident, not only brought the innocence and chastity of Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) to the fore, her wisdom and intelligence is also displayed here. As Allaah Ta`ala mentions in the Aayat that this (incident) is good for Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha) and others involved in it (Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and her parents). What better fortune can there be, than having Aayaat revealed in the Qur`aan Shareef regarding one's innocence and the same being recited until Qiyaamah?

Although, this incident could have been squelched and settled from the beginning, when Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) could have called the accusers and order them to bring forth their witnesses, and there and then the matter would have been resolved in favour of Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha).

However, Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) waited for Wahi from Allaah Ta`ala in order to settle the matter. Had he done as would have been normal, then there would have been a possibility, that some people would have had this evil thought that (Naoothubillah!) Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) is squashing and settling this matter so swiftly, because his family his involved. Those who would have harboured such thoughts would become Kaafir. So in order to save many Muslims from Kufr, Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) underwent all this hardship and difficulty of waiting (one month) for Wahi. Sallallahu alaihi wa ashaabihi wa azwaajihi wa aalihi.

Another point worth mentioning is that if a person's wife is accused and slandered, and later this proves to be only a rumour and false, even then the husband would not like mention to be made of this incident, in any book. This is only logical and obvious. However, this incident regarding Hadhrat Aisha (radhiAllaahu anha), which is mentioned in the Qur`aan Shareef, is a clear proof that the Kalaam-e-Paak is not a man- made Book, of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam).
If this was (Naoothubillah) a fabricated book of Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), then he would not have waited for a whole month (and a bit longer) for revealing the innocence of his wife. Would he (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)have underwent all this torment and grief (whilst waiting for Wahi)? And then finally, would he (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) have left these Aayaat regarding a slander against his favourite wife to be read in the Qur`aan Shareef?

Another point which surfaces from this incident is that, whatever Allaah Ta`ala reveals, cannot be concealed by Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam). He (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) has no choice in the matter. Whatever Allaah Ta`ala reveals, is never devoid of lessons and knowledge. Nabi (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) did not have the choice of reducing anything from the Qur`aan-e-Paak. If this was the case (that he (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) had this choice of cutting out some parts), then he most certainly would have omitted these Aayaat.
The incident of the slander presented itself. Aayaat were revealed regarding it. From this we learnt many lessons and laws. There are many admonitions and guidance for the believing Muslims. All this is only to our advantage.

"Med" wrote:

10. Holy Prophet salallahu alayhi wa sallam was buried in her chamber.

So does that mean his tomb in Medinah also is the tomb of Aisha?

She passed away much much later.

I do not know, but I think she was burried in Jannatul Baqee?

"Admin" wrote:

She passed away much much later.

I do not know, but I think she was burried in Jannatul Baqee?

So Muhammad's tomb was actually moved?

The Prophet (saw)'s tomb was not moved.

What Med means I think is that in the Prophet (saw)'s household, The location of the tomb is where the Ummul Mu'Mineen Aisha Siddeeqah (ra)'s room used to be located.