This book offers a insightful exploration of the life and legacy of Aisha (R.A.), the Mother of the Believers. This meticulously researched biography delves into Aisha's (R.A.) remarkable journey, from her childhood to her marriage to the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), and beyond. By examining the controversies surrounding her age at marriage within the broader context of her life, this book invites readers to move beyond common misconceptions and discover the remarkable woman behind the legend.
The role model of every Muslim female, the mother of Believers, Aisha peace and blessings be upon her. I will always be a supporter of any book about one of the greatest Females of all time for the Muslim community. Having it in English so that non-Arabic speakers can know her story is a bonus
This is a non-fiction short thesis/Essay on the life of our mother, Aisha bint Abu Bakir, the wife of Prophet Mohammad PBUH. If you would like to read an abridged story of her life and some of the controversy surrounding her age at the time of her marriage to the Prophet, then this is a great recommendation
The age of Aisha has sparked a lot of controversial and negative debate among Westerners mainly since the early 21st century. The book briefly discusses those controversies and why they were issued during the 21st century but not before, which I thought was a great argument.
However, there are a number of things that felt lacking for me especially since this topic and Aisha's story is not new to me. I was raised hearing her glory and delved deeper into her life, especially about the absurd so-called slander some Westerners tried to do...
1- The absence of citations: As a non-fiction, Islamic book, using citations is very crucial. Although the book used quotes and Hadiths during the arguments, there should have been references at the end, footnotes to scholars, and number of pages and book names.
2- There were numerous structural and grammatical mistakes. A simple editing app or editor help could have fixed the problem.
3- coming to the section where the book started discussing "her age", I think the argument started very well and logically, specifically with the "what doesn't work for a certain modern era, worked for an older one" I wish the book had put more historical proof from other religious books and the surrounding civilizations and cultures around Arabia. Then came the second part of the argument where the narrative shifted towards disputing all the other proofs that Aisha was older than 9 when she was married in favor of ONE HADETH.
imagine you are in a court of law and one side presents one piece of evidence and the other presents 5 evidence but the court dismisses the 5 and goes with the 1?!
The "married at 9" hadith has been strongly pushed by Patriariachal Muslim scholars for decades dismissing the other hadith simply to satisfy the whim of Men.
Nevertheless, I think this book could be a good introduction to the life of our Mother Aisha and wish the author more success
My profound gratitude for giving me a free copy of the ebook to read and review🤲🏽. This took a lot of time and effort to gather all the information and put it in a book, so hats off to the author for that. I think i would have preferred to read it as a physical copy instead of as an ebook. Because it was so much information, it came across as very incoherent. One fact after another and most completely unrelated to each other. I also would have preferred the titles like (SAW), (RA), (AS) to be added in the beginning as with the books of Asim Khan (the simple seerah) because having to see 10-20 of these abbreviations in a single page, EVERY PAGE, is very unpleasant. 3 stars for effort and I’m sure I learned something new, I just would have liked it to be more coherent.
This book is divided into several short chapters that delve into the life of Aisha (رضي الله عنها). The author briefly touches on her life before marrying the Prophet ﷺ and then explores her life after marriage in more depth. The themes range from love and faith to trials, tests, and her personal traits, all reflected through various hadith.
Written in a simple yet comprehensive style, the book is easy to follow and memorable. Each chapter includes a helpful summary, allowing readers to revisit and reflect on key points with ease. It’s an insightful read that sheds light on Aisha (رضي الله عنها) life in a way that not only informs but also stirs a deep longing to one day meet her in Jannah.
However, a few concerns stand out. One is the claim that Khadijah رضي الله عنها had been previously married and had children, a position that is not universally accepted and was addressed without providing a credible source. This could easily mislead readers unfamiliar with the scholarly debate on this topic.
Additionally, the lack of proper referencing throughout the book is noticeable. While many beautiful narrations are shared, hadith sources are often missing, and statements attributed to well-known scholars are quoted without names. This makes it harder for readers to verify information or explore further.
Despite these points, the book presents a thoughtful and moving defense of Aisha رضي الله عنها against common misconceptions, particularly around her age at marriage. The emotional tone and vivid storytelling breathe life into her experiences and make this an engaging and heartfelt read.
I would like to thank the author Abu Rafaan, for giving me this opportunity to read and review his debut Writing: "Aisha (R.A.) : Beyond Six".
The name of the book reminds us of the many important aspects about Aisha (R.A.), the Wife of the Prophet (S.A.W.), also known as 'the mother of the believers' beyond the controversial topic of her age at marriage being 'six'. This book not only delves into talking about the controversy but also takes us on a journey through the life of such a great prominent figure as Aisha(R.A.). This book feels like both a historical record and the love story between two such persons as Prophet(S.A.W.) & Aisha(R.A.).
For me this book was a great read, rather than saying I read it, i prefer to say it was a great journey that I took, into the winding roads of knowledge preserved in this book.
The age might sound controversial in today's time but the author very beautifully handled how judgement on years old scriptures cannot be passed based on today's aspects. Also, It was a delight to see the author giving respect to the fact that the ancient civilizations used to have Oral Method of the Teaching system where age was merely a number.
I would like to conclude on the note that, this book no where promoted child marriage or any oppression on women's rights which are a major issue in today's life. This book makes us unfold the controversial curtain of the age of Aisha(R.A.) being six at her marriage and focuses our minds on the greater aspects such as her contributions for Islam and life in the household of the Prophet (S.A.W.).
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This short essay serves as a great beginner-friendly introduction to the life of Aisha (R.A.), her interactions with the Prophet (PBUH), his other wives, and the social and cultural environment of that era.
The book is well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, accessible style that makes it easy to read and follow. Including references or sources would have significantly strengthened the work by substantiating the research behind it.
The final chapter addresses the sensitive topic of Aisha’s age at marriage. While I believe it could have been positioned differently within the book, I appreciate that the author didn’t shy away from engaging with this complex issue. They presented the information plainly, without distortion. Although I personally have some scientific reservations about the way this chapter was handled, I value the author’s transparent and courageous approach.
Overall, I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning about Aisha (R.A.) without diving into extensive Islamic texts. It’s a thoughtful and accessible read for those seeking a concise overview.
The age of Aisha (RA) when she married the Prophet; a thorny topic indeed.
First of all, I would like to thank the author for giving me a copy of the book for an honest review.
The cover is gorgeous, simple and elegant, totally something I'd pick-up because it's so pretty.
While the conclusion ends the premise in a solid manner, with statistics and multi-faceted arguments concerning Aisha's age (and fact that we Muslims should accept it, whether we like it or not); I'm sorry to say the rest of the book isn't up to such strict standards of grammar.
Nevertheless, it's written in an informal style, reminiscent of children's story books, which makes it easy to follow. The flow may break at times but the author provides meanings of select Arabic words that does not take away from the immersion of the book. Unfortunately, there are no sources provided.
Overall, a short, easy to read book. Well researched and informative without being too drawn out. Recommended for those who are interested about the domestic life of the Prophet with Aisha (and of Aisha as a person, her character untied to the Prophet), but do not have the time to trawl the longer books.
Here’s a more humanized and polished version of your review:
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This book is a respectful, deeply thoughtful, and well-researched portrayal of the life of Aisha (RA), one of the most influential and remarkable women in Islamic history. It handles sensitive topics, including the often-debated issue of her age at marriage, with care and clarity, particularly for readers who may not be familiar with the Islamic context or scholarship.
I do wish the ahadith referenced throughout the book had been properly cited with more detail, as that would have strengthened its credibility even further. But overall, it's a compelling and illuminating read. I’d recommend it to anyone looking to understand Aisha (RA)’s life, her legacy, and her vital role in early Islamic history.
It's common for Muslim women to be judged as oppressed simply because of our modest clothing, hijab, and other aspects of our faith. However, as Muslims both men and women, it is our responsibility to highlight the true honor and status that Islam grants to women. One of the greatest examples of this is 'The Mother of the Believers' Aisha (R.A), the beloved wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and a revered scholar, where R.A stands for RadiAllahu Anha (May Allah be pleased with her).
As a woman from a Muslim community, learning about Aisha (R.A.) has always been deeply inspiring. I recently had the privilege of reading a book about her by Brother Abu Rafaan, and I’m truly grateful to him for sharing it with me. He has beautifully captured every aspect of Aisha (R.A.)’s life, from her marriage to our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) examining the controversies surrounding her age at marriage , to her role in shaping Islamic history under his guidance and love. She remains a remarkable example of women’s empowerment.
She was a scholar, a teacher, and an active participant in political and social matters. Her intelligence, eloquence, and leadership in shaping early Islamic history highlight how Islam uplifted women at a time when they had little to no rights in society. She was not only a beloved wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but also a woman who played a key role in transmitting knowledge, engaging in governance, and defending justice.
“Aisha (R.A.) Beyond Six” by Abu Rafaan is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the true status of women in Islam. The book beautifully explores the rights Islam grants to women—as daughters, wives, companions, mothers, and in every role they play throughout life. Abu Rafaan masterfully presents the most significant moments of Aisha (R.A.)’s life, shedding light on the invaluable messages she conveyed to the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). His approach is both subtle and precise, staying true to historical facts and justifying every argument with authentic Hadiths, without exaggeration or distortion. This book is a profound testament to Aisha (R.A.)’s legacy and the honor Islam bestows upon women.
One of the most beautiful anecdotes about Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) highlights his deep love and respect for Aisha (R.A.). A neighbor invited him for supper, and the Prophet (PBUH) asked if Aisha (R.A.) could join. When the neighbor declined, the Prophet (PBUH) also declined the invitation. This happened multiple times until, on the third or fourth request, the neighbor finally agreed to include Aisha (R.A.), and only then did the Prophet (PBUH) accept. This story serves as a powerful example of the Prophet’s love for his wife and a lesson for men on respecting and cherishing their spouses.
If you’re looking to gain deeper insights into the life of Aisha (R.A.) and the true essence of women’s empowerment in Islam, this book is a perfect choice.
💗ྀིAisha (R.A.) by Abu Rafaan is more than just a biography — it is a story of love, honour, and reflection. While it beautifully narrates the life of Aisha (R.A.), it also captures the bond of ultimate and selfless love between Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and Aisha (R.A.). Through each chapter, the reader witnesses not just the history of a remarkable woman, but also the tenderness of a husband who loved, respected, and prioritized his wife with unmatched devotion 💗ྀིThis book is not just a window into the past; it is a mirror for us today. It quietly asks: if our beloved Prophet (S.A.W.) — the best among men — treated women with such respect, such kindness, and such importance, then where do we stand? Have we allowed cultural traditions to overshadow the true teachings of Islam? Are we not guilty of using "culture-based Islam" to justify the mistreatment or disregard of women? 🌙🕋🕌 Let Aisha (R.A.) Beyond Six be our wake-up call. When we claim to follow the Prophet (SAW) while oppressing the women in our lives, we don't just betray Islam - we betray the very man we profess to love.
This book offers an inspiring exploration of the life of Aisha (R.A.), not just as the wife of the Prophet (S.A.W.) but as an extraordinary scholar, teacher, and one of the most influential women in early Islam. It addresses her age at marriage, often misunderstood, by presenting various historical perspectives that reveal a more complex reality.
Beyond this topic, the book shines a light on Aisha’s remarkable contributions to the ummah, including her narration of over 2,000 hadith, her deep understanding of fiqh, and her significant role in key events, such as the Ifk incident, which resulted in the revelation of important verses in Surah al-Nur that defended her honour.
What sets this book apart is its portrayal of Aisha (R.A.) as a real person who played a fundamental role in shaping Islam during its early years. It clarifies misconceptions and offers a significant and respectful view of her legacy.
If you’ve ever wanted to truly understand her impact, this is a must-read.
The book tell the story about Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) wife, Aisha. The author explore the life of what the Muslim called ummul mukmineen. The story was told in a beautiful way with a summary at the end of every chapter to emphasize on the important lesson which we can derive from every chapter of her life. The author also did not shy away and discussed the age of Aisha when she enter the marriage with the prophet, concluding with an agreement with the age reported by Bukhari and Muslim.
May Allah blessed our ummul mukmineen, Aisha R.A for she was not just a wife of the prophet, but also an exemplary scholar who contribute massively to the science of hadith.