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A Treasury of 'A'ishah: A Guidance from the Beloved of the Beloved
ʿAisha bint Abu Bakr (RA) has been an inspiration and paragon for Muslims since the first generation of Believers emerged. Hailed as a guiding light, a fount of wisdom and a purveyor of the Prophetic mission, Aisha’s words have illuminated Islamic thought in all its branches. This book compiles 40 of her insights and statements in the categories of Qur’anic exegesis (tafsīr), Jurisprudence (Fiqh), Theology (ʿaqīdah), Politics (siyāsah) and Heart Softeners (al-raqā’iq) with commentary for the contemporary Muslim seeking spiritual and moral direction as they traverse through daily life and its challenges and possibilities.
- GenresIslamReligionNonfiction
192 pages, Hardcover
Published April 25, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 9, 2023
I am the author of this book. I wrote it from the heart and after years of study and further years dedicated to research and study in to Aisha bint Abu Bakr (r). This collection of 40 statements is a glimpse into the illuminating guidance she offers the whole Muslim community, and indeed beyond.
I hope that it lands as a book of comfort, generosity and welcome for those who are seeking meaning and guidance.
I hope that it lands as a book of comfort, generosity and welcome for those who are seeking meaning and guidance.
December 30, 2023
The final read of 2023's #faithandfemininity book club was "A Treasury of A'ishah" (ra) by Sofia Rehman. A collection of ahadith narrated by Aishah (ra) and reflections thereon, this easy read touches on how A'ishah's narrating of ahadith reflected her intellect, her wisdom, and her love for Allah.
Overall, this was a genuinely good book.
However, a few flags:
- One line in the opening chapter did imply that somehow, classical scholarship chose to ignore A'ishah's knowledge in favourite of others due to misogyny (and this is a recurring theme in the author's thesis work, which apparently will be published as a full book in 2024)
- Lack of providing grading/ authenticity for the narrations
- Endnotes that reference Asma Barlas, Fatima Mernissi, and Aisha Geissinger - all of whom are VERY problematic progressive "Muslim feminist" authors who are NOT to be taken as authorities in anything Islam-related
- An example of a hadith narration where we're not sure if the confusion around it is due to the original narration itself or the author's poor translation
However, all of the above are fairly mild and we were able to catch them simply due to our book club's extensive prior readings of both Rehman and other authors she cites.
For the average reader, this book is a beneficial addition to any bookshelf, and increases one's love for Allah's Messenger and his beloved wife, A'ishah (radhiAllahu 'anha).
4 out of 5 🌟
#Bookstagram #Muslimbookstagram #MyMuslimShelfSpace #IslamAndWomen #IslamAndWomenReads #MuslimWomen #bookreview #criticalreading #Islam #Muslims #Quran #Sunnah #hadith #bookclub #FaithAndFemininityBookClub
Overall, this was a genuinely good book.
However, a few flags:
- One line in the opening chapter did imply that somehow, classical scholarship chose to ignore A'ishah's knowledge in favourite of others due to misogyny (and this is a recurring theme in the author's thesis work, which apparently will be published as a full book in 2024)
- Lack of providing grading/ authenticity for the narrations
- Endnotes that reference Asma Barlas, Fatima Mernissi, and Aisha Geissinger - all of whom are VERY problematic progressive "Muslim feminist" authors who are NOT to be taken as authorities in anything Islam-related
- An example of a hadith narration where we're not sure if the confusion around it is due to the original narration itself or the author's poor translation
However, all of the above are fairly mild and we were able to catch them simply due to our book club's extensive prior readings of both Rehman and other authors she cites.
For the average reader, this book is a beneficial addition to any bookshelf, and increases one's love for Allah's Messenger and his beloved wife, A'ishah (radhiAllahu 'anha).
4 out of 5 🌟
#Bookstagram #Muslimbookstagram #MyMuslimShelfSpace #IslamAndWomen #IslamAndWomenReads #MuslimWomen #bookreview #criticalreading #Islam #Muslims #Quran #Sunnah #hadith #bookclub #FaithAndFemininityBookClub
May 25, 2023
Simple, eloquent, beautiful; just like our Mother Aisha radiallahu anhaa
March 30, 2023
A brilliant read. Truly brings Aishah RA to life. Every aspect is explained beautifully and it's great to have a book of this kind about such an amazing woman written by woman.
Read
May 3, 2023Hmm.
July 23, 2023
I was reading this book on a train and as it pulled up to my stop, I remember walking out and having two thoughts:
1) There is so much about Aisha (RA) that I did not know despite reading about her life over the years.
2) Dr. Sofia Rehman was meant to write this book
I remember wishing I had an extra hour on the train to reflect on everything I read and how it can apply to my life. You know you have been rightly guided to a book when you feel at ease and comforted while reading. This is a book you must revisit, especially when you are in need of strength and hope. This inspiring woman had many profound insights that still resonate with the ummah to this day. I have read this book twice and annotated parts that really spoke to me. Some of my favourite chapters include:
- The power of dua and nearness of Allah to the believer.
- Mercy begins at home
- Finding strength in the Creator over the creation
- Women's travel
- On gentleness
- The Prophet (saw) and his perfect character.
There is so much respect in the way the Dr. Rehman explored the forty insights and statements of Aisha (RA). I am truly grateful for the knowledge I gained from this book. Highly recommended.
1) There is so much about Aisha (RA) that I did not know despite reading about her life over the years.
2) Dr. Sofia Rehman was meant to write this book
I remember wishing I had an extra hour on the train to reflect on everything I read and how it can apply to my life. You know you have been rightly guided to a book when you feel at ease and comforted while reading. This is a book you must revisit, especially when you are in need of strength and hope. This inspiring woman had many profound insights that still resonate with the ummah to this day. I have read this book twice and annotated parts that really spoke to me. Some of my favourite chapters include:
- The power of dua and nearness of Allah to the believer.
- Mercy begins at home
- Finding strength in the Creator over the creation
- Women's travel
- On gentleness
- The Prophet (saw) and his perfect character.
There is so much respect in the way the Dr. Rehman explored the forty insights and statements of Aisha (RA). I am truly grateful for the knowledge I gained from this book. Highly recommended.
March 25, 2023
A Treasury of Aishah is truly a book full of treasures.
The sub-title 'Guidance from the Beloved of the Beloved' encapsulates the beauty of the book and provides the reader with the opportunity to gain immense learning by exploring the importance of female scholarship.
Dr. Sofia Rehman sheds light on the significance of our lived experiences as Muslim women in relation to how we understand and practice our faith, and each chapter is engaging and beautifully written.
I would highly recommend A Treasury of Aishah if you don't already have it!
The sub-title 'Guidance from the Beloved of the Beloved' encapsulates the beauty of the book and provides the reader with the opportunity to gain immense learning by exploring the importance of female scholarship.
Dr. Sofia Rehman sheds light on the significance of our lived experiences as Muslim women in relation to how we understand and practice our faith, and each chapter is engaging and beautifully written.
I would highly recommend A Treasury of Aishah if you don't already have it!
August 8, 2023
Another Ramadan read 🥹
Gained a new found appreciation for Aisha (RA) and her knowledge of the Quran - truly inspiring!
Added bonus of re-experiencing Rehman’s writing style
Gained a new found appreciation for Aisha (RA) and her knowledge of the Quran - truly inspiring!
Added bonus of re-experiencing Rehman’s writing style
March 11, 2024
Aishah RA, a prominent figure in Islamic history, widely recognised not just as the beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad pbuh but also celebrated for her contributions
This book beautifully portrays the remarkable characters of Aishah - a woman of strength, intelligence, and has unwavering love & fully devoted towards her husband. A wife, a confidante and a companion. Ohh to be like her! 🥺❤️
And I love that Aishah is feisty badass (in a good way 😆)!! Her feistiness is not a flaw but rather as a testament to her spirited nature & fierce determination to uphold Islamic principles. Never been swayed by political ties nor personal gain - epitome of woman in leadership!
Muawiyah (1st Umayyad caliph) has once asked a man in his entourage “Who is the most knowledgeable of all people?”. The man thought it’d be better to say Muawiyah. But Muawiyah persisted him to give an honest answer so the man says, “Well, if you insist then it is Aishah”. Given that she spent most of her life living with the Prophet, Aishah serves as the most reliable source of information and insight about Islam & The Messenger
Scroll through the pics and you’ll see some examples of Aishah being the source of matters about aqidah/fiqh/tafsir etc (here you go https://www.instagram.com/p/C4YMVRTSk... )
This book is my companion during my stay in Madinah & Makkah. Aishah has always been my fav Mother of Believers due to her vibrant personality & wit, so it’s no brainer that she’s my inspiration 🥰. She’s not merely a passive figure but an active one in shaping the early Islamic community, contributing her intellect, wisdom, & courage to various aspects of society. Her speech in Makkah upon learning about Uthman’s assassination is simply ✨remarkable✨ - the eloquent queen 🙌🏻
🙏🏻 While this book pays homage to her, I find it lacking in depth to truly understand her. Much of the narrative revolves around Muhammad, leaving only fragments of her story to be gleaned. I’m also uneasy about the insufficient coverage, particularly regarding instances where Aishah opposed the opinions of honorary male figures, which may skew the portrayal & lead to varying interpretations among readers.
This book beautifully portrays the remarkable characters of Aishah - a woman of strength, intelligence, and has unwavering love & fully devoted towards her husband. A wife, a confidante and a companion. Ohh to be like her! 🥺❤️
And I love that Aishah is feisty badass (in a good way 😆)!! Her feistiness is not a flaw but rather as a testament to her spirited nature & fierce determination to uphold Islamic principles. Never been swayed by political ties nor personal gain - epitome of woman in leadership!
Muawiyah (1st Umayyad caliph) has once asked a man in his entourage “Who is the most knowledgeable of all people?”. The man thought it’d be better to say Muawiyah. But Muawiyah persisted him to give an honest answer so the man says, “Well, if you insist then it is Aishah”. Given that she spent most of her life living with the Prophet, Aishah serves as the most reliable source of information and insight about Islam & The Messenger
Scroll through the pics and you’ll see some examples of Aishah being the source of matters about aqidah/fiqh/tafsir etc (here you go https://www.instagram.com/p/C4YMVRTSk... )
This book is my companion during my stay in Madinah & Makkah. Aishah has always been my fav Mother of Believers due to her vibrant personality & wit, so it’s no brainer that she’s my inspiration 🥰. She’s not merely a passive figure but an active one in shaping the early Islamic community, contributing her intellect, wisdom, & courage to various aspects of society. Her speech in Makkah upon learning about Uthman’s assassination is simply ✨remarkable✨ - the eloquent queen 🙌🏻
🙏🏻 While this book pays homage to her, I find it lacking in depth to truly understand her. Much of the narrative revolves around Muhammad, leaving only fragments of her story to be gleaned. I’m also uneasy about the insufficient coverage, particularly regarding instances where Aishah opposed the opinions of honorary male figures, which may skew the portrayal & lead to varying interpretations among readers.
Read
April 6, 2024I met Sofia a few months ago at an event dedicated to this publication. She was a charming speaker and I was grateful to get a signed copy of this book. The message she left for me is perhaps my favourite - ‘I pray that you find joy, contentment and connection to Allah in these pages.’
The book begins with a great anecdote in which the first Umayyad Caliph, Muawiya, asks a man: Who is the most knowledgeable of all people? The man initially replies it is the Caliph himself, but when Muawiya presses him for a more honest response, he answers Aisha.
I’ve been reading A Treasury of Aisha in bits over the past few months and while the writing on this occasion didn’t quite hit, below are a few key takeaways.
1 - Aisha’s refutation of the hadith which specifies that women cannot travel alone without a mahram. She refutes this, and in fact, completes hajj by herself later in life. (Knowing this would’ve been quite useful when I first clashed with my mother on this issue, she has since come around to my perspective, but for rather different reasons)
2 - Aisha’s refutation of the hadith about women walking in front of other praying individuals. I had not actually read the Hadith before, I knew it through my mother. I had been under the assumption that it referred to anyone walking in front of a praying individual, but Abu Hurayra is specific. Aisha’s refutation is interesting as she says that the prophet prayed with her feet between his hands. While I won’t think too much about the practical or logistical difficulty that might have caused, I found myself quite touched by Sofia’s subsequent comments.
“In such a small space, he could have made Aisha feel unimportant, a distraction from God, asked her to sit behind or away from him, or maybe even leave the room, but he did not.”
The book begins with a great anecdote in which the first Umayyad Caliph, Muawiya, asks a man: Who is the most knowledgeable of all people? The man initially replies it is the Caliph himself, but when Muawiya presses him for a more honest response, he answers Aisha.
I’ve been reading A Treasury of Aisha in bits over the past few months and while the writing on this occasion didn’t quite hit, below are a few key takeaways.
1 - Aisha’s refutation of the hadith which specifies that women cannot travel alone without a mahram. She refutes this, and in fact, completes hajj by herself later in life. (Knowing this would’ve been quite useful when I first clashed with my mother on this issue, she has since come around to my perspective, but for rather different reasons)
2 - Aisha’s refutation of the hadith about women walking in front of other praying individuals. I had not actually read the Hadith before, I knew it through my mother. I had been under the assumption that it referred to anyone walking in front of a praying individual, but Abu Hurayra is specific. Aisha’s refutation is interesting as she says that the prophet prayed with her feet between his hands. While I won’t think too much about the practical or logistical difficulty that might have caused, I found myself quite touched by Sofia’s subsequent comments.
“In such a small space, he could have made Aisha feel unimportant, a distraction from God, asked her to sit behind or away from him, or maybe even leave the room, but he did not.”
May 27, 2023
The book is collection of Hadith narrated by Aisha (RA) and its deep and relevant interpretation. The hard work Sofia Rehman has put into the beautiful and relatable interpretation of the Hadiths is outstanding. I am very grateful to the author for not presenting our Beloved mother only as an obedient and submissive wife of the Prophet (SAW) but also as a woman with immense faith in God, confidence, conviction and an abundance of love.
July 6, 2023
Simply beautiful. It’s a treasure to return to again and again.
March 25, 2023
“A Treasury of ‘A’ishah” by Sofia Rehman is no less than a treasure when it comes to literature on the Beloved wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Through a curated selection of 40 statements made by ‘A’ishah, Sofia offers an intimate portrayal of one of the most prolific women in Islamic history - whom she has devoted years to studying.
From lessons on humility to anger management, the scope of the Hadith transmitted by ‘A’ishah is vast, while the language they are communicated and discussed in is colloquial and relatable. Matters of Islamic worship and jurisprudence are covered, including issues specific to women. I particularly enjoyed reading ‘A’ishah’s correction of a hadith pertaining to the purification “ghusl” shower. The hadiths are accompanied by Sofia’s commentary, which often addresses the problems with past, and present-day patriarchal attitudes that have been paraded as “religion.”
This book deviates from the traditional trappings of so many books on women in Islam that merely stress the importance of obedience, chastity and child-raising. Through her collection of hadith, Sofia centralises ‘A’ishah as a figure who is both pious and empowered, and doesn’t think twice before correcting male companions (quite frequently Abu Hurayrah) when she feels they have misspoken in the Prophet’s name.
Sofia notably points out A’ishah’s tendency to “safeguard against an excessive attitude towards religious rights and rituals, which, if one becomes too prescriptive in regarding, can become a distraction from the spiritual activity at hand.”
I love that the book also addresses a modern-day Muslim readership, with phrases like “throwing shade” and discussions on the dangers of the clout-chasing, “snap-caption-post-repeat” lifestyle that focuses so much on “filtering” life at the risk of neglecting the states of our hearts.
This is definitely a must-read for Muslim men and women. I now have my eye on the 6 other books from Kube Publishing’s Treasury series. (They would make great Ramadan gifts, individually or as a complete set!)
From lessons on humility to anger management, the scope of the Hadith transmitted by ‘A’ishah is vast, while the language they are communicated and discussed in is colloquial and relatable. Matters of Islamic worship and jurisprudence are covered, including issues specific to women. I particularly enjoyed reading ‘A’ishah’s correction of a hadith pertaining to the purification “ghusl” shower. The hadiths are accompanied by Sofia’s commentary, which often addresses the problems with past, and present-day patriarchal attitudes that have been paraded as “religion.”
This book deviates from the traditional trappings of so many books on women in Islam that merely stress the importance of obedience, chastity and child-raising. Through her collection of hadith, Sofia centralises ‘A’ishah as a figure who is both pious and empowered, and doesn’t think twice before correcting male companions (quite frequently Abu Hurayrah) when she feels they have misspoken in the Prophet’s name.
Sofia notably points out A’ishah’s tendency to “safeguard against an excessive attitude towards religious rights and rituals, which, if one becomes too prescriptive in regarding, can become a distraction from the spiritual activity at hand.”
I love that the book also addresses a modern-day Muslim readership, with phrases like “throwing shade” and discussions on the dangers of the clout-chasing, “snap-caption-post-repeat” lifestyle that focuses so much on “filtering” life at the risk of neglecting the states of our hearts.
This is definitely a must-read for Muslim men and women. I now have my eye on the 6 other books from Kube Publishing’s Treasury series. (They would make great Ramadan gifts, individually or as a complete set!)
June 28, 2023
The subtitle of this book says it all: ‘A Guidance from the Beloved of the Beloved.’ I have to say, though, it surprised me. I was expecting a beautiful collection of aHadith narrated by A’isha (ra). And I definitely got that. But this book is quite a bit more – it’s full of emotion and warmth, blended with scholarship. You really feel the author is speaking directly to the reader. At times, for example, she might be commenting on a particular Hadith and then breaks the fourth wall and addresses the reader directly and makes a du’a. It’s a really fantastic technique, and works so well on the page. So with this book you’re getting a work authored by a scholar who has researched this topic at doctorate level, while at the same time a writer who has the ability to convey emotion on the page, to make you feel you’re being taken on a journey through the book. I got the Kindle version, but I have seen the hardback and I think it’s worth owning that (and for that matter, the others in this series from Kube Publishers).
December 22, 2023
A short and easy read, consisting of 40 collections of hadith/sayings narrated by Aisha (ra), each followed with brief reminders.
There was an unsubstantiated underlying accusation of misogyny towards some of the male companions, and Abu Hurayra (ra) is presented as someone questionable who can’t be trusted, casting a shadow on the character of the most prolific hadith narrator. This is a repetition of the orientalist attacks, whose position Rehman seems to be validating.
This is not surprising as Sofia Rehman sites Mernissi in this book, and seems to be influenced by her. Mernissi also attacks Abu Hurayra and by extension the science of hadith, and has said in her work “even the authentic Hadith must be vigilantly examined with a magnifying glass.”
These problematic elements made it difficult for me to engage with the book in a more positive and reflective manner.
The lack of hadith classification was also a barrier to my reading.
There was an unsubstantiated underlying accusation of misogyny towards some of the male companions, and Abu Hurayra (ra) is presented as someone questionable who can’t be trusted, casting a shadow on the character of the most prolific hadith narrator. This is a repetition of the orientalist attacks, whose position Rehman seems to be validating.
This is not surprising as Sofia Rehman sites Mernissi in this book, and seems to be influenced by her. Mernissi also attacks Abu Hurayra and by extension the science of hadith, and has said in her work “even the authentic Hadith must be vigilantly examined with a magnifying glass.”
These problematic elements made it difficult for me to engage with the book in a more positive and reflective manner.
The lack of hadith classification was also a barrier to my reading.
March 9, 2025
I finished this in one sitting! Isn’t that quite telling in itself?
My thirst for knowledge has only increased after reading how beautiful Islam and its teachings are. This book speaks to my logic of critical thinking, curiosity and probing and it has brought me closer to my faith. Something I did not expect.
This book has been written in such a relatable way. It deconstructs many beliefs rooted in culture or misinterpretation that we take for truths. This is what Aisha RA was about - questions!!! Probing questions!!
Aisha RA was an exceptional role model in all aspects; leadership, bravery, eloquence, forbearance, compassion and authority. Dare I say - she comes off a little sassy! I love it and I love her and I love being her name sake 👑
My thirst for knowledge has only increased after reading how beautiful Islam and its teachings are. This book speaks to my logic of critical thinking, curiosity and probing and it has brought me closer to my faith. Something I did not expect.
This book has been written in such a relatable way. It deconstructs many beliefs rooted in culture or misinterpretation that we take for truths. This is what Aisha RA was about - questions!!! Probing questions!!
Aisha RA was an exceptional role model in all aspects; leadership, bravery, eloquence, forbearance, compassion and authority. Dare I say - she comes off a little sassy! I love it and I love her and I love being her name sake 👑
February 13, 2023
I read this book in one sitting and devoured every single word. It really is a little treasure. It's so informative and beautifully written. It gives you a very clear understanding about Aisha (may Allah be please with her) and the important role she played at a time where men dominated society. She was clearly regarded as a leader, as well as an a knowledgeable academic. This book is so inspiring to read for all. My 13 year old daughter has read it and has also loved it. My son will also be reading as we keep telling him of all the insightful information that is in this little book. I can't recommend it enough for all ages.
October 6, 2023
This gem of a book from the Treasury Collection at kubepublishing was a delight to read. Dr Sofia Rehman has compiled the insights of Aishah bint Abu Bakr into categories of Tafsir, Fiqh, Aqidah, Siyasah, and Al-raqa'iq. Aishah is considered to be one of the greatest scholars, providing insights into the Prophet's actions. The commentary written by Rehman really captures the essence of Aishah's character and how her narrations can be translated and applied to our daily life. One to read and cherish.
May 15, 2024
Fascinating book about Aisha (R.A.) and her wisdom is shared in this book.
Written in a very gentle tone, this is a great introduction to the mother of the believers and the wisdom she shared with the world.
At times I did feel it was a little too academic and wordy, but since the book is adapted from Sofia’s PHd thesis, it’s hard to fit in everything whilst remaining succinct but she does a wonderful job.
Written in a very gentle tone, this is a great introduction to the mother of the believers and the wisdom she shared with the world.
At times I did feel it was a little too academic and wordy, but since the book is adapted from Sofia’s PHd thesis, it’s hard to fit in everything whilst remaining succinct but she does a wonderful job.
March 31, 2023
Such an eloquently written book on the legacy of knowledge that Aishah RA left behind her. I love how Dr Rehman has divided the book into the different areas in which Aishah RA made contributions, such as aqeedah, tafseer, Hadith, and heart softeners. There’s also some fascinating insights into some of the Hadith that Aishah RA corrected. A must-read for all Muslim women.
December 26, 2023
a beautiful gem. can’t wait to return to this book again and again. 💌
July 22, 2024
This book was extremely informative and excellently written!
March 10, 2025
this book beautifully portrays the character of A'ishah RA. it acts as an introduction to her, making the reader want to know more.
May 19, 2023
Rehman’s elegant prose gracefully ushers you into a mental space that is much sought after. Divided into six chapters, this book pays homage to Aishah's profound impact on various facets of Islamic teachings and historical narratives.
What truly sets this literary masterpiece apart is Rehman’s ability to convey both the narrative and comprehensive analysis within a concise space. As we say in Arabic, "البلاغة في الإيجاز" (the art of eloquent brevity), Rehman masterfully achieves this throughout the diverse sections. With each anecdote illustrating Aishah's exemplary conduct, Rehman first presents the primary source, delving then into an elaborate exploration of how Aishah's wisdom and compassion enriched the underlying subject matter.
Among the myriad merits of this book, my personal highlight lies in the collection of supplications (Duas) recited by Aishah. Whether derived from her learnings with the revered Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or those unattributed to him, witnessing Aishah's heartfelt selection and the reasons behind it was truly moving.
A Treasury of Aishah is destined to become a cornerstone in every Muslim household's library, making it a highly recommended treasure to be shared with friends and family.
What truly sets this literary masterpiece apart is Rehman’s ability to convey both the narrative and comprehensive analysis within a concise space. As we say in Arabic, "البلاغة في الإيجاز" (the art of eloquent brevity), Rehman masterfully achieves this throughout the diverse sections. With each anecdote illustrating Aishah's exemplary conduct, Rehman first presents the primary source, delving then into an elaborate exploration of how Aishah's wisdom and compassion enriched the underlying subject matter.
Among the myriad merits of this book, my personal highlight lies in the collection of supplications (Duas) recited by Aishah. Whether derived from her learnings with the revered Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) or those unattributed to him, witnessing Aishah's heartfelt selection and the reasons behind it was truly moving.
A Treasury of Aishah is destined to become a cornerstone in every Muslim household's library, making it a highly recommended treasure to be shared with friends and family.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews