Formative Training Under the Prophet

FORMATIVE TRAINING UNDER THE PROPHET From the standpoint of human development, the first ten years of life are generally considered the formative period. It is during these early years that much of a person’s character and personality is shaped. This stage is therefore of particular importance for education, nurture and character formation. With this formative purpose in view, the Prophet of Islam specially selected two individuals during his lifetime: Ali ibn Abi Talib and Aisha bint Abi Bakr. Through their close association with him, they underwent a process of intellectual, moral and spiritual development and acquired what the Quran describes as prophetic wisdom. (2:129) This kind of formation is most effective during the early, impressionable years of life. In the case of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet took responsibility for his upbringing while he was still young and brought him into his own household. Since no similar arrangement was possible in the case of Aisha, the Prophet married her at an early age. According to traditional accounts, the marriage was