Formative Training Under the Prophet

Formative Training Under the Prophet continuous companionship. Ali ibn Abi Talib and Aisha bint Abi Bakr were given this opportunity from an early age. For example, the following saying is attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib: “A person’s true worth lies in what they excel at.” (Jami‘ Bayan al-‘Ilm by Ibn Abd al-Barr, Hadith Nos. 608-609) These exact words are not found among the sayings of the Prophet. Rather, they express a principle of wisdom that Ali drew from his close companionship with him. The same idea may also be stated more simply: “The value of a person lies in his excellence.” The same was true of Aisha bint Abi Bakr. Her observations and conclusions are well known and reveal an exceptional depth of wisdom. They were the result of her close and thoughtful study of the Prophet’s life. One example is her perceptive observation: “Whenever the Prophet had to choose between two options, he chose the easier one.” (Sahih alBukhari, Hadith No. 6786) The words spoken directly by the Prophet were preserved as Hadith. The special distinction of Ali and Aisha, however, lay in their ability to draw general principles and deeper wisdom from his words and actions. Their close