Women’s Spiritual Role in Early Muslim Society

Another example is that of Aisha, the wife of the Prophet. Having gained full knowledge of Islam from the Prophet, she was able, after the death of the Prophet, to perform the task of teacher and guide to the Muslim community. Such traditions tell us that the Prophet’s conversations with his wife, Aishah, were aimed to educate her. Aisha says that when the Prophet Muhammad would get up at night after a few hours of sleep, he would converse with her at length in that peaceful atmosphere. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 1161; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 743) She benefited greatly from this course of informal education, continuing uninterruptedly, even while travelling. After the Prophet of Islam left the world, significant differences arose. During his life, all such matters were referred to him. After the Prophet, his wife Aisha, who had been under his training for a long time, played a very positive role. Having fully grasped the spirit of Islam, she used it to guide the Companions of the Prophet, both men and women. In this way, she successfully resolved many differences. Aisha became the most distinguished authority on religious knowledge. It is said that Aisha herself handed down to