Sublime Character

SUBLIME CHARACTER ‘Aisha, wife of the Prophet and daughter of Abu Bakr, being accused of adultery is an apt illustration of this principle. This slanderous accusation was brought against ‘Aisha when she was accidentally left behind while returning from the expedition to Banu al-Mustaliq (A.H. 6), then rescued by a young companion of the Prophet named Safwan ibn al-Mu’attal. Indeed, the episode has become famous in Islamic history as the “case of slander.” One of the persons responsible for fabricating it and spreading it far and wide was a relative of Abu Bakr named Mistah. When Abu Bakr learnt that Mistah was one of those who had defamed his innocent daughter, he cut off the allowance that he used to grant Mistah as a needy relative. When Abu Bakr took this step, God revealed this verse of the Quran to His Prophet: Let not the honourable and wealthy among you swear not to give to their kindred, the poor, and those who have migrated for the cause of God. Instead, let them pardon and forgive. Do you not wish God to forgive you? He is Forgiving, Merciful.26 A person in need should not be denied financial assistance because of his misconduct. Instead, one should pardon him and continue to help him. A man insulted Abu Bakr one day while he was sitting with the prophet. Abu Bakr listened but remained silent. The man continued to abuse him. Abu Bakr still held his peace. Finally, when the man kept repeating his foul tirade, Abu Bakr could no longer contain himself and answered.