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Aisha and Puberty: Difference between revisions
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{{QualityScore|Lead=1|Structure=2|Content=4|Language=2|References=3}} | {{QualityScore|Lead=1|Structure=2|Content=4|Language=2|References=3}}Most Muslims are unaware that the [[Sahih]] [[hadith|ahadith]] say that [[Aisha]], the wife of [[Muhammad]], was below the age of puberty when she was at least fourteen years old, and remained in that state till the age of sixteen. The collectors of Hadith, however, were generally not ashamed of the truth. Even being some of the most devout Muslims to have ever lived, they had still preserved [[Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Muhammad|many authentic narrations]] which reflect very dubiously on the character of Muhammad. Some modern Muslims and apologists in the West, on the other hand, are ashamed that their prophet would marry and have sex with a pre-pubescent young girl, so they may claim that there is no evidence that Aisha was below the age of puberty. On the contrary, they may insist that she was already past the age of puberty, though without evidence to back their claim. | ||
Most Muslims are unaware that the [[Sahih]] [[hadith|ahadith]] say that [[Aisha]], the wife of [[Muhammad]], was below the age of puberty when she was at least fourteen years old, and remained in that state till the age of sixteen. The collectors of Hadith, however, were generally not ashamed of the truth. Even being some of the most devout Muslims to have ever lived, they had still preserved [[Qur'an, Hadith and Scholars:Muhammad|many authentic narrations]] which reflect very dubiously on the character of Muhammad. Some modern Muslims and apologists in the West, on the other hand, are ashamed that their prophet would marry and have sex with a pre-pubescent young girl, so they may claim that there is no evidence that Aisha was below the age of puberty. On the contrary, they may insist that she was already past the age of puberty, though without evidence to back their claim. | |||
We do not need to accept on blind faith the unsubstantiated claims of these Muslims since we have the original sahih ahadith. What do these say about Aisha’s pubertal status? The evidence is clear from the collection of Imam Bukhari. Hence, we will base our proposition on the famous “[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Translation-Meanings-Summarized-Sahih-Al-Bukhari/dp/1567445195 Translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari Arabic-English]” by ''Dr Muhammad Muhsin Khan'', published by the Islamic University - Al-Medina Al-Munauwara, Saudi Arabia. | We do not need to accept on blind faith the unsubstantiated claims of these Muslims since we have the original sahih ahadith. What do these say about Aisha’s pubertal status? The evidence is clear from the collection of Imam Bukhari. Hence, we will base our proposition on the famous “[http://www.amazon.co.uk/Translation-Meanings-Summarized-Sahih-Al-Bukhari/dp/1567445195 Translation of the Meanings of Sahih Al-Bukhari Arabic-English]” by ''Dr Muhammad Muhsin Khan'', published by the Islamic University - Al-Medina Al-Munauwara, Saudi Arabia. | ||
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USA 1905 14-15.7}} | USA 1905 14-15.7}} | ||
In an attempted | In an attempted tu-quoque, the apologist claims "Marriage at the early years of puberty was acceptable in 7th century Arabia as it was the social norm in all Semitic cultures". With a little fact-checking you will find that in the Middle Ages, Jewish girls were traditionally married off around the age of 12-13,<ref>''[[W:Nashim|Kiddushin]]'' ([[W:tosafot|tosafot]]) 41a</ref> which was also the average age at menarche. However, this only strengthens the case against Aisha having reached her first menses when consummating her marriage to Muhammad, and it also opposes the assertion that this consummation between a 54 year old man and a 9 year old girl would have been the accepted cultural norm. In fact, in Jewish culture, a large age gap between the spouses was opposed,<ref>''[[W:Yebamot|Yebamot]]'' 44a</ref><ref>''Sanhedrin'' 76a</ref> yet the age gap between Muhammad and Aisha was a massive 45 years. As they themselves have left behind no written records, there is ''no'' evidence of pedophilic marriages being accepted among the non-Muslim Arabs of Muhammad's time. The only sources we have are Muslim sources, so to claim that such a marriage was a cultural norm among all Arabs is baseless conjecture. | ||
To further justify Muhammad's marriage, the article ends with the following: | To further justify Muhammad's marriage, the article ends with the following: | ||
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Aisha said, "While the Ethiopians were playing with their small spears, Allah's Apostle screened me behind him and I watched (that display) and kept on watching till I left on my own." So you may estimate of what age '''a little girl''' may listen to amusement. }} | Aisha said, "While the Ethiopians were playing with their small spears, Allah's Apostle screened me behind him and I watched (that display) and kept on watching till I left on my own." So you may estimate of what age '''a little girl''' may listen to amusement. }} | ||
''[ | ''[in this hadith, Ayesha was 15 years old – according to Muhsin Khan]'' | ||
{{Quote|{{Bukhari|7|62|163}}| Narrated 'Aisha: | {{Quote|{{Bukhari|7|62|163}}| Narrated 'Aisha: | ||
The Prophet was screening me with his Rida' (garment covering the upper part of the body) while I was looking at the Ethiopians who were playing in the courtyard of the mosque. (I continued watching) till I was satisfied. So you may deduce from this event how '''a little girl (who has not reached the age of puberty)''' who is eager to enjoy amusement should be treated in this respect. }} | The Prophet was screening me with his Rida' (garment covering the upper part of the body) while I was looking at the Ethiopians who were playing in the courtyard of the mosque. (I continued watching) till I was satisfied. So you may deduce from this event how '''a little girl (who has not reached the age of puberty)''' who is eager to enjoy amusement should be treated in this respect. }} | ||
''[ | ''[in this hadith, Aisha had not reached puberty – according to Muhsin Khan]'' | ||
In the first hadith {{Bukhari|7|62|118}}, Dr Muhsin Khan in the official text published in Islamic University - Al-Medina Al-Munauwara, Saudi Arabia says, ''“Aisha was 15 years then.”'' Some Muslims might claim that it was only Muhsin Khan’s opinion that Aisha was 15 years old at that time. However, this is irrelevant since Muhammad would have bedded Aisha by then. This is because this incident of Aisha watching the Abyssinian/Ethiopian slaves throwing spears in the mosque took place in Medina because according to Abu Dawud, Eid festivals were instituted only in Medina. | In the first hadith {{Bukhari|7|62|118}}, Dr Muhsin Khan in the official text published in Islamic University - Al-Medina Al-Munauwara, Saudi Arabia says, ''“Aisha was 15 years then.”'' Some Muslims might claim that it was only Muhsin Khan’s opinion that Aisha was 15 years old at that time. However, this is irrelevant since Muhammad would have bedded Aisha by then. This is because this incident of Aisha watching the Abyssinian/Ethiopian slaves throwing spears in the mosque took place in Medina because according to Abu Dawud, Eid festivals were instituted only in Medina. | ||
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{{Quote| {{Bukhari|3|48|829}}, See also: {{Bukhari|6|60|274}}|Narrated Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet):… On that Allah's Apostle called Buraira and said, 'O Buraira. Did you ever see anything which roused your suspicions about her?' Buraira said, 'No, by Allah Who has sent you with the Truth, I have never seen in her anything faulty except that she is '''a girl of immature age''', who sometimes sleeps and leaves the dough for the goats to eat.'… I was '''a young girl''' and did not have much knowledge of the Quran}} | {{Quote| {{Bukhari|3|48|829}}, See also: {{Bukhari|6|60|274}}|Narrated Aisha: (the wife of the Prophet):… On that Allah's Apostle called Buraira and said, 'O Buraira. Did you ever see anything which roused your suspicions about her?' Buraira said, 'No, by Allah Who has sent you with the Truth, I have never seen in her anything faulty except that she is '''a girl of immature age''', who sometimes sleeps and leaves the dough for the goats to eat.'… I was '''a young girl''' and did not have much knowledge of the Quran}} | ||
''[ | ''[in this hadith, Aisha was about 14 years old]'' | ||
In Arabic, the phrase ''“jariyathil hadeethaathil sanna”'' literally means “pre-pubertal girl of new/recent/young age”. The word “jariya” has several meanings, but only one can fit Aisha. It means a pre-pubertal girl, a singer, slave girl/woman, concubine, or maid. The last four definitions show that it is a pejorative term, just like the word ‘boy’ was used by white people to describe black male slaves, even if adults. | In Arabic, the phrase ''“jariyathil hadeethaathil sanna”'' literally means “pre-pubertal girl of new/recent/young age”. The word “jariya” has several meanings, but only one can fit Aisha. It means a pre-pubertal girl, a singer, slave girl/woman, concubine, or maid. The last four definitions show that it is a pejorative term, just like the word ‘boy’ was used by white people to describe black male slaves, even if adults. | ||
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The understanding that Aisha was below the age of puberty is emphasized by the phrase “hadeethaathil sanna”, which means ‘new’, ‘beginning’, or ‘initial age’. This phrase carries the notion of immaturity because it is the initial age, bearing in mind that the phrase does not mean ‘new’ as in a “change” (which is a possible understanding of the English word ‘new’), but refers to the initial phase or beginning. Hence, “jariyathil hadeethaathil sanna” means a young girl in the first period of her youth, which can only mean the age before puberty. | The understanding that Aisha was below the age of puberty is emphasized by the phrase “hadeethaathil sanna”, which means ‘new’, ‘beginning’, or ‘initial age’. This phrase carries the notion of immaturity because it is the initial age, bearing in mind that the phrase does not mean ‘new’ as in a “change” (which is a possible understanding of the English word ‘new’), but refers to the initial phase or beginning. Hence, “jariyathil hadeethaathil sanna” means a young girl in the first period of her youth, which can only mean the age before puberty. | ||
Ayesha Bewley of the Maliki School has also translated al-Bukhari, but merely translated this phrase to ‘young girl’. This is not the true meaning of the phrase as it does not specifically convey the notion that Aisha bint Abu Bakr was below the age of puberty. Hence, some Muslims might delude themselves into thinking that ‘young girl’ in this translation does not say anything about puberty. It does – in Arabic. | Ayesha Bewley of the Maliki School has also translated al-Bukhari, but merely translated this phrase to ‘young girl’. This is not the true meaning of the phrase as it does not specifically convey the notion that Aisha bint Abu Bakr was below the age of puberty. Hence, some Muslims might delude themselves into thinking that ‘young girl’ in this translation does not say anything about puberty. It does – in Arabic.Other ahadith also show Aisha was a jariya, or a pre-pubertal girl: {{Quote| {{Bukhari|6|61|515}}| | ||
Other ahadith also show Aisha was a jariya, or a pre-pubertal girl: | |||
{{Quote| {{Bukhari|6|61|515}}| | |||
Narrated Yusuf bin Mahk: | Narrated Yusuf bin Mahk: | ||
While I was with Aisha, the mother of the Believers, a person from Iraq came and asked, "What type of shroud is the best?" 'Aisha said, "May Allah be merciful to you! What does it matter?" He said, "O mother of the Believers! Show me (the copy of) your Qur'an," She said, "Why?" He said, "In order to compile and arrange the Qur'an according to it, for people recite it with its Suras not in proper order." 'Aisha said, "What does it matter which part of it you read first? (Be informed) that the first thing that was revealed thereof was a Sura from Al-Mufassal, and in it was mentioned Paradise and the Fire. When the people embraced Islam, the Verses regarding legal and illegal things were revealed. If the first thing to be revealed was: 'Do not drink alcoholic drinks.' people would have said, 'We will never leave alcoholic drinks,' and if there had been revealed, 'Do not commit illegal sexual intercourse, 'they would have said, 'We will never give up illegal sexual intercourse.' While I was '''a young girl of playing age''', the following Verse was revealed in Mecca to Muhammad: 'Nay! But the Hour is their appointed time (for their full recompense), and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter.' (54.46) Sura Al-Baqara (The Cow) and Surat An-Nisa (The Women) were revealed while I was with him." Then 'Aisha took out the copy of the Qur'an for the man and dictated to him the Verses of the Suras (in their proper order) }} | While I was with Aisha, the mother of the Believers, a person from Iraq came and asked, "What type of shroud is the best?" 'Aisha said, "May Allah be merciful to you! What does it matter?" He said, "O mother of the Believers! Show me (the copy of) your Qur'an," She said, "Why?" He said, "In order to compile and arrange the Qur'an according to it, for people recite it with its Suras not in proper order." 'Aisha said, "What does it matter which part of it you read first? (Be informed) that the first thing that was revealed thereof was a Sura from Al-Mufassal, and in it was mentioned Paradise and the Fire. When the people embraced Islam, the Verses regarding legal and illegal things were revealed. If the first thing to be revealed was: 'Do not drink alcoholic drinks.' people would have said, 'We will never leave alcoholic drinks,' and if there had been revealed, 'Do not commit illegal sexual intercourse, 'they would have said, 'We will never give up illegal sexual intercourse.' While I was '''a young girl of playing age''', the following Verse was revealed in Mecca to Muhammad: 'Nay! But the Hour is their appointed time (for their full recompense), and the Hour will be more grievous and more bitter.' (54.46) Sura Al-Baqara (The Cow) and Surat An-Nisa (The Women) were revealed while I was with him." Then 'Aisha took out the copy of the Qur'an for the man and dictated to him the Verses of the Suras (in their proper order) }} | ||
The Arabic phrase here is ''“jariyathan al-aban”''. | The Arabic phrase here is ''“jariyathan al-aban”''. | ||
{{Quote| {{Bukhari|6|60|399}}| | {{Quote| {{Bukhari|6|60|399}}| | ||
Narrated Yusuf bin Mahik: | Narrated Yusuf bin Mahik: | ||
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The Arabic phrase here is ''“jariyathan al-aban”''. | The Arabic phrase here is ''“jariyathan al-aban”''. | ||
{{Quote| {{Bukhari|7|62|17}}| | {{Quote| {{Bukhari|7|62|17}}| | ||
Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: | Narrated Jabir bin 'Abdullah: | ||
When I got married, Allah's Apostle said to me, "What type of lady have you married?" I replied, "I have married a matron' He said, "Why, don't you have a liking for the virgins and for fondling them?" Jabir also said: Allah's Apostle said, "Why didn't you marry '''a young girl''' so that you might play with her and she with you?' }} | When I got married, Allah's Apostle said to me, "What type of lady have you married?" I replied, "I have married a matron' He said, "Why, don't you have a liking for the virgins and for fondling them?" Jabir also said: Allah's Apostle said, "Why didn't you marry '''a young girl''' so that you might play with her and she with you?' }} | ||
The Arabic phrase here is ''“jariyathan thulaibuha”''. It shows that 'jariya' is the opposite of ‘matron’ or a mature woman. | The Arabic phrase here is ''“jariyathan thulaibuha”''. It shows that 'jariya' is the opposite of ‘matron’ or a mature woman. | ||
{{Quote|{{Bukhari|1|6|293}}|Narrated Al-Qasim: | {{Quote|{{Bukhari|1|6|293}}|Narrated Al-Qasim: | ||
‘Aisha said, “We set out with the sole intention of performing Hajj and when we reached Sarif, (a place six miles from Mecca) I got my menses. Allah’s Apostle came to me while I was weeping. He said ‘What is the matter with you? Have you got your menses?’ I replied, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘This is a thing which Allah has ordained for the daughters of Adam. So do what all the pilgrims do with the exception of the Taw-af (Circumambulation) round the Ka’ba.” ‘Aisha added, “Allah’s Apostle sacrificed cows on behalf of his wives.”}} | ‘Aisha said, “We set out with the sole intention of performing Hajj and when we reached Sarif, (a place six miles from Mecca) I got my menses. Allah’s Apostle came to me while I was weeping. He said ‘What is the matter with you? Have you got your menses?’ I replied, ‘Yes.’ He said, ‘This is a thing which Allah has ordained for the daughters of Adam. So do what all the pilgrims do with the exception of the Taw-af (Circumambulation) round the Ka’ba.” ‘Aisha added, “Allah’s Apostle sacrificed cows on behalf of his wives.”}}{{Quote|{{Bukhari|2|26|631}}|Narrated Al-Qasim bin Muhammad: | ||
{{Quote|{{Bukhari|2|26|631}}|Narrated Al-Qasim bin Muhammad: | |||
‘ Aisha said, “We set out with Allah’s Apostles in the months of Hajj, and (in) the nights of Hajj, and at the time and places of Hajj and in a state of Hajj. We dismounted at Sarif (a village six miles from Mecca). The Prophet then addressed his companions and said, “Anyone who has not got the Hadi and likes to do Umra instead of Hajj may do so (i.e. Hajj-al-Tamattu) and anyone who has got the Hadi should not finish the Ihram after performing ‘ Umra). (i.e. Hajj-al-Qiran). Aisha added, “The companions of the Prophet obeyed the above (order) and some of them (i.e. who did not have Hadi) finished their Ihram after Umra.” Allah’s Apostle and some of his companions were resourceful and had the Hadi with them, they could not perform Umra (alone) (but had to perform both Hajj and Umra with one Ihram). Aisha added, “Allah’s Apostle came to me and saw me weeping and said, “What makes you weep, O Hantah?” I replied, “I have heard your conversation with your companions and I cannot perform the Umra.” He asked, “What is wrong with you?’ I replied, ‘I do not offer the prayers (i.e. I have my menses).’ He said, ‘It will not harm you for you are one of the daughters of Adam, and Allah has written for you (this state) as He has written it for them. Keep on with your intentions for Hajj and Allah may reward you that.” Aisha further added, “Then we proceeded for Hajj till we reached Mina and I became clean from my menses.}} | ‘ Aisha said, “We set out with Allah’s Apostles in the months of Hajj, and (in) the nights of Hajj, and at the time and places of Hajj and in a state of Hajj. We dismounted at Sarif (a village six miles from Mecca). The Prophet then addressed his companions and said, “Anyone who has not got the Hadi and likes to do Umra instead of Hajj may do so (i.e. Hajj-al-Tamattu) and anyone who has got the Hadi should not finish the Ihram after performing ‘ Umra). (i.e. Hajj-al-Qiran). Aisha added, “The companions of the Prophet obeyed the above (order) and some of them (i.e. who did not have Hadi) finished their Ihram after Umra.” Allah’s Apostle and some of his companions were resourceful and had the Hadi with them, they could not perform Umra (alone) (but had to perform both Hajj and Umra with one Ihram). Aisha added, “Allah’s Apostle came to me and saw me weeping and said, “What makes you weep, O Hantah?” I replied, “I have heard your conversation with your companions and I cannot perform the Umra.” He asked, “What is wrong with you?’ I replied, ‘I do not offer the prayers (i.e. I have my menses).’ He said, ‘It will not harm you for you are one of the daughters of Adam, and Allah has written for you (this state) as He has written it for them. Keep on with your intentions for Hajj and Allah may reward you that.” Aisha further added, “Then we proceeded for Hajj till we reached Mina and I became clean from my menses.}} | ||
The two hadiths above, tell us the age when Aisha got her first menses. Her marriage was consummated in the year 622, and this journey for [[hajj]] took place in 629. Therefore, Aisha was about sixteen years old at the time of her first menstruation. | The two hadiths above, tell us the age when Aisha got her first menses. Her marriage was consummated in the year 622, and this journey for [[hajj]] took place in 629. Therefore, Aisha was about sixteen years old at the time of her first menstruation. | ||
===In summary=== | |||
== | |||
In summary, Dr Muhsin Khan in the official text published in the Islamic University; Al-Medina Al-Munauwara, Saudi Arabia, says in two related ahadith that Aisha had not reached puberty when she was 15 years old, and in another two it is shown she first menstrated at the age of sixteen. The text is published by Dar Al-Fikar, with a signed prologue of many scholars, and is attested by Muhammad Amin Al-Ansari PhD, Adviser and Head of Sharia Department, in the same University. | In summary, Dr Muhsin Khan in the official text published in the Islamic University; Al-Medina Al-Munauwara, Saudi Arabia, says in two related ahadith that Aisha had not reached puberty when she was 15 years old, and in another two it is shown she first menstrated at the age of sixteen. The text is published by Dar Al-Fikar, with a signed prologue of many scholars, and is attested by Muhammad Amin Al-Ansari PhD, Adviser and Head of Sharia Department, in the same University. | ||
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==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
*[[Aishas Age of Consummation|Aisha's Age of Consummation]] | *[[Aishas Age of Consummation|Aisha's Age of Consummation]] | ||