Aisha (ra), the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), was an extraordinary human being. She was highly learned and is considered to be one of the foremost scholars of the early Islamic period. She recorded the life of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and, being a brilliant scholar and an excellent teacher, she explained it with intelligence and insight. Aisha (ra) narrated about 2200 ahadith, which is an amazing achievement for anyone. After the death of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), Aisha (ra) devoted most of her time to the propagation of Islam, making every effort to spread its message by teaching its tenets. She also took an active part in educational and social reforms. Aisha (ra) is undoubtedly an exemplary figure in the history of Islam and is an inspiration to all.

This book portrays one of the most significant personalities in the history of Islam. Taking the misunderstandings and defamation about her into consideration, Aisha needs to be understood correctly. This study by Dr Resit Haylamaz, an expert on the life of the Prophet and his leading Companions, reflects her life in various aspects based on reliable reports. The book clarifies her critical role at establishing the Islamic teaching, with particular reference to her role in the transmission of private matters concerning women and marital relations, as well as recording the authentic sayings of the Prophet. As her sensitivity at practicing religion is related in a rich variety of examples, much disputed issues like her marriage age and her stance about Ali ibn Abi Talib are covered as separate topics.

There is much controversy over the number of wives attributed to the Prophet Mohammed: various claims range from four to nine or more. On one point, however, everyone agrees: Aishah was his favourite. The story of this remarkable woman has been concealed or ignored for generations. She lived for several decades after the Prophet's death and was deeply involved in the turbulent political conflict that shaped the early Muslim nation. Certainly, Aishah did not conform to any proscription against women in Islamic public life. Having extensively mined scholarly Arabic source material, Abbott nonetheless tells her story in a popular,narrative style. Aishah is not only a gripping tale, but also an attempt to recover part of the lost history of Muslim women who resisted the restrictions Islam sought to impose on them.

Certainly, the biography of Sayidah A'isha, the Mother of the Believers, has provoked many a topic to occupy historians, students of the Shariah, as well as those who follow their whims and desires, and continues to do so. Truly in her biography is what is worthy to be studied and defended, against those biased ones that bring about doubts and aspersions. Sayidah A'isha (r) had an unparalleled personality. Through which she occupied a special place in the heart of the Messenger of Allah (s) and in his life. It was as if he had prepared her to be one of the preservers of his knowledge. 2210 hadiths have been narrated by her from the Prophet (s). But that is not all, for she was also accomplished in many sciences and in giving legal judgements (ijtihad). Abu Musa Al-Ashari (r) said about her, "Never did a hadith become difficult upon the Companions of the Messenger (s) to understand, except we would ask A'isha and find knowledge of it with her." This book is a response to some of the disconcerting events of her life, accompanied by evidence, proofs and facts.

'A'ishah al-Ba'uniyyah (d. 923/1517) of Damascus was one of the great women scholars in Islamic history. A mystic and prolific poet and writer, 'A'ishah composed more works in Arabic than any other woman before the twentieth century. Yet despite her extraordinary literary and religious achievements, 'A'ishah al-Ba'uniyyah remains largely unknown. For the first time her key work, The Principles of Sufism, is available in English translation. The Principles of Sufism is a mystical guide book to help others on their spiritual path. She recounts the fundamental stages and states of the spiritual novice’s transformative journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing both human limitations and God’s limitless love. Drawing on lessons and readings from centuries-old Sufi tradition, 'A'ishah advises the seeker to repent of selfishness and turn to a sincere life of love. In addition to his lucid translation, Th. Emil Homerin provides an insightful introduction, notes and a glossary to 'A'ishah al-Ba'uniyyah’s remarkable account of the pursuit of mystical illumination. A bilingual Arabic-English edition.