'Aa'ishah: the mother of the believers

When the Prophetemigrated from Makkah to Al-Madeenah he was
accompanied by Abu Bakr)'Aa'ishah's father( who had the most knowledge
about the Quraysh -- both the good and badaspects. He was a well-known
honorable merchant to whom people came to seek and gain more
knowledge.
'Aa'ishah's motherwas called Umm Rummaan bint 'Umayr bin 'Amer coming
from the sons of Al-Haarith bin Ghanam bin Ka'ab, and she was among
the first group who embraced Islam. She had been married to 'Abdullaah
bin 'Abdul-Asad before she married Abu Bakr, and she had a son from
her first husband called At-Tufayl, and she gave birth to 'Aa'ishah
and 'Abdur-Rahmaan from Abu Bakr. She emigrated to Al-Madeenah after
the establishment of Islam there. When she died, Abu Bakrsaid: "O
Allaah! You know best how Umm Rummaan was hurt for Your sake and the
sake of Your Prophet."
The Prophetused to entrust 'Aa'ishahto Umm Rummaan's charge and say:"O
Umm Rummaan, be kind to 'Aa'ishah and be mindful of me by this
kindness."
In fact, the Prophetused to love the clean and pure household of Abu
Bakrbecause the man of the house -- Abu Bakr -- was a man who needed
no introduction; his character and lineage were not something to
inquire about.
The Messenger of Allaahthought about proposing to 'Aa'ishahfor
marriage when Khawlah bint Haakim Al-Aslamiahsaid to him: "What do you
say about marrying 'Aa'ishah the daughter of Abu Bakr?"; he,
sallallaahu 'alayhi wasallam then moved his head in the affirmative,
saying yes. Then Khawlah went to Umm Rummaan to tell her the news and
said: "O Umm Rummaan, youcannot imagine how Allaah has blessed your
house!"
Khawlahsaid: "The Messenger of Allaahsent me to seek 'Aa'ishah for
marriage." Umm Rummaansaid: "Wait for Abu Bakr, he is coming soon."
When Abu Bakrcame back, Khawlah told him the news and he said: "Is she
suitable for him? She is his niece." Khawlah then went back to the
Prophetandtold him what Abu Bakr had told her, and hesaid: "Go back
and tell Abu Bakr that he is my brother in Islam and I am his, and his
daughter is good enough for me."
Abu Bakr thought deeply about this and then went to Mut'am bin'Uday,
who had proposed 'Aa'ishahfor marriage to his son Jubayr. These people
were still disbelievers. When Abu Bakrentered their house, they said:
"O son of Abu Quhaafah, we fear that if our son married your daughter
'Aa'ishah, then she would convince him of Islam and we do not want
this to happen."
Abu Bakrdid not answer, buton the contrary he was very pleased with
that. In this way he was freed of their promise and he could give his
full agreement for the blessed marriage.
'Aa'ishahnarrated how she became married to the Messenger of Allaah,
sallallaahu ''alayhi wa sallam, and said: "The Prophetcame to our
house, and many people gathered there to meet him. Then my mother came
to me while I was playing, she took me to the door where the
Prophetwas sitting. I wasso embarrassed and I melted in shyness. Then
my mother put mebeside the Prophetand said: "This is your wife, may
Allaah bless her for you, and bless you for her." People then left the
room, and at that night nothing was slaughtered for me and I was nine
years old at that time." Although she was young, she was a mature girl
who had reached puberty. People described 'Aa'ishah on her wedding day
and said: "She was animble, wide-eyed bride, with curly hair and a
shiny face."
Whereas Khadeejahwas already a wise and mature woman when she married
the Prophet Muhammad'Aa'ishahwas a spirited young girl who still had a
great deal to learnwhen she married the Prophet. However, she was very
quickto learn, for she had a clear heart,a quick mind and an accurate
memory. She was not afraid to talk back in order to find out the truth
or make it known, and whenever she beat someone else in argument, the
Prophetwould smile and say: "She is the daughter of Abu Bakr!"
Moosaa bin Talhahonce said: "I have not seen anyone more eloquent than
'Aa'ishah." 'Aa'ishahbecame so wise that one of her contemporaries
used to say that if the knowledgeof 'Aa'ishah were placed on one side
of the scales and that of all other women on the other, 'Aa'ishah's
side would outweigh the others. She used to sit with the other women
and pass on the knowledge that she had received from the Prophet. She
was a source of knowledge and wisdom for both women andmen long after
the Prophetdied and as long as she lived. AbuMoosaaonce said:
"Whenevera report appeared doubtful to us)the Companions of the
Prophet( and we asked 'Aa'ishah about it, we always learned something
from her about it."
In addition to being extremely intelligent, 'Aa'ishahbecame a very
graceful young woman. When she first came to live in theProphet's
household as a young girl, a strong and lasting friendship grew up
between her and Sawdah, and Sawdahtook care of her along with the rest
of the household. When 'Aa'ishahgrew up, Sawdah, who was by then an
old woman, gave up her share of the Prophet's time in favor of
'Aa'ishah and was content to manage his household and be Umm al
Mu'mineen 'The Mother of the Believers' -- a title of respect that
was given to all the wives of the Prophetwhich confirmed what the
Quran clearlystates that no man could marry any of them after they had
been married to the Prophet:
}The Prophet is more worthy of the believers than themselves, and his
wives are )in the position of( their mothers.{]Quran 33:6[
During the nine years that 'Aa'ishahwas married to Prophet Muhammadshe
witnessed many of the great events that shaped the destiny ofthe first
Muslim community of Al-Madeenah al Munawarra: It was during the course
of their marriage that the direction of theQiblah was changed from
Jerusalem to Makkah, thereby distinguishing the Muslims more clearly
from Jews and Christians. It was during the course of their marriage
that she must have listened to many of the Jews, Christians and idol
worshippers who came not to listen to the Prophetbut to argue with
him, in the hope that they could find a plausible excuse to justify
their rejection of him. It was through exchanges such as thesethat
'Aa'ishahlearned to distinguish what was true from what was false.
As the prophetic guidance continued to be revealed throughthe Prophet
Muhammad, sallallaahu ''alayhi wa sallam, 'Aa'ishah's way of life,
along withthat of all the Muslims, was gradually reshaped and refined.
Itwas during the course of their marriage that drinking alcohol was
finally forbidden, it was made clear what food was allowed )Halaal(
and what was prohibited )Haraam(, it became necessary for women to
wear theHijaab in public and while praying, guidance regarding how to
fast was revealed, paying the Zakaat became obligatory on all Muslims
and all rites of Hajj were purified and clarified.
In fact, every aspect of life -- frombirth to death and everything
that happens in between -- was illuminated by the way in which the
Prophetbehaved. It was this way of behavior )the Sunnah(, that
'Aa'ishahhelped to preserve and protect, not only by embodying it
herself, but also by teaching it to others.
The life of 'Aa'ishahis proof that a woman can be far more learned
than men and that she can be the teacher of scholars and experts. Her
life is also a proof that a woman can exert influence over men and
women and provide them with inspiration and leadership . Her life is
also proof that the same woman can retain her feminity and be a source
of pleasure, joy and comfort to her husband.
'Aa'ishahspent her life with the Prophetuntil he died in her lap,
whereupon she said: "Hedied between my chest and my neck, then I put
his head on a pillow when people became very quiet while I was
mourning and suffering deep sadness."

The principles of Ghusl)taking bath(

A brief summary of the principles of Ghuslis as follows:
First,A Muslim should make his/her intention for purification, then
wash the privateparts. Then make Wudhoo' )ablution( like theWudhoo'
done for prayer, then pour water on hisright side, then the left side.
Then water should be poured on his head,covering the entire body with
water. It is also reported in the Sunnah)narrations of the Prophet
Muhammad( that washing the feet should be delayed until the end of the
Ghusl.
It is reported onthe authority of Aa'ishahwho said that theMessenger
of Allaahwhen performingGhusl from Janaabah)ritual impurity(, used to
wash hishands, then wash his private parts with hisleft hand. After
that he performed Wudhoo' like that for prayer. Next, he took
somewater and ran his fingers inthe roots of his hair until he
usedthree handfulsof water on his head. He would then go on pouring
water on the rest of his bodyand wash his legs. ]Muslim[
1. The person taking a bath should first of all wash both hands up to
the wrists, and then wash the private parts. The hands and private
parts should be washed irrespective of whether there is any impurity
on them or not. Both these have to be washed under all conditions.
Thereafter, any impurity found onthe rest of the body should be
washed. Then make Wudhoo'. If one is sitting on a stool or stone while
bathing, then the feet should also be washed when making Wudhoo'. But
if one is sitting in a place where the wateraccumulates and he will
have to wash the feet again after completing the Ghusl, then the
entire Wudhoo' should be made but the feet should not be washed.
After performing Wudhoo', pour water on the head three times.
Thereafter pour water over the right and left shoulders three times
each in such a way that water reaches the entire body. Thereafter move
from this place and go to a clean spot and wash the feet. If the feet
were washed when making Wudhoo' there willbe no need to wash them
again.
2. Whilst pouring water over the body the first time, rub the body
well so that water reaches everywhere properly and no placeremains
dry.
3. The above method of Ghusl is according to the Sunnah. Some ofthe
items explained above are Fardh )obligatory( without which Ghusl will
not be complete and the person will remain impure. Some other items
are Sunnah)recommended but not obligatory(. Observing them entails
reward, and by not carrying them out, Ghusl will still be complete.
The Fardh acts are only three:
)a( To gargle the mouth in such a way that water reaches everywhere.
)b( To wash the nose up to the soft bone.
)c( To pour water over the entire body.
4. While bathing, one should not face the Qiblah )direction of the
Ka'bah(. Too much water should not be used, nor should so little be
used that one is unable to wash thoroughly. The bath should be taken
at such a place that no one can see the bather. One should not talk
while bathing; he should cover himself up first and then wash the
feet.
5. If the bathing place is secludedwhere no one can see, then it is
permissible to bathe naked, irrespective of whether one is standing or
sitting and irrespective of whether the roof is covered or not.
However, it is better to sit and bathe because there is more modesty
in this. To expose the body from the navel to the knees before anyone
is a sin. Many women bath completely naked in the presenceof other
women. This is a very evil and shameful act.
6. Even if an area equal to a hair's breadth is left dry, Ghusl will
not be complete. In the same way, if one forgets to gargle the mouth
or wash the nose, Ghusl will not be complete.
7. If a woman pours water on herhead three times, that will be
sufficient and she does not need to undo the braids. This is based on
the Hadeeth )narration( ofUmm Salamah. It is narratedthat she asked
the Prophet:"I am a woman with braided hair;should I undo it when
doing Ghusl for Janaabah?" Heanswered:"No, rather it will be
sufficient for you to pour three handfuls of water on your head, then
pour water over yourself and you will be purified."]Muslim[.Unless the
Ghusl is after the menses, then she has to undo the braids and wash
her hair thoroughly.

Dought & clear - He is asking about dying in the month of Ramadaan.

Is it true that all those who die in Ramadan, goto Janat without being
questioned for their deeds?.
Praise be to Allaah.
Allaah has blessed some of the elite among His slaves with the promise
that they will enter Paradise without being brought to account and
without being punished.It was narrated that 'Abd-Allaah ibn 'Abbaas
(may Allaah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allaah(peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: The nations were shown to
me and I saw aProphet with a small band of followers, and a Prophet
with one or twomen with him, and a Prophet who had no onewith him.
Then I was shown a huge multitude and I thought they were my ummah,
but it was said to me: This is Moosa (peace be upon him) and his
people. But look at the horizon. So I looked and saw a huge multitude,
and it was said to me: Look at the other horizon, and therewas
(another) huge multitude. And it was said to me: This is your ummah
and with them are seventy thousand who will enter Paradise without
being brought to account or punished."Then he got up and went into his
house, andthe people disputed about those who enter Paradise without
being brought to account or being punished. Some ofthem said: Perhaps
they are the ones who accompanied the Messenger of Allaah(peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him). Some of them said: Perhaps they are
the ones who were born in Islam and did not associate anything with
Allaah. And they mentioned other things. The Messenger of Allaah(peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) came out to them and said: "What
are you disputing about?" They told him, and he said: "They are the
ones who did not seek ruqyah or believe in bird omens, and they put
their trust in their Lord." 'Ukaashahibn Mihsan stood up andsaid: Pray
to Allaah to make me one of them. He said: "You will be oneof them."
Another man stood up and said: Pray to Allaah to make me one of them.
He said: " 'Ukaashah has beaten you to it."
Al-Bukhaari, 5705; Muslim, 220
He did not say that among these seventy thousand would be those who
died during the month of Ramadaan.Rather those who are mentioned are
the elite of the believers who achieved true belief in the oneness of
the Lord of the Worlds (Tawheed). It says inFathal-Majeed: The phrase
"and put their trust in their Lord" points to the basic principles
from which these actions and attributes stemmed, which is putting
one's trust in Allaah (tawakkul) and sincerelyturning to Him and
depending on Him. This is the ultimate Tawheed which raises a person
to a high status of love, hope, fear and being content with Allaah as
one's Lord and God, and being content with His decree. (p. 74)
Concerning the virtue of one who dies whilst fasting, it was narrated
that the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said:
"Whoever says Laa ilaaha ill-Allaah (there is no god but Allaah),
seeking the Face of Allaah and that was his final action, will enter
Paradise. Whoever fasts one day seeking the Face of Allaah and that
was his final action, will enter Paradise. Whoevergives charity
seeking theFace of Allaah and that was his final action will enter
Paradise." Narrated by Imam Ahmad, 22813, from the hadeeth of
Hudhayfah (may Allaah be pleased with him). Al-Albaani said inAhkaam
al-Janaa'iz: its isnaad is saheeh.
It should be noted that the previous hadeeth points to the high status
of those seventy thousand (may Allaah make us among them) with regard
to doing righteous deeds, which is what brought them to that status
before Allaah.Shaykh Muhammad ibn 'Abd al-Wahhaab (may Allaah have
mercy on him) said, after quoting this hadeeth inKitaab al-Tawheed:
"This is indicative of the depth of the knowledge of the salaf,
because they knewthat they could not attain that status except by
doing righteous deeds." It should be obvious to the questioner that if
there were anything special about dying in Ramadaan, this would apply
only to the believers and not all those who die in Ramadaan.
Similarly, with regard to the hadeeth quoted above concerning the
virtue of one who dies whilst fasting, which says that he will enter
Paradise, this promise is for one who does righteous deeds and that
was his final deed, not simply for dying in Ramadaan. Moreover, it
does not mention that specific virtue of entering Paradise without
being brought to account. And Allaah is the Source of strength.

Dought & clear - Are there airports and airplanes in Paradise?.

This might sound very childish but I would like to know if someone
likes something on earth very much , like anairplane for example , can
he get one in heaven ? can he get an airport as well ?.
Praise be to Allaah.
This question is not childish, rather it is prescribed for the
intelligent person to ask questions, seek benefits and look for that
which will increase his longing for Paradise and make him strive
harder to reach it. Some of the Companions of the Prophet(peace and
blessings of Allaah be upon him) asked him similar questions to this.
It was narrated from Sulaymaan ibn Buraydahfrom his father that a man
asked the Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), "O
Messenger of Allaah, are there horses in Paradise?" He said, "If
Allaah admits you to Paradise, any time you wish to be carried on a
horse of red rubies that will fly with you wherever you want in
Paradise, you will do that." Another man asked him, "O Messengerof
Allaah, will there be camels in Paradise?" andhe did not say to him
something like he said to his companion. He said, "If Allaah admits
you to Paradise, you will have there whatever your heart desires."
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 2543; this hadeeth was classed as hasan by
Shaykh al-Albaani inSaheeh al-Targheeb, 3/522.
With regard to the specific topic of your question, about a personwho
loves flying and airplanes, there are many saheeh ahaadeeth which
speak of a similar joy.
It was proven that the souls of the martyrs are in the crops of birds
in Paradise, flying wherever they wish. Narrated by Muslim, 2410.
It was proven that Ja'far ibn Abi Taalib (may Allaah be pleased with
him) flies in Paradise with two wings, as an honour from Allaah and to
replace his arms which were cut off in the battle of Mu'tah.
It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah said: The Messenger of Allaah(peace
and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "I saw Ja'far flying in
Paradise with the angels."
Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3763; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani
inSaheeh al-Jaami', 3465.
It was narrated from Ibn 'Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) that
he used to say salaam to Ibn Ja'far and say, "Peace be upon you, O son
of the one with two wings." Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3506.
It seems that for a person to fly by himself is more exciting for
mostpeople than flying by means of something else. There are many
verses and ahaadeeth which say that people in Paradise will have
whatever their hearts desire and more.
As it says in the verse (interpretation of the meaning):
"Trays of gold and cups will be passed round them; (there will be)
therein all that inner-selves could desire, and all that eyes could
delight in and you will abide therein forever"
[al-Zukhruf 43:71]
Al-Sa'di said in his commentary on this verse:
"…all that inner-selves could desire…" – this phrase is
comprehensiveand includes every kind of blessing, joy, delight and
pleasure, in the most perfect and best sense.
And Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning):
"'Adn (Eden) Paradise (Gardens of Eternity) which they will enter,
under which rivers flow, they will have therein allthat they wish.
Thus Allaah rewards the Muttaqoon (the pious)"
[al-Nahl 16:31]
The Prophet(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: "Allaah
says: 'I have prepared for My righteous slaves that which no eye has
seen, no ear has heard and it has never crossed the mind of man.'
Recite if you wish:'No person knows what is kept hidden for them of
joy as a reward for what they used to do' [al-Sajdah 32:17 –
interpretation of the meaning]."
Narrated by al-Bukhaari,3072; Muslim, 2824
A person should be certain of the absolute perfection of Paradise and
of its people's happiness.
With regard to being certain that there will beairplanes and airports
and other things for which no proof is narrated in the texts, this is
the matter of knowledge of the Unseen, which needs evidence.
We say as the Messenger(peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him)
said: "If Allaah admits you to Paradise you will have therein whatever
your heart desires and whatever will delight you."
We ask Allaah to help us and you to do that which will lead us to
everlasting delight in Paradise.
And Allaah knows best.