The virtues of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her)

Ibn al-Qayyim (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

Among her unique characteristics is: that she was the dearest of the wives of the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) to him, as was reported from him in al-Bukhaari and elsewhere. He was asked, Which of the people is dearest to you? He said, ‘Aa’ishah. He was asked, Who among men (is dearest to you)? He said, Her father.

Also among her unique characteristics is: that he did not marry any other virgin apart from her.

Also among her unique characteristics is: that he did not receive Revelation in the bed of any of his wives apart from hers.

Also among her unique characteristics is: that when Allaah revealed the aayah commanding him to give his wives the choice, he started with her and gave her the choice first. He said, “You do not have to hasten until you have consulted with your parents.” She said, “Do I need to consult my parents concerning this? I choose Allaah and His Messenger and the Home of the Hereafter.” The rest of his wives followed her example and said the same as she had said.

Also among her unique characteristics is: that Allaah declared her innocence of that of which the people of the slander (ahl al-ifk) accused her, and revealed words concerning her innocence that are recited in the mosques of the Muslims and during their prayers until the Day of Resurrection. Allaah Himself bore witness that she is one of the good women, and promised her forgiveness and a goodly provision. He, may He be glorified, stated that what was said about her in the slander was ultimately good for her, in the end it was not bad for her and did not do any harm to her status, because through this Allaah raised her status and her innocence is mentioned among the people of heaven and earth, which is an incomparably good thing.

Also among her unique characteristics is: that the greatest Sahaabah, when they were confused about some matter of religion, would consult her and would find the knowledge they were seeking with her.

Also among her unique characteristics is: that the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) died in her house, on her day, in her arms, and he was buried in her house.

Also among her unique characteristics is: that the angel showed her image to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) on a silk cloth before he married her. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, “If this is from Allaah, then it will surely come to pass.”

Also among her unique characteristics is: that the people used to try to bring their gifts to the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) on her day, seeking to draw close to the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). So they would bring him gifts of things that he liked, in the house of the one who was the dearest of his wives to him (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him). May Allaah be pleased with all his wives.

Jalaa’ al-Afhaam, pp. 237-241

And Allaah knows best.