Proof Muhammad was a Pedophile

[Gary]

Teaching Qasim about the Bible

The portion of the Bible that we want to look at begins with the Book of Numbers, Chapter 31, verses 17 and 18. Here, Moses, following the Lord's command, orders the Israelites to kill all the Midianite male children. The order continues with the following:

". . . kill every woman who has known man by lying with him,
but all the female children, that have not known a man by lying with him,
keep alive for yourselves."

One can only guess how the Israelites determined who the virgins were. Most probably, they did it based on age and maturity, assuming that all of the female "children" who had not reached puberty were virgins.

Probable source: Cut-n-copy from "the true religion"

Gary: Nice try.

....There was no ‘test for virginity’ needed/used. In spite of the elaborate/miraculous one created by the later rabbi’s (ingenious, but altogether unnecessary) using the Urim and Thummim (!), the ‘test for virginity’ in the ANE was a simple visual one:

(1) Was the female pre-pubescent?
(2) Was the female wearing any attire, jewelry, or adornments required for/associated with virginity for that culture?
(3) Was the female wearing any attire, jewelry, or adornments required for/associated with non-virginity for that culture (e.g., veil indicating married status)?

Because virginity was generally associated with legal proof for blood-inheritance issues in ancient cultures (e.g., land, property, kinship, relationships), virginity itself was often marked by some type of clothing (e.g., the robe of Tamar in 2 Sam 13) or by cosmetic means (cf. the Hindu ‘pre-marriage dot’); as was more typically non-virginal married status (e.g., veils, headwear, jewelry, or certain hairstyles). Of course, non-virginal unmarried status (e.g., temple prostitutes and secular prostitutes) were also indicated by special markings or adornments (e.g. jewelry, dressâ€â€cf. Proverbs 7.10; Hos 2.4-5).

Source: http://www.christian-thinktank.com/midian.html

:D

 

[DivineNames]

Mohammed and Mohammedanism

http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/10424a.htm



"Concerning his moral character and sincerity contradictory opinions have been expressed by scholars in the last three centuries. Many of these opinions are biased either by an extreme hatred of Islam and its founder or by an exaggerated admiration, coupled with a hatred of Christianity. Luther looked upon him as "a devil and first-born child of Satan". Maracci held that Mohammed and Mohammedanism were not very dissimilar to Luther and Protestantism. Spanheim and D'Herbelot characterize him as a "wicked impostor", and a "dastardly liar", while Prideaux stamps him as a wilful deceiver. Such indiscriminate abuse is unsupported by facts. Modern scholars, such as Sprenger, Noldeke, Weil, Muir, Koelle, Grimme, Margoliouth, give us a more correct and unbiased estimate of Mohammed's life and character, and substantially agree as to his motives, prophetic call, personal qualifications, and sincerity. The various estimates of several recent critics have been ably collected and summarized by Zwemer, in his "Islam, a Challenge to Faith" (New York, 1907). According to Sir William Muir, Marcus Dods, and some others, Mohammed was at first sincere, but later, carried away by success, he practised deception wherever it would gain his end. Koelle "finds the key to the first period of Mohammed's life in Khadija, his first wife", after whose death he became a prey to his evil passions. Sprenger attributes the alleged revelations to epileptic fits, or to "a paroxysm of cataleptic insanity". Zwemer himself goes on to criticize the life of Mohammed by the standards, first, of the Old and New Testaments, both of which Mohammed acknowledged as Divine revelation; second, by the pagan morality of his Arabian compatriots; lastly, by the new law of which he pretended to be the "divinely appointed medium and custodian". According to this author, the prophet was false even to the ethical traditions of the idolatrous brigands among whom he lived, and grossly violated the easy sexual morality of his own system. After this, it is hardly necessary to say that, in Zwemer's opinion, Mohammed fell very far short of the most elementary requirements of Scriptural morality. Quoting Johnstone, Zwemer concludes by remarking that the judgment of these modern scholars, however harsh, rests on evidence which "comes all from the lips and the pens of his own devoted adherents. . .And the followers of the prophet can scarcely complain if, even on such evidence, the verdict of history goes against him". "


(admittedly its not an impartial source)

 

[DivineNames]

"... Some of the Companions of the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) were reluctant to have intercourse with the female captives in the presence of their husbands who were unbelievers. "

They were not raped, nor forced to have sex. One may ask where are you reading from. It does not say they were forced, or raped, you are inferring.

They wanted to have sex with the women. They wanted to sell the women as slaves.


It does look like women would have been raped.

 

[Gary]

A tribute to Zwemer - "Apostle to the Muslims"

Zwemer, Samuel Marinus (1867-1952)

Samuel Zwemer was called to preach the Gospel to Muslims, and he is without doubt the greatest missionary to the Islamic world. On June 28, 1890, he began his mission, sailing from the United States on a Dutch liner the Obdam. Zwemer stopped in Europe to meet with other evangelical groups and then traveled to Beirut. Zwemer traveled throughout much of the Muslim world proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus including the Balkans, India, China, Africa, the Middle East. On June 28th, 1933, he ventured as far as China to bring the Gospel to the Chinese Muslims.

Zwemer's greatest feat was to visit Sana'a in Yemen, a place no lone westerner had ever gone before. He had many adventures in Arabia. In one incident, his life was spared when a Bedouin guide swore a great oath that Zwemer was neither an Englishman nor a government agent. In another incident, a group of Arabs debated whether, or not, they should hold him for ransom. These adversities did not deter Zwemer as he distributed Gospel literature throughout the Muslim world.

Zwemer was dedicated to his mission of spreading the good news. He said : "No agency can penetrate Islam so deeply, abide so persistently, witness so daringly and influence so irresistibly as the printed page,". The only thing that stopped Zwemer from distributing Arabic leaflets and Bibles was confiscation. He dedicated his life to preaching the Gospel to the Muslims and the created an awareness of the spiritual needs of Muslims in the West.

Samuel Zwemer set up presses which printed many books - both to educate Westerners about the spiritual needs of Muslims, and Arabic language books to educate Muslims about Christ. He authored or co-authored at least 48 books in English.

• "He lived, breathed and thought of one thing alone: cracking open the Moslem world for Christ.... Zwemer penetrated Islam, but the great work he began remains unfulfilled to this day."

Samuel Zwemer was named Professor of Missions and Professor of the History of Religion at the Princeton Theological Seminary in 1929.

Online books by Zwemer: http://www.answering-islam.org/Books/Zwemer/

 

[Gary]

I have the book "Islam and the Cross" - selections from "The Apostle to Islam" by Samuel Zwemer.

I highly recommend it.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/ ... 75-7974419

Online books by Zwemer: http://www.answering-islam.org/Books/Zwemer/

 

[YESHUA]

whats wrong with being pedophile? girls used to marry at age 10 in jesus day.

joeri your sick and as a grandmother I would kill anybody laying a hand on anyone of my grandchildren believe me and why do you think that we the women are not asked in matters like this? because you wouldn't like the answers I have been raped and almost killed and let me tell you this
its not one bit funny nor is it a pleasure let me assure everyone of you and just the thought of having intercourse when i was 10 years gives me the cripe so all of you gentlemen stop and think before you go and promote sex with a child not all of you did promote the idea but you who did shame on you, and do you also know if the marriage was fulfilled? at the age of 10?
and yes Muhammad was a dirty old man and I could care less about culture he still is a dirty old man and he is where he belongs in hell where he will be until the day of judgment I personally believe that he killed my people 2 tribes he killed in cold blood with out warning without a just course just for the money and the hate of my people just like hitler did and do you know that the grand mufti of Jerusalem visit Hitler and the general idea was that the Jews Hitler missed killing he would kill in Palestine (ISRAEL)
shalom and love in the name of YESHUA THE KING OF THE JEWS
chana

 

[Qasim786]

Read this article

http://www.irfi.org/articles/articles_1 ... prover.htm

The evidence shows that Aysha was much older that 6 years old at the time of the marriage.

 

[Gary]

An Examination of Muhammad’s Marriage to a Prepubescent Girl And Its Moral Implications

by Sam Shamoun

Not only Christians, not only Westerners, but many people from various cultures are troubled when they discover that Islam’s prophet, Muhammad, married a nine-year-old girl named Aisha. Some go so far as to accuse Muhammad of being a pedophile, using such emotive language as "child molester" to describe Muhammad for marrying a young prepubescent girl.

This has led many a Muslim to either reject the traditions which document Aisha’s young age when she married Muhammad, or to come up with some type of moral justification defending Muhammad’s marriage to a minor. Our focus here is to examine what the Muslim sources say about Muhammad’s marriage to Aisha and also address the common Muslim arguments that are raised either defending the story or rejecting it as simply erroneous.

We will break down our response into two parts. In this first section, we will present the data from recognized Muslim sources (primarily Sunni sources) in order to see what they say in regard to Aisha’s age at the time of her marriage. We will also be raising some other points that either directly or indirectly relate to the issue of Aisha’s young age at the time of her marriage.

In the second section, we will try to interact with the typical Muslim arguments that are often raised in relation to this topic.

Read more.... - CLICK HERE -

:o :o

 

[philbo]

It seems like many of you (not all) are looking for more excuses to hate a religion that you already hate in the first place. Why do you do this?

 

[Qasim786]

Was Ayesha A Six-Year-Old Bride?

The Ancient Myth Exposed

by T.O. Shanavas

A Christian friend asked me once, “Will you marry your seven year old daughter to a fifty year old man?†I kept my silence. He continued, “If you would not, how can you approve the marriage of an innocent seven year old, Ayesha, with your Prophet?†I told him, “I don’t have an answer to your question at this time.†My friend smiled and left me with a thorn in the heart of my faith. Most Muslims answer that such marriages were accepted in those days. Otherwise, people would have objected to Prophet’s marriage with Ayesha.

However, such an explanation would be gullible only for those who are naive enough to believe it. But unfortunately, I was not satisfied with the answer.

The Prophet was an exemplary man. All his actions were most virtuous so that we, Muslims, can emulate them. However, most people in our Islamic Center of Toledo, including me, would not think of betrothing our seven years daughter to a fifty-two year-old man. If a parent agrees to such a wedding, most people, if not all, would look down upon the father and the old husband.

In 1923, registrars of marriage in Egypt were instructed not to register and issue official certificates of marriage for brides less than sixteen and grooms less than eighteen years of age. Eight years later, the Law of the Organization and Procedure of Sheriah courts of 1931 consolidated the above provision by not hearing the marriage disputes involving brides less than sixteen and grooms less than eighteen years old. (Women in Muslim Family Law, John Esposito, 1982). It shows that even in the Muslim majority country of Egypt the child marriages are unacceptable.

So, I believed, without solid evidence other than my reverence to my Prophet, that the stories of the marriage of seven-year-old Ayesha to 50-year-old Prophet are only myths. However, my long pursuit in search of the truth on this matter proved my intuition correct. My Prophet was a gentleman. And he did not marry an innocent seven or nine year old girl. The age of Ayesha has been erroneously reported in the hadith literature. Furthermore, I think that the narratives reporting this event are highly unreliable. Some of the hadith (traditions of the Prophet) regarding Ayesha’s age at the time of her wedding with prophet are problematic. I present the following evidences against the acceptance of the fictitious story by Hisham ibn ‘Urwah and to clear the name of my Prophet as an irresponsible old man preying on an innocent little girl.

EVIDENCE #1: Reliability of Source

Most of the narratives printed in the books of hadith are reported only by Hisham ibn `Urwah, who was reporting on the authority of his father. First of all, more people than just one, two or three should logically have reported. It is strange that no one from Medina, where Hisham ibn `Urwah lived the first 71 years of his life narrated the event, despite the fact that his Medinan pupils included the well-respected Malik ibn Anas. The origins of the report of the narratives of this event are people from Iraq, where Hisham is reported to have shifted after living in Medina for most of his life.

Tehzibu’l-Tehzib, one of the most well known books on the life and reliability of the narrators of the traditions of the Prophet, reports that according to Yaqub ibn Shaibah: “He [Hisham] is highly reliable, his narratives are acceptable, except what he narrated after moving over to Iraq†(Tehzi’bu’l-tehzi’b, Ibn Hajar Al-`asqala’ni, Dar Ihya al-turath al-Islami, 15th century. Vol 11, p. 50).

It further states that Malik ibn Anas objected on those narratives of Hisham which were reported through people in Iraq: “I have been told that Malik objected on those narratives of Hisham which were reported through people of Iraq†(Tehzi’b u’l-tehzi’b, Ibn Hajar Al-`asqala’ni, Dar Ihya al-turath al-Islami, Vol.11, p. 50).

Mizanu’l-ai`tidal, another book on the life sketches of the narrators of the traditions of the Prophet reports: “When he was old, Hisham’s memory suffered quite badly†(Mizanu’l-ai`tidal, Al-Zahbi, Al-Maktabatu’l-athriyyah, Sheikhupura, Pakistan, Vol. 4, p. 301).

CONCLUSION: Based on these references, Hisham’s memory was failing and his narratives while in Iraq were unreliable. So, his narrative of Ayesha’s marriage and age are unreliable.

CHRONOLOGY: It is vital also to keep in mind some of the pertinent dates in the history of Islam:

pre-610 CE: Jahiliya (pre-Islamic age) before revelation
610 CE: First revelation
610 CE: AbuBakr accepts Islam
613 CE: Prophet Muhammad begins preaching publicly.
615 CE: Emigration to Abyssinia
616 CE: Umar bin al Khattab accepts Islam
620 CE: Generally accepted betrothal of Ayesha to the Prophet
622 CE: Hijrah (emigation to Yathrib, later renamed Medina)
623/624 CE: Generally accepted year of Ayesha living with the Prophet
EVIDENCE #2: The Betrothal

According to Tabari (also according to Hisham ibn ‘Urwah, Ibn Hunbal and Ibn Sad), Ayesha was betrothed at seven years of age and began to cohabit with the Prophet at the age of nine years.

However, in another work, Al-Tabari says: “All four of his [Abu Bakr’s] children were born of his two wives during the pre-Islamic period†(Tarikhu’l-umam wa’l-mamlu’k, Al-Tabari (died 922), Vol. 4, p. 50, Arabic, Dara’l-fikr, Beirut, 1979).

If Ayesha was betrothed in 620 CE (at the age of seven) and started to live with the Prophet in 624 CE (at the age of nine), that would indicate that she was born in 613 CE and was nine when she began living with the Prophet. Therefore, based on one account of Al-Tabari, the numbers show that Ayesha must have born in 613 CE, three years after the beginning of revelation (610 CE). Tabari also states that Ayesha was born in the pre-Islamic era (in Jahiliya). If she was born before 610 CE, she would have been at least 14 years old when she began living with the Prophet. Essentially, Tabari contradicts himself.

CONCLUSION: Al-Tabari is unreliable in the matter of determining Ayesha’s age.

EVIDENCE # 3: The Age of Ayesha in Relation to the Age of Fatima

According to Ibn Hajar, “Fatima was born at the time the Ka`bah was rebuilt, when the Prophet was 35 years old... she was five years older that Ayesha†(Al-isabah fi tamyizi’l-sahabah, Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Vol. 4, p. 377, Maktabatu’l-Riyadh al-haditha, al-Riyadh, 1978).

If Ibn Hajar’s statement is factual, Ayesha was born when the Prophet was 40 years old. If Ayesha was married to the Prophet when he was 52 years old, Ayesha’s age at marriage would be 12 years.

CONCLUSION: Ibn Hajar, Tabari an Ibn Hisham and Ibn Humbal contradict each other. So, the marriage of Ayesha at seven years of age is a myth.

EVIDENCE #4: Ayesha’s Age in relation to Asma’s Age

According to Abda’l-Rahman ibn abi zanna’d: “Asma was 10 years older than Ayesha (Siyar A`la’ma’l-nubala’, Al-Zahabi, Vol. 2, p. 289, Arabic, Mu’assasatu’l-risalah, Beirut, 1992).

According to Ibn Kathir: “She [Asma] was elder to her sister [Ayesha] by 10 years†(Al-Bidayah wa’l-nihayah, Ibn Kathir, Vol. 8, p. 371, Dar al-fikr al-`arabi, Al-jizah, 1933).

According to Ibn Kathir: “She [Asma] saw the killing of her son during that year [73 AH], as we have already mentioned, and five days later she herself died. According to other narratives, she died not after five days but 10 or 20, or a few days over 20, or 100 days later. The most well known narrative is that of 100 days later. At the time of her death, she was 100 years old.†(Al-Bidayah wa’l-nihayah, Ibn Kathir, Vol. 8, p. 372, Dar al-fikr al-`arabi, Al-jizah, 1933)

According to Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani: “She [Asma] lived a hundred years and died in 73 or 74 AH.†(Taqribu’l-tehzib, Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani, p. 654, Arabic, Bab fi’l-nisa’, al-harfu’l-alif, Lucknow).

According to almost all the historians, Asma, the elder sister of Ayesha was 10 years older than Ayesha. If Asma was 100 years old in 73 AH, she should have been 27 or 28 years old at the time of the hijrah.

If Asma was 27 or 28 years old at the time of hijrah, Ayesha should have been 17 or 18 years old. Thus, Ayesha, being 17 or 18 years of at the time of Hijra, she started to cohabit with the Prophet between at either 19 to 20 years of age.

Based on Hajar, Ibn Katir, and Abda’l-Rahman ibn abi zanna’d, Ayesha’s age at the time she began living with the Prophet would be 19 or 20. In Evidence # 3, Ibn Hajar suggests that Ayesha was 12 years old and in Evidence #4 he contradicts himself with a 17 or 18-year-old Ayesha. What is the correct age, twelve or eighteen?

CONCLUSION: Ibn Hajar is an unreliable source for Ayesha’s age.

EVIDENCE #5: The Battles of Badr and Uhud

A narrative regarding Ayesha’s participation in Badr is given in the hadith of Muslim, (Kitabu’l-jihad wa’l-siyar, Bab karahiyati’l-isti`anah fi’l-ghazwi bikafir). Ayesha, while narrating the journey to Badr and one of the important events that took place in that journey, says: “when we reached Shajarahâ€Â. Obviously, Ayesha was with the group travelling towards Badr. A narrative regarding Ayesha’s participation in the Battle of Uhud is given in Bukhari (Kitabu’l-jihad wa’l-siyar, Bab Ghazwi’l-nisa’ wa qitalihinna ma`a’lrijal): “Anas reports that on the day of Uhud, people could not stand their ground around the Prophet. [On that day,] I saw Ayesha and Umm-i-Sulaim, they had pulled their dress up from their feet [to avoid any hindrance in their movement].†Again, this indicates that Ayesha was present in the Battles of Uhud and Badr.

It is narrated in Bukhari (Kitabu’l-maghazi, Bab Ghazwati’l-khandaq wa hiya’l-ahza’b): “Ibn `Umar states that the Prophet did not permit me to participate in Uhud, as at that time, I was 14 years old. But on the day of Khandaq, when I was 15 years old, the Prophet permitted my participation.â€Â

Based on the above narratives, (a) the children below 15 years were sent back and were not allowed to participate in the Battle of Uhud, and (b) Ayesha participated in the Battles of Badr and Uhud

CONCLUSION: Ayesha’s participation in the Battles of Badr and Uhud clearly indicates that she was not nine years old but at least 15 years old. After all, women used to accompany men to the battlefields to help them, not to be a burden on them. This account is another contradiction regarding Ayesha’s age.

EVIDENCE #6: Surat al-Qamar (The Moon)

According to the generally accepted tradition, Ayesha was born about eight years before hijrah. But according to another narrative in Bukhari, Ayesha is reported to have said: “I was a young girl (jariyah in Arabic)†when Surah Al-Qamar was revealed (Sahih Bukhari, kitabu’l-tafsir, Bab Qaulihi Bal al-sa`atu Maw`iduhum wa’l-sa`atu adha’ wa amarr).

Chapter 54 of the Quran was revealed eight years before hijrah (The Bounteous Koran, M.M. Khatib, 1985), indicating that it was revealed in 614 CE. If Ayesha started living with the Prophet at the age of nine in 623 CE or 624 CE, she was a newborn infant (sibyah in Arabic) at the time that Surah Al-Qamar (The Moon) was revealed. According to the above tradition, Ayesha was actually a young girl, not an infant in the year of revelation of Al-Qamar. Jariyah means young playful girl (Lane’s Arabic English Lexicon). So, Ayesha, being a jariyah not a sibyah (infant), must be somewhere between 6-13 years old at the time of revelation of Al-Qamar, and therefore must have been 14-21 years at the time she married the Prophet.

CONCLUSION: This tradition also contradicts the marriage of Ayesha at the age of nine.

EVIDENCE #7: Arabic Terminology

According to a narrative reported by Ahmad ibn Hanbal, after the death of the Prophet’s first wife Khadijah, when Khaulah came to the Prophet advising him to marry again, the Prophet asked her regarding the choices she had in mind. Khaulah said: “You can marry a virgin (bikr) or a woman who has already been married (thayyib)â€Â. When the Prophet asked the identity of the bikr (virgin), Khaulah mentioned Ayesha’s name.

All those who know the Arabic language are aware that the word bikr in the Arabic language is not used for an immature nine-year-old girl. The correct word for a young playful girl, as stated earlier, is jariyah. Bikr on the other hand, is used for an unmarried lady without conjugal experience prior to marriage, as we understand the word “virgin†in English. Therefore, obviously a nine-year-old girl is not a “lady†(bikr) (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Vol. 6, p. .210, Arabic, Dar Ihya al-turath al-`arabi, Beirut).

CONCLUSION: The literal meaning of the word, bikr (virgin), in the above hadith is “adult woman with no sexual experience prior to marriage.†Therefore, Ayesha was an adult woman at the time of her marriage.

EVIDENCE #8. The Qur’anic Text

All Muslims agree that the Quran is the book of guidance. So, we need to seek the guidance from the Quran to clear the smoke and confusion created by the eminent men of the classical period of Islam in the matter of Ayesha’s age at her marriage. Does the Quran allow or disallow marriage of an immature child of seven years of age?

There are no verses that explicitly allow such marriage. There is a verse, however, that guides Muslims in their duty to raise an orphaned child. The Quran’s guidance on the topic of raising orphans is also valid in the case of our own children. The verse states: “And make not over your property (property of the orphan), which Allah had made a (means of) support for you, to the weak of understanding, and maintain them out of it, clothe them and give them good education. And test them until they reach the age of marriage. Then if you find them maturity of intellect, make over them their property...†(Quran, 4:5-6).

In the matter of children who have lost a parent, a Muslim is ordered to (a) feed them, (b) clothe them, (c) educate them, and (d) test them for maturity “until the age of marriage†before entrusting them with management of finances.

Here the Quranic verse demands meticulous proof of their intellectual and physical maturity by objective test results before the age of marriage in order to entrust their property to them.

In light of the above verses, no responsible Muslim would hand over financial management to a seven- or nine-year-old immature girl. If we cannot trust a seven-year-old to manage financial matters, she cannot be intellectually or physically fit for marriage. Ibn Hambal (Musnad Ahmad ibn Hambal, vol.6, p. 33 and 99) claims that nine-year-old Ayesha was rather more interested in playing with toy-horses than taking up the responsible task of a wife. It is difficult to believe, therefore, that AbuBakr, a great believer among Muslims, would betroth his immature seven-year-old daughter to the 50-year-old Prophet. Equally difficult to imagine is that the Prophet would marry an immature seven-year-old girl.

Another important duty demanded from the guardian of a child is to educate them. Let us ask the question, “How many of us believe that we can educate our children satisfactorily before they reach the age of seven or nine years?†The answer is none. Logically, it is an impossible task to educate a child satisfactorily before the child attains the age of seven. Then, how can we believe that Ayesha was educated satisfactorily at the claimed age of seven at the time of her marriage?

AbuBakr was a more judicious man than all of us. So, he definitely would have judged that Ayesha was a child at heart and was not satisfactorily educated as demanded by the Quran. He would not have married her to anyone. If a proposal of marrying the immature and yet to be educated seven-year-old Ayesha came to the Prophet, he would have rejected it outright because neither the Prophet nor AbuBakr would violate any clause in the Quran.

CONCLUSION: The marriage of Ayesha at the age of seven years would violate the maturity clause or requirement of the Quran. Therefore, the story of the marriage of the seven-year-old immature Ayesha is a myth.

EVIDENCE #9: Consent in Marriage

A women must be consulted and must agree in order to make a marriage valid (Mishakat al Masabiah, translation by James Robson, Vol. I, p. 665). Islamically, credible permission from women is a prerequisite for a marriage to be valid.

By any stretch of the imagination, the permission given by an immature seven-year-old girl cannot be valid authorization for marriage.

It is inconceivable that AbuBakr, an intelligent man, would take seriously the permission of a seven-year-old girl to marry a 50-year-old man.

Similarly, the Prophet would not have accepted the permission given by a girl who, according to the hadith of Muslim, took her toys with her when she went live with Prophet.

CONCLUSION: The Prophet did not marry a seven-year-old Ayesha because it would have violated the requirement of the valid permission clause of the Islamic Marriage Decree. Therefore, the Prophet married an intellectually and physically mature lady Ayesha.

SUMMARY:

It was neither an Arab tradition to give away girls in marriage at an age as young as seven or nine years, nor did the Prophet marry Ayesha at such a young age. The people of Arabia did not object to this marriage because it never happened in the manner it has been narrated.

Obviously, the narrative of the marriage of nine-year-old Ayesha by Hisham ibn `Urwah cannot be held true when it is contradicted by many other reported narratives. Moreover, there is absolutely no reason to accept the narrative of Hisham ibn `Urwah as true when other scholars, including Malik ibn Anas, view his narrative while in Iraq, as unreliable. The quotations from Tabari, Bukhari and Muslim show they contradict each other regarding Ayesha’s age. Furthermore, many of these scholars contradict themselves in their own records. Thus, the narrative of Ayesha’s age at the time of the marriage is not reliable due to the clear contradictions seen in the works of classical scholars of Islam.

Therefore, there is absolutely no reason to believe that the information on Ayesha’s age is accepted as true when there are adequate grounds to reject it as myth. Moreover, the Quran rejects the marriage of immature girls and boys as well as entrusting them with responsibilities.

T.O. Shanavas is a physician based in Michigan. This article first appeared in The Minaret in March 1999.

© 2001 Minaret

Extracted 09/06/02 from The Minaret



E-mail your comments to light@iiie.net

 

[warner]

Why Did Muhammad(pbuh) Married Young Aisha(r.a.)?

I am sure that no matter how many poofs and truths will be explained to thosse who love to Defame others rather than Promote their religion, they will still not beleive it an carry on defaming.Their ai9m is not to see the truth even if it was to smack them inthe face they would refuse to acknowledge it.They have on eagenda Like the Jews of the Past Defame and slander the Character of Prophets of GOD.Jesus reminded them about this and so did Moses he told them how rebellious theyr were against GOD.

"Bis'Millah'ir Rahman'ir Raheem
(In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)


Why Did Muhammad(pbuh) Married Young Aisha(r.a.)?
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Through the centuries, orientalists have advance numerous accusations and far-fetched theories to discredit Islam and its last Prophet, Muhammad (P). Praise be to Allah alone, all such accusations have been successfully refuted by the Muslims Ummah. Currently, one of the 'reinvented' accusations against the noble character of the Prophet is about his marriage to young Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.).

Let's probe some of the orientalists' charges in detail in the light of modern research, historic evidence and the Islamic sources of the Qur'an and the Sunnah to separate truth from falsehood, and display to the world that Prophet Muhammad (P) is indeed an exemplary for all of mankind.

Two main theories are often advance by orientalists to attack the pure character of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) on his marriage to Aisha (r.a.) at her young age.

A. He was a Pedophile
(Audhubillah) B. B. He was involved in child abuse.
(Audhubillah)
Let's analyze each theory to dig out the truth, through the Guidance of Allah (SWT).

A. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) married Aisha (r.a.) because he was a pedophile?

Definition of a Pedophile: "Pedophile: also spelled PAEDOPHILIA, psychosexual disorder in which an adult's arousal and sexual gratification occur primarily through sexual contact with prepubescent children. The typical pedophile is unable to find satisfaction in an adult sexual relationship and may have low self-esteem, seeing sexual activity with a child as less threatening than that with an adult." Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1998.
The diagnostic criteria for pedophilia according to American Psychiatric Association:

1) Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent intense sexual urges and sexual arousing fantasies involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children.

2) The person has acted on these urges, or is markedly distressed by them.

3) The person is at least 16 years old and at least 5 years older than the child or children in A.

DSM-III-R Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, rev ed. 3, (American Psychiatric Association). "In addition to their pedophilia, a significant number of pedophiles are concomitantly or have previously been involved in exhibitionism, voyeurism, or rape". (Voyeurism is the recurrent preoccupation with fantasized or acts that involve seeking out or observing people who are naked, or are engaged in grooming or in sexual activity). Harold I. Kaplan et al., Synopsis of Psychiatry, 5th ed. (Williams and Wilkens, 1988), p. 360.

Does the prophet fit the above criteria of a pedophile?

With the above criteria of a pedophile in mind, lets analyze the lifestyle of the prophet and his marriages.


His marriages:
Name of Bride/ Bride's age at marriage/ Comments
Khadija bint khawilad/ 40/ Twice widowed before
Sauda Bint Zama/ 50/ Widow
Aisha bint Abu Bakr/ 9/ Started living with the prophet at the age of 9.
Hafsa Bint Umar bin Khattab/ 22/ Widow
Zainab bint Khuzaima/ 30/ ?
Umm-I-Salma bint Abu Umayia/ 26/ Widow
Zainab Bint Jahash/ 38/ Widow
Juwaeria Bint Harith/ 20/ Widow
Umm-I-Habiba bint Abu Sufyan/ 36/ Widow
Marya Qibtiya bint Shamun/ 17/ Virgin, Egyptian
Safia bint Hayi bin Akhtab/ 17/ Widow
Raihana bint umru bin hanafa/ ?/ ?
Maimuna bint harith/ 36/ widow

Source: Syed Abu Zafar Zain, The Prophet of Islam, the Ideal Husband (Lahore: Kazi Publications), pp. 10-12.

Statistics from the above table:

Percentage of his wives who were 17 years and older = 91 %
Percentage of his wives who were widows = 75%

Comments: The statistics show that the prophet's marriage to Aisha at her young age was an exception and not a norm of his other marriages. Furthermore "a pedophile’s main mode of sexual satisfaction is with prepubescent girls", which is contradictory to the 91% of prophet's marriage to women 17 years and over. An unbiased examination of Prophet's life and his marriages to his wives blatantly rejects the notion of his lifestyle fitting that of a pedophile. All his brides were aged widows (except Aisha and Marya). Moreover, according to the criteria in the references cited above in Synopsis of Psychiatry, a vast majority of pedophiles possess a history of exhibitionism, voyeurism, or rape. Again, there is no single reference from either religious or secular sources that the noble Prophet ever indulged in such sadistic behavior (God forbid). This truth is observed and accepted by both Muslims and unbiased non-Muslims scholars.

"It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher." Annie Besant, The Life and Teachings of Muhammad (Madras, 1932), p. 4.

B. Others claim that the noble Prophet (peace be upon him) indulged in child-abuse when he married Aisha at her young age

Let scrutinize this allegation...
Definition of Child Abuse: Child Abuse, also called CRUELTY TO CHILDREN, the willful and unjustifiable infliction of pain and suffering on children. The term can denote the use of inordinate physical violence; unjustifiable verbal abuse; the failure to furnish proper shelter, nourishment, medical treatment, or emotional support; incest; other cases of sexual molestation or rape; and the making of child pornography. Frequently described by the medical profession as the "battered-child syndrome," abusive treatment of children is almost universally proscribed by criminal statutes. Child abuse can have serious future consequences for the victims involved. Delays in physical growth, impaired language and cognitive abilities, and problems in personality development, learning, and behavior are common following instances of child abuse or neglect. Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1998

Comments: None of the criteria of child-abuse applies to the noble life of the Prophet (pbuh). There is no single incident of any infliction of pain and suffering by the prophet on Aisha or any other human being for that matter. Neither any instance of verbal or sexual abuse can be concluded from the relationship of the prophet with Aisha (r.a.) or any of his wives.
An abused child can have serious future consequences...delayed physical growth, impaired language, learning and behavior...etc (above definition). As one examines the chaste life of Aisha (r.a.), her personality, physical, mental and spiritual developments are all contrary to that of an abused child. In fact through the Prophet's marriage and his guidance to Aisha, history testifies that she should be labeled not as an abused child but as a 'blessed child'. After analyzing and refuting the accusations against the noble character of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the only viable alternative left with us is:

C. The Prophet married Aisha for the benefit of Islam and Humanity

Lets analyse...

1. The Prophet married Aisha primarily for three reasons
a. To reinforce the friendly relations already existing with Abu Bakr (his closest companion).
b. To educate and train Aisha for the purposes of Islam.
c. To utilize her capabilities for the sake of Islam.

2. Her Marriage with the prophet was a Wahy (Divine Revelation). She, herself relates from the Prophet. "He said, 'I saw you in dreams three times. The angel brought you to me and you were clad in white silk. He (the angel) said that it was your consort and he (angel) showed me by opening your face. You are just like that..." Sahih Muslim, Vol.2, p. 285.

3. Aisha (r.a.) was born after her parents had embraced Islam. Therefore, she was free from the defilement of polytheism right from her birth.

4. In her youth, already known for her formidable memory, she came under the loving care and attention of the Prophet himself. As his wife and close companion she acquired from him knowledge and insight such as no woman has ever acquired.

Aisha lived on almost fifty years after the passing away of the Prophet. She had been his wife for a decade. Much of this time was spent in learning and acquiring knowledge of the two most important sources of God's guidance, the Qur'an and the Sunnah of His Prophet. Aisha (r.a.) was one of the three wives (the other two being Hafsa (r.a.) and Umm Salama (r.a.) who memorised the Revelation. Like Hafsa (r.a.), she had her own script of the Qur'an written after the Prophet had died.

So far as the Hadith or sayings of the Prophet is concerned, Aisha (r.a.) is one of four persons (the others being Abu Hurayra, Abdullah ibn Umar, and Anas ibn Malik) who transmitted more than two thousand sayings. From her, 2210 Hadith have come, out of which 174 Hadith are commonly agreed upon by both Bukhari and Muslim.

Many of her transmissions pertain to some of the most intimate aspects of personal behavior that only someone in Aisha's position could have learnt. What is most important is that her knowledge of Hadith was passed on in written form by at least three persons including her nephew Urwah who became one of the greatest scholars among the generation after the Companions. It is the claim of the Scholars of Islam that without her, half of the Ilm-I-Hadith [knowledge, understanding of the Hadith (and Islam)] would have perished.

5. Many of the learned companions of the Prophet and their followers benefited from Aishah's knowledge. Abu Musa al-Ash'ari once said: "If we companions of the Messenger of God had any difficulty on a matter, we asked Aisha about it."

"Yahya related to me from Malik from Yahya ibn Said from Said ibn al-Musayyab that Abu Musa al-Ash'ari came to Aisha, the wife of the Prophet and said to her, "The disagreement of the companions in a matter which I hate to bring before you has distressed me." She said, "What is that? You did not ask your mother about it, so ask me." He said, "A man penetrates his wife, but becomes listless and does not ejaculate. "She said, "When the cir*****cised part passes the cir*****cised part ghusl is obligatory." Abu Musa added, "I shall never ask anyone about this after you. Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik, Hadith 2.75.

Arwa Bin Zubair says, "I did not find anyone more proficient [than Aisha (r.a.)] in the knowledge of the Holy Qur'an, the Commandments of Halal (lawful) and Haram (prohibited), Ilmul-Ansab and Arabic poetry. That is why, even senior companions of the Prophet used to consult Aisha (r.a.) in resolving intricate issued". Ibn Qayyim and Ibn Sa'ad, Jala-ul-Afham, vol. 2, p. 26.
Abu Musa al-Ash'ari says: "Never had we (the companions) had any difficulty for the solution of which we approached Aisha and did not get some useful information from her". Sirat-I-Aisha, on the authority of Trimidhi, p. 163.

6. As a teacher she had a clear and persuasive manner of speech and her power of oratory has been described in superlative terms by al-Ahnaf who said: "I have heard speeches of Abu Bakr and Umar, Uthman and Ali and the Khulafa up to this day, but I have not heard speech more persuasive and more beautiful from the mouth of any person than from the mouth of Aisha."
The Prophet said, "The superiority of 'Aisha to other ladies is like the superiority of Tharid (i.e. meat and bread dish) to other meals. Many men reached the level of perfection, but no woman reached such a level except Mary, the daughter of Imran and Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh." Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith, Narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari Hadith 4.643.

7. Men and women came from far and wide to benefit from her knowledge.

Aisha's great interest in the study of the Qur'an is understandable. She was an eyewitness to a number of revelations and had therefore a clear idea of the cir*****stances in which they were revealed. It was on her bed alone (and no other consort's) that the Prophet received Wahy (Divine Revelations) several times. This helped her in interpreting the verses.

8. At the time of the Prophet's death, the Prophet's head was on her lap. It was in her quarters that the Prophet was buried. The life of Aisha (R) is a 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. Aisha (R) is a continuing inspiration and role model to today's youth who are diligently searching for an example amongst the pop stars, movie actresses and sports stars. May the memory of her live-forever in the heart of the Muslim Ummah and May Allah grant her the highest abode in Paradise...Ameen.



Conclusion
It was the aforementioned qualities of Aisha (r.a.) and the Prophet's guidance in molding these capabilities for the service of Islam, were the main reasons, why the Prophet Married young Aisha (r.a.), and not the perverted reasons brought forth by misguided orientalists.

Muslims invite all sincere humans to study the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon) in the light of the authentic sources of the Qur'an and the Sunnah (exemplary sayings and deeds of the Prophet) and judge for themselves where the truth lies. Indeed, by recognizing the truth of Islam as the final and complete Guidance sent by our Creator can humanity find lasting peace in this world and a means of salvation from the hell fire in the hereafter. "I have studied him - the wonderful man and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today." George Bernard Shaw, The Genuine Islam, vol. 1, no. 81936.

Though, the Prophet is not among us in his flesh, but his exemplary life has been preserved for all humanity to follow. When Truth comes Falsehood disappears, Islam came, now Shirk (polytheism) must clear.

Welcome to Islam...

Source:
http://www.islaminme.cjb.net"
Peace
:angel:

 

[YESHUA]

Re: Why Did Muhammad(pbuh) Married Young Aisha(r.a.)?

I am sure that no matter how many poofs and truths will be explained to thosse who love to Defame others rather than Promote their religion, they will still not beleive it an carry on defaming.Their ai9m is not to see the truth even if it was to smack them inthe face they would refuse to acknowledge it.They have on eagenda Like the Jews of the Past Defame and slander the Character of Prophets of GOD.Jesus reminded them about this and so did Moses he told them how rebellious theyr were against GOD.

"Bis'Millah'ir Rahman'ir Raheem
(In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)


Why Did Muhammad(pbuh) Married Young Aisha(r.a.)?
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Through the centuries, orientalists have advance numerous accusations and far-fetched theories to discredit Islam and its last Prophet, Muhammad (P). Praise be to Allah alone, all such accusations have been successfully refuted by the Muslims Ummah. Currently, one of the 'reinvented' accusations against the noble character of the Prophet is about his marriage to young Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.).

Let's probe some of the orientalists' charges in detail in the light of modern research, historic evidence and the Islamic sources of the Qur'an and the Sunnah to separate truth from falsehood, and display to the world that Prophet Muhammad (P) is indeed an exemplary for all of mankind.

Two main theories are often advance by orientalists to attack the pure character of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) on his marriage to Aisha (r.a.) at her young age.

A. He was a Pedophile
(Audhubillah) B. B. He was involved in child abuse.
(Audhubillah)
Let's analyze each theory to dig out the truth, through the Guidance of Allah (SWT).

A. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) married Aisha (r.a.) because he was a pedophile?

Definition of a Pedophile: "Pedophile: also spelled PAEDOPHILIA, psychosexual disorder in which an adult's arousal and sexual gratification occur primarily through sexual contact with prepubescent children. The typical pedophile is unable to find satisfaction in an adult sexual relationship and may have low self-esteem, seeing sexual activity with a child as less threatening than that with an adult." Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1998.
The diagnostic criteria for pedophilia according to American Psychiatric Association:

1) Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent intense sexual urges and sexual arousing fantasies involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children.

2) The person has acted on these urges, or is markedly distressed by them.

3) The person is at least 16 years old and at least 5 years older than the child or children in A.

DSM-III-R Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, rev ed. 3, (American Psychiatric Association). "In addition to their pedophilia, a significant number of pedophiles are concomitantly or have previously been involved in exhibitionism, voyeurism, or rape". (Voyeurism is the recurrent preoccupation with fantasized or acts that involve seeking out or observing people who are naked, or are engaged in grooming or in sexual activity). Harold I. Kaplan et al., Synopsis of Psychiatry, 5th ed. (Williams and Wilkens, 1988), p. 360.

Does the prophet fit the above criteria of a pedophile?

With the above criteria of a pedophile in mind, lets analyze the lifestyle of the prophet and his marriages.


His marriages:
Name of Bride/ Bride's age at marriage/ Comments
Khadija bint khawilad/ 40/ Twice widowed before
Sauda Bint Zama/ 50/ Widow
Aisha bint Abu Bakr/ 9/ Started living with the prophet at the age of 9.
Hafsa Bint Umar bin Khattab/ 22/ Widow
Zainab bint Khuzaima/ 30/ ?
Umm-I-Salma bint Abu Umayia/ 26/ Widow
Zainab Bint Jahash/ 38/ Widow
Juwaeria Bint Harith/ 20/ Widow
Umm-I-Habiba bint Abu Sufyan/ 36/ Widow
Marya Qibtiya bint Shamun/ 17/ Virgin, Egyptian
Safia bint Hayi bin Akhtab/ 17/ Widow
Raihana bint umru bin hanafa/ ?/ ?
Maimuna bint harith/ 36/ widow

Source: Syed Abu Zafar Zain, The Prophet of Islam, the Ideal Husband (Lahore: Kazi Publications), pp. 10-12.

Statistics from the above table:

Percentage of his wives who were 17 years and older = 91 %
Percentage of his wives who were widows = 75%

Comments: The statistics show that the prophet's marriage to Aisha at her young age was an exception and not a norm of his other marriages. Furthermore "a pedophile’s main mode of sexual satisfaction is with prepubescent girls", which is contradictory to the 91% of prophet's marriage to women 17 years and over. An unbiased examination of Prophet's life and his marriages to his wives blatantly rejects the notion of his lifestyle fitting that of a pedophile. All his brides were aged widows (except Aisha and Marya). Moreover, according to the criteria in the references cited above in Synopsis of Psychiatry, a vast majority of pedophiles possess a history of exhibitionism, voyeurism, or rape. Again, there is no single reference from either religious or secular sources that the noble Prophet ever indulged in such sadistic behavior (God forbid). This truth is observed and accepted by both Muslims and unbiased non-Muslims scholars.

"It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher." Annie Besant, The Life and Teachings of Muhammad (Madras, 1932), p. 4.

B. Others claim that the noble Prophet (peace be upon him) indulged in child-abuse when he married Aisha at her young age

Let scrutinize this allegation...
Definition of Child Abuse: Child Abuse, also called CRUELTY TO CHILDREN, the willful and unjustifiable infliction of pain and suffering on children. The term can denote the use of inordinate physical violence; unjustifiable verbal abuse; the failure to furnish proper shelter, nourishment, medical treatment, or emotional support; incest; other cases of sexual molestation or rape; and the making of child pornography. Frequently described by the medical profession as the "battered-child syndrome," abusive treatment of children is almost universally proscribed by criminal statutes. Child abuse can have serious future consequences for the victims involved. Delays in physical growth, impaired language and cognitive abilities, and problems in personality development, learning, and behavior are common following instances of child abuse or neglect. Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1998

Comments: None of the criteria of child-abuse applies to the noble life of the Prophet (pbuh). There is no single incident of any infliction of pain and suffering by the prophet on Aisha or any other human being for that matter. Neither any instance of verbal or sexual abuse can be concluded from the relationship of the prophet with Aisha (r.a.) or any of his wives.
An abused child can have serious future consequences...delayed physical growth, impaired language, learning and behavior...etc (above definition). As one examines the chaste life of Aisha (r.a.), her personality, physical, mental and spiritual developments are all contrary to that of an abused child. In fact through the Prophet's marriage and his guidance to Aisha, history testifies that she should be labeled not as an abused child but as a 'blessed child'. After analyzing and refuting the accusations against the noble character of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the only viable alternative left with us is:

C. The Prophet married Aisha for the benefit of Islam and Humanity

Lets analyse...

1. The Prophet married Aisha primarily for three reasons
a. To reinforce the friendly relations already existing with Abu Bakr (his closest companion).
b. To educate and train Aisha for the purposes of Islam.
c. To utilize her capabilities for the sake of Islam.

2. Her Marriage with the prophet was a Wahy (Divine Revelation). She, herself relates from the Prophet. "He said, 'I saw you in dreams three times. The angel brought you to me and you were clad in white silk. He (the angel) said that it was your consort and he (angel) showed me by opening your face. You are just like that..." Sahih Muslim, Vol.2, p. 285.

3. Aisha (r.a.) was born after her parents had embraced Islam. Therefore, she was free from the defilement of polytheism right from her birth.

4. In her youth, already known for her formidable memory, she came under the loving care and attention of the Prophet himself. As his wife and close companion she acquired from him knowledge and insight such as no woman has ever acquired.

Aisha lived on almost fifty years after the passing away of the Prophet. She had been his wife for a decade. Much of this time was spent in learning and acquiring knowledge of the two most important sources of God's guidance, the Qur'an and the Sunnah of His Prophet. Aisha (r.a.) was one of the three wives (the other two being Hafsa (r.a.) and Umm Salama (r.a.) who memorised the Revelation. Like Hafsa (r.a.), she had her own script of the Qur'an written after the Prophet had died.

So far as the Hadith or sayings of the Prophet is concerned, Aisha (r.a.) is one of four persons (the others being Abu Hurayra, Abdullah ibn Umar, and Anas ibn Malik) who transmitted more than two thousand sayings. From her, 2210 Hadith have come, out of which 174 Hadith are commonly agreed upon by both Bukhari and Muslim.

Many of her transmissions pertain to some of the most intimate aspects of personal behavior that only someone in Aisha's position could have learnt. What is most important is that her knowledge of Hadith was passed on in written form by at least three persons including her nephew Urwah who became one of the greatest scholars among the generation after the Companions. It is the claim of the Scholars of Islam that without her, half of the Ilm-I-Hadith [knowledge, understanding of the Hadith (and Islam)] would have perished.

5. Many of the learned companions of the Prophet and their followers benefited from Aishah's knowledge. Abu Musa al-Ash'ari once said: "If we companions of the Messenger of God had any difficulty on a matter, we asked Aisha about it."

"Yahya related to me from Malik from Yahya ibn Said from Said ibn al-Musayyab that Abu Musa al-Ash'ari came to Aisha, the wife of the Prophet and said to her, "The disagreement of the companions in a matter which I hate to bring before you has distressed me." She said, "What is that? You did not ask your mother about it, so ask me." He said, "A man penetrates his wife, but becomes listless and does not ejaculate. "She said, "When the cir*****cised part passes the cir*****cised part ghusl is obligatory." Abu Musa added, "I shall never ask anyone about this after you. Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik, Hadith 2.75.

Arwa Bin Zubair says, "I did not find anyone more proficient [than Aisha (r.a.)] in the knowledge of the Holy Qur'an, the Commandments of Halal (lawful) and Haram (prohibited), Ilmul-Ansab and Arabic poetry. That is why, even senior companions of the Prophet used to consult Aisha (r.a.) in resolving intricate issued". Ibn Qayyim and Ibn Sa'ad, Jala-ul-Afham, vol. 2, p. 26.
Abu Musa al-Ash'ari says: "Never had we (the companions) had any difficulty for the solution of which we approached Aisha and did not get some useful information from her". Sirat-I-Aisha, on the authority of Trimidhi, p. 163.

6. As a teacher she had a clear and persuasive manner of speech and her power of oratory has been described in superlative terms by al-Ahnaf who said: "I have heard speeches of Abu Bakr and Umar, Uthman and Ali and the Khulafa up to this day, but I have not heard speech more persuasive and more beautiful from the mouth of any person than from the mouth of Aisha."
The Prophet said, "The superiority of 'Aisha to other ladies is like the superiority of Tharid (i.e. meat and bread dish) to other meals. Many men reached the level of perfection, but no woman reached such a level except Mary, the daughter of Imran and Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh." Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith, Narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari Hadith 4.643.

7. Men and women came from far and wide to benefit from her knowledge.

Aisha's great interest in the study of the Qur'an is understandable. She was an eyewitness to a number of revelations and had therefore a clear idea of the cir*****stances in which they were revealed. It was on her bed alone (and no other consort's) that the Prophet received Wahy (Divine Revelations) several times. This helped her in interpreting the verses.

8. At the time of the Prophet's death, the Prophet's head was on her lap. It was in her quarters that the Prophet was buried. The life of Aisha (R) is a 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. Aisha (R) is a continuing inspiration and role model to today's youth who are diligently searching for an example amongst the pop stars, movie actresses and sports stars. May the memory of her live-forever in the heart of the Muslim Ummah and May Allah grant her the highest abode in Paradise...Ameen.



Conclusion
It was the aforementioned qualities of Aisha (r.a.) and the Prophet's guidance in molding these capabilities for the service of Islam, were the main reasons, why the Prophet Married young Aisha (r.a.), and not the perverted reasons brought forth by misguided orientalists.

Muslims invite all sincere humans to study the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon) in the light of the authentic sources of the Qur'an and the Sunnah (exemplary sayings and deeds of the Prophet) and judge for themselves where the truth lies. Indeed, by recognizing the truth of Islam as the final and complete Guidance sent by our Creator can humanity find lasting peace in this world and a means of salvation from the hell fire in the hereafter. "I have studied him - the wonderful man and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today." George Bernard Shaw, The Genuine Islam, vol. 1, no. 81936.

Though, the Prophet is not among us in his flesh, but his exemplary life has been preserved for all humanity to follow. When Truth comes Falsehood disappears, Islam came, now Shirk (polytheism) must clear.

Welcome to Islam..
YES you hit the nail right on head he would indeed be a dictator and a cruel one that is he would behead anyone that didn't agree with his doctrine just like he did with the Jewish tribe he wiped out and then he forced himself upon a Jewess after killing her husband and family nice going real neat but I think I prefer Hitler at least he didn't call himself a prophet. And his goal was out in the open not coated with sugar to cover the poison like Islam.
Shalom and love in the name of YESHUA our salvation not Allah or Muhammad
goodbye to islam

 

[kiwimac]

We do not, indeed cannot judge Muhammad's actions by today's socio-culutral standards. The actions of many folk in ages gone by would not stand up to our new awareness of life, the universe and everything (tm).

Aside from which some very good research indicates Ayesha's age may well have been much older than the 9 or so traditionally assigned to her.

Moreover most Christians consider Mary to have been somewhere between 12-16 & thus have not much room to comment in this whole area.

Kiwimac

 

[warner]

Re: Why Did Muhammad(pbuh) Married Young Aisha(r.a.)?

I am sure that no matter how many poofs and truths will be explained to thosse who love to Defame others rather than Promote their religion, they will still not beleive it an carry on defaming.Their ai9m is not to see the truth even if it was to smack them inthe face they would refuse to acknowledge it.They have on eagenda Like the Jews of the Past Defame and slander the Character of Prophets of GOD.Jesus reminded them about this and so did Moses he told them how rebellious theyr were against GOD.

"Bis'Millah'ir Rahman'ir Raheem
(In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful)


Why Did Muhammad(pbuh) Married Young Aisha(r.a.)?
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Through the centuries, orientalists have advance numerous accusations and far-fetched theories to discredit Islam and its last Prophet, Muhammad (P). Praise be to Allah alone, all such accusations have been successfully refuted by the Muslims Ummah. Currently, one of the 'reinvented' accusations against the noble character of the Prophet is about his marriage to young Aisha Siddiqa (r.a.).

Let's probe some of the orientalists' charges in detail in the light of modern research, historic evidence and the Islamic sources of the Qur'an and the Sunnah to separate truth from falsehood, and display to the world that Prophet Muhammad (P) is indeed an exemplary for all of mankind.

Two main theories are often advance by orientalists to attack the pure character of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) on his marriage to Aisha (r.a.) at her young age.

A. He was a Pedophile
(Audhubillah) B. B. He was involved in child abuse.
(Audhubillah)
Let's analyze each theory to dig out the truth, through the Guidance of Allah (SWT).

A. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) married Aisha (r.a.) because he was a pedophile?

Definition of a Pedophile: "Pedophile: also spelled PAEDOPHILIA, psychosexual disorder in which an adult's arousal and sexual gratification occur primarily through sexual contact with prepubescent children. The typical pedophile is unable to find satisfaction in an adult sexual relationship and may have low self-esteem, seeing sexual activity with a child as less threatening than that with an adult." Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1998.
The diagnostic criteria for pedophilia according to American Psychiatric Association:

1) Over a period of at least 6 months, recurrent intense sexual urges and sexual arousing fantasies involving sexual activity with a prepubescent child or children.

2) The person has acted on these urges, or is markedly distressed by them.

3) The person is at least 16 years old and at least 5 years older than the child or children in A.

DSM-III-R Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, rev ed. 3, (American Psychiatric Association). "In addition to their pedophilia, a significant number of pedophiles are concomitantly or have previously been involved in exhibitionism, voyeurism, or rape". (Voyeurism is the recurrent preoccupation with fantasized or acts that involve seeking out or observing people who are naked, or are engaged in grooming or in sexual activity). Harold I. Kaplan et al., Synopsis of Psychiatry, 5th ed. (Williams and Wilkens, 1988), p. 360.

Does the prophet fit the above criteria of a pedophile?

With the above criteria of a pedophile in mind, lets analyze the lifestyle of the prophet and his marriages.


His marriages:
Name of Bride/ Bride's age at marriage/ Comments
Khadija bint khawilad/ 40/ Twice widowed before
Sauda Bint Zama/ 50/ Widow
Aisha bint Abu Bakr/ 9/ Started living with the prophet at the age of 9.
Hafsa Bint Umar bin Khattab/ 22/ Widow
Zainab bint Khuzaima/ 30/ ?
Umm-I-Salma bint Abu Umayia/ 26/ Widow
Zainab Bint Jahash/ 38/ Widow
Juwaeria Bint Harith/ 20/ Widow
Umm-I-Habiba bint Abu Sufyan/ 36/ Widow
Marya Qibtiya bint Shamun/ 17/ Virgin, Egyptian
Safia bint Hayi bin Akhtab/ 17/ Widow
Raihana bint umru bin hanafa/ ?/ ?
Maimuna bint harith/ 36/ widow

Source: Syed Abu Zafar Zain, The Prophet of Islam, the Ideal Husband (Lahore: Kazi Publications), pp. 10-12.

Statistics from the above table:

Percentage of his wives who were 17 years and older = 91 %
Percentage of his wives who were widows = 75%

Comments: The statistics show that the prophet's marriage to Aisha at her young age was an exception and not a norm of his other marriages. Furthermore "a pedophile’s main mode of sexual satisfaction is with prepubescent girls", which is contradictory to the 91% of prophet's marriage to women 17 years and over. An unbiased examination of Prophet's life and his marriages to his wives blatantly rejects the notion of his lifestyle fitting that of a pedophile. All his brides were aged widows (except Aisha and Marya). Moreover, according to the criteria in the references cited above in Synopsis of Psychiatry, a vast majority of pedophiles possess a history of exhibitionism, voyeurism, or rape. Again, there is no single reference from either religious or secular sources that the noble Prophet ever indulged in such sadistic behavior (God forbid). This truth is observed and accepted by both Muslims and unbiased non-Muslims scholars.

"It is impossible for anyone who studies the life and character of the great Prophet of Arabia, who knows how he taught and how he lived, to feel anything but reverence for that mighty Prophet, one of the great messengers of the Supreme. And although in what I put to you I shall say many things which may be familiar to many, yet I myself feel whenever I re-read them, a new way of admiration, a new sense of reverence for that mighty Arabian teacher." Annie Besant, The Life and Teachings of Muhammad (Madras, 1932), p. 4.

B. Others claim that the noble Prophet (peace be upon him) indulged in child-abuse when he married Aisha at her young age

Let scrutinize this allegation...
Definition of Child Abuse: Child Abuse, also called CRUELTY TO CHILDREN, the willful and unjustifiable infliction of pain and suffering on children. The term can denote the use of inordinate physical violence; unjustifiable verbal abuse; the failure to furnish proper shelter, nourishment, medical treatment, or emotional support; incest; other cases of sexual molestation or rape; and the making of child pornography. Frequently described by the medical profession as the "battered-child syndrome," abusive treatment of children is almost universally proscribed by criminal statutes. Child abuse can have serious future consequences for the victims involved. Delays in physical growth, impaired language and cognitive abilities, and problems in personality development, learning, and behavior are common following instances of child abuse or neglect. Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1998

Comments: None of the criteria of child-abuse applies to the noble life of the Prophet (pbuh). There is no single incident of any infliction of pain and suffering by the prophet on Aisha or any other human being for that matter. Neither any instance of verbal or sexual abuse can be concluded from the relationship of the prophet with Aisha (r.a.) or any of his wives.
An abused child can have serious future consequences...delayed physical growth, impaired language, learning and behavior...etc (above definition). As one examines the chaste life of Aisha (r.a.), her personality, physical, mental and spiritual developments are all contrary to that of an abused child. In fact through the Prophet's marriage and his guidance to Aisha, history testifies that she should be labeled not as an abused child but as a 'blessed child'. After analyzing and refuting the accusations against the noble character of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the only viable alternative left with us is:

C. The Prophet married Aisha for the benefit of Islam and Humanity

Lets analyse...

1. The Prophet married Aisha primarily for three reasons
a. To reinforce the friendly relations already existing with Abu Bakr (his closest companion).
b. To educate and train Aisha for the purposes of Islam.
c. To utilize her capabilities for the sake of Islam.

2. Her Marriage with the prophet was a Wahy (Divine Revelation). She, herself relates from the Prophet. "He said, 'I saw you in dreams three times. The angel brought you to me and you were clad in white silk. He (the angel) said that it was your consort and he (angel) showed me by opening your face. You are just like that..." Sahih Muslim, Vol.2, p. 285.

3. Aisha (r.a.) was born after her parents had embraced Islam. Therefore, she was free from the defilement of polytheism right from her birth.

4. In her youth, already known for her formidable memory, she came under the loving care and attention of the Prophet himself. As his wife and close companion she acquired from him knowledge and insight such as no woman has ever acquired.

Aisha lived on almost fifty years after the passing away of the Prophet. She had been his wife for a decade. Much of this time was spent in learning and acquiring knowledge of the two most important sources of God's guidance, the Qur'an and the Sunnah of His Prophet. Aisha (r.a.) was one of the three wives (the other two being Hafsa (r.a.) and Umm Salama (r.a.) who memorised the Revelation. Like Hafsa (r.a.), she had her own script of the Qur'an written after the Prophet had died.

So far as the Hadith or sayings of the Prophet is concerned, Aisha (r.a.) is one of four persons (the others being Abu Hurayra, Abdullah ibn Umar, and Anas ibn Malik) who transmitted more than two thousand sayings. From her, 2210 Hadith have come, out of which 174 Hadith are commonly agreed upon by both Bukhari and Muslim.

Many of her transmissions pertain to some of the most intimate aspects of personal behavior that only someone in Aisha's position could have learnt. What is most important is that her knowledge of Hadith was passed on in written form by at least three persons including her nephew Urwah who became one of the greatest scholars among the generation after the Companions. It is the claim of the Scholars of Islam that without her, half of the Ilm-I-Hadith [knowledge, understanding of the Hadith (and Islam)] would have perished.

5. Many of the learned companions of the Prophet and their followers benefited from Aishah's knowledge. Abu Musa al-Ash'ari once said: "If we companions of the Messenger of God had any difficulty on a matter, we asked Aisha about it."

"Yahya related to me from Malik from Yahya ibn Said from Said ibn al-Musayyab that Abu Musa al-Ash'ari came to Aisha, the wife of the Prophet and said to her, "The disagreement of the companions in a matter which I hate to bring before you has distressed me." She said, "What is that? You did not ask your mother about it, so ask me." He said, "A man penetrates his wife, but becomes listless and does not ejaculate. "She said, "When the cir*****cised part passes the cir*****cised part ghusl is obligatory." Abu Musa added, "I shall never ask anyone about this after you. Al-Muwatta of Imam Malik, Hadith 2.75.

Arwa Bin Zubair says, "I did not find anyone more proficient [than Aisha (r.a.)] in the knowledge of the Holy Qur'an, the Commandments of Halal (lawful) and Haram (prohibited), Ilmul-Ansab and Arabic poetry. That is why, even senior companions of the Prophet used to consult Aisha (r.a.) in resolving intricate issued". Ibn Qayyim and Ibn Sa'ad, Jala-ul-Afham, vol. 2, p. 26.
Abu Musa al-Ash'ari says: "Never had we (the companions) had any difficulty for the solution of which we approached Aisha and did not get some useful information from her". Sirat-I-Aisha, on the authority of Trimidhi, p. 163.

6. As a teacher she had a clear and persuasive manner of speech and her power of oratory has been described in superlative terms by al-Ahnaf who said: "I have heard speeches of Abu Bakr and Umar, Uthman and Ali and the Khulafa up to this day, but I have not heard speech more persuasive and more beautiful from the mouth of any person than from the mouth of Aisha."
The Prophet said, "The superiority of 'Aisha to other ladies is like the superiority of Tharid (i.e. meat and bread dish) to other meals. Many men reached the level of perfection, but no woman reached such a level except Mary, the daughter of Imran and Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh." Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith, Narrated by Abu Musa Al-Ash'ari Hadith 4.643.

7. Men and women came from far and wide to benefit from her knowledge.

Aisha's great interest in the study of the Qur'an is understandable. She was an eyewitness to a number of revelations and had therefore a clear idea of the cir*****stances in which they were revealed. It was on her bed alone (and no other consort's) that the Prophet received Wahy (Divine Revelations) several times. This helped her in interpreting the verses.

8. At the time of the Prophet's death, the Prophet's head was on her lap. It was in her quarters that the Prophet was buried. The life of Aisha (R) is a 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. Aisha (R) is a continuing inspiration and role model to today's youth who are diligently searching for an example amongst the pop stars, movie actresses and sports stars. May the memory of her live-forever in the heart of the Muslim Ummah and May Allah grant her the highest abode in Paradise...Ameen.



Conclusion
It was the aforementioned qualities of Aisha (r.a.) and the Prophet's guidance in molding these capabilities for the service of Islam, were the main reasons, why the Prophet Married young Aisha (r.a.), and not the perverted reasons brought forth by misguided orientalists.

Muslims invite all sincere humans to study the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon) in the light of the authentic sources of the Qur'an and the Sunnah (exemplary sayings and deeds of the Prophet) and judge for themselves where the truth lies. Indeed, by recognizing the truth of Islam as the final and complete Guidance sent by our Creator can humanity find lasting peace in this world and a means of salvation from the hell fire in the hereafter. "I have studied him - the wonderful man and in my opinion far from being an anti-Christ, he must be called the Savior of Humanity. I believe that if a man like him were to assume the dictatorship of the modern world, he would succeed in solving its problems in a way that would bring it the much needed peace and happiness: I have prophesied about the faith of Muhammad that it would be acceptable to the Europe of tomorrow as it is beginning to be acceptable to the Europe of today." George Bernard Shaw, The Genuine Islam, vol. 1, no. 81936.

Though, the Prophet is not among us in his flesh, but his exemplary life has been preserved for all humanity to follow. When Truth comes Falsehood disappears, Islam came, now Shirk (polytheism) must clear.

Welcome to Islam..
YES you hit the nail right on head he would indeed be a dictator and a cruel one that is he would behead anyone that didn't agree with his doctrine just like he did with the Jewish tribe he wiped out and then he forced himself upon a Jewess after killing her husband and family nice going real neat but I think I prefer Hitler at least he didn't call himself a prophet. And his goal was out in the open not coated with sugar to cover the poison like Islam.
Shalom and love in the name of YESHUA our salvation not Allah or Muhammad
goodbye to islam

you seem to love to slander this man so much that in doing so you show the real colour in you.You are trying to make out that those jews were quiet and minding their own business when he came and killed them. Have you even disregarded or may pretended not to know what Moses said above yuor forefathers,They were rebellious from birth, they rebelled against GOD, your own dear Yeshua Ben miraim called them children of vipers and Adulterous generation.Do you try to diregard all that.Anyway the thread was talking about the claim made about him and Aisha so now you have no axe to grind on that issue you change the subject.Typical of your forefahters those children of Vipers , killers of prophet as Jesus called them. They even tried to kill the prophet mohamed on so many occasions. So don't try to make out he was killing innocent civilians. They were evil to him and the past prophets.
Peace

 

[Orthodox Christian]

you seem to love to slander this man so much that in doing so you show the real colour in you.You are trying to make out that those jews were quiet and minding their own business when he came and killed them.

So the penalty for freedom of religion and expression, nay the penalty for refusing to be submitted and subjected by Islam is death. Yes, I knew that, thanks for confirming. How much noise may I make before the throat cutters show up at my door?

Have you even disregarded or may pretended not to know what Moses said above yuor forefathers,They were rebellious from birth, they rebelled against GOD, your own dear Yeshua Ben miraim called them children of vipers and Adulterous generation.

That's a rather selective reading of a great many quotes about Israel, even those who rebelled. The sons of Korah are those who pen Psalms and lead praise. Do not try to use Jesus to endorse your hatred of Jews and your murder of those who are not Muslim.

Do you try to diregard all that. Anyway the thread was talking about the claim made about him and Aisha so now you have no axe to grind on that issue you change the subject.Typical of your forefahters those children of Vipers , killers of prophet as Jesus called them. They even tried to kill the prophet mohamed on so many occasions. So don't try to make out he was killing innocent civilians. They were evil to him and the past prophets.
Peace

There are a great many polemics by Muslims against Christians and Jews. I'm not fond of this particular polemic against Muhammed (pedophile).
Killing is killing. Had Jesus spread His message through killing, I would have been Hindu. The God who creates life will reconcile life through life, or if necessary, through His own sacrifice, not through domination, intimidation, and extortion.

 

[Heidi]

It seems like many of you (not all) are looking for more excuses to hate a religion that you already hate in the first place. Why do you do this?

Do you love evil, or do you hate it? Any religion that endorses killing is not something I love. Murder is from the devil. And so are lies. Mohammed himself expressed concern that his visions came from the devil. He also said that his visions came from God. So which is it? Therefore one of his statements is a lie, is it not? Why do Muslims embrace a man who lies? :o