The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 438
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 438 to my Lord alone, who has affirmed my innocence. ” It was then that the verses of Sūrah Nūr were revealed, which begin with the following words: 1 - When my innocence had been affirmed, my father Abū Bakr, who would grant regular support to Miṣṭaḥ bin Uthāthah due to his poverty and kinship, swore that as Miṣṭaḥ had taken part in slandering ‘Ā’ishah, he would no longer render him this support. However, shortly thereafter, divine revelation was received that such an action was most displeasing, upon which, Abū Bakr reinstated his allowance. Moreover, prior to my being absolved, the Holy Prophet sa inquired of Zainab bint Jaḥash as to her opinion of me, and she responded, “O Messenger of Allāh! I consider ‘Ā’ishah to be a pious and God- fearing lady. ” This was despite the fact that from among all the wives of the Holy Prophet sa , Zainab was the only one who competed with me and acted as my rival. However, due to her virtue, Allāh the Exalted saved her from taking part in this calumny. ” 2 I have written this lengthy narration of Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishah ra on the thought that firstly, as far as this issue is concerned, it is the most detailed and well-composed of all narrations. The facts which are ascertained from the narrations related by other narrators in parts, have been brought together in this sole narration. In addition to this, such enlightening insight is derived from this narration on the domestic life of the Holy Prophet sa that no historian can disregard it. Then, with regards to authenticity, this narration is of such an exceptionally high calibre that it leaves no room for uncertainty and doubt. Now, one should contemplate the magnitude of this conspiracy hatched by the hypocrites. The motive was not only to attack the honour of a chaste, extremely righteous, pious lady, rather, the greater objective was to directly destroy the honour of the Founder of Islām, and to dangerously shake the Islāmic society. This filthy and vile propaganda was spread by the hypocrites in such a manner that simple, yet loyal Muslims were caught in this snare of deception. The names of Ḥassān bin Thābit ra , the poet, Ḥamnah bint Jaḥash, 1 “Verily, those who brought forth the lie. . . ” An-N ū r (24:12) [Publishers] 2 * Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābul-Maghāzī, Bābu Ḥadīthil-Ifki, Ḥadīth No. 4141 * Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābut-Tafsīr, Tafsīru Sūratin-Nūr, Bābu Lau Lā Idh Sami‘tumūhu. . . . . , Ḥadīth No. 4750