The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 242
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 242 years, then the narration of nine-years cannot be accepted merely due to an estimate made by Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishah ra that she was nine-years of age at the time of her Rukhsatānah. Albeit, if the birthdate of Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishah ra has been reported to be something other than the beginning of 4 Nabawī in an authentic Ḥadīth , or the date of her Rukhsatānah is established as being something other than Shawwāl 2 A. H. , then no doubt these narrations would be worthy of acceptance, and the age of Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishah ra would be calculated on this basis. However, a mathematical result cannot be rejected merely on the basis of an estimation or idea even though it may have been reported in an authentic Ḥadīth. This is a fundamental discussion which we have presented at this instance. However, the reality is that even if the narrations which contain these estimates are thoroughly analysed, ultimately, the result proves to be the same as what we have mentioned above, i. e. , at the time of her Rukhsatānah , the age of Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishah ra was twelve, not nine. In order to understand this, it is important to note that in actuality, Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishah ra has not only stated her approximate age at the time of her Rukhsatānah , rather, she has also reported her approximate age at the time of her Nikāḥ along with this as well. Both of these estimates have been recorded in the books of Aḥādīth and history. As such, the statement of Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishah ra has been oft-related that she was six or seven years of age at the time of her Nikāḥ and at the time of her Rukhsatānah she was nine years of age. In some narrations the age at the Rukhsatānah has been reported to be ten years as well. Now according to basic principle, from among these two estimates, we should consider the first estimate, which relates to the time of her Nikāḥ as being more correct. The reason being that this estimate relates to a younger age and a relatively lesser chance of there being an error exists with respect to an estimate relating to a younger age. Secondly, since this was the very first estimate, it is to be considered as being the actual one, and those estimates which relate to subsequent ages are to be considered as being subordinate to this estimate and not independent estimates. Hence, in the discussion of estimates, the actual foundation must be placed on the first estimate, which relates to the age at the time of the Nikāḥ and in which an age of six or seven years has been mentioned. Now when we perform a mathematical calculation in order to discern the age at the Rukhsatānah , the same twelve year age is established, not nine or ten years. However, before presenting this mathematical calculation it is necessary to reconcile the mutual discrepancy between six years and seven years. It has