The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 250
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 250 Prophet sa was especially concerned for the education and training of Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishah ra and since she was worthy of receiving special attention due to her age and characteristics, the Holy Prophet sa accepted this proposal of Saudah ra. Nevertheless, even after this, the Holy Prophet sa continued to regularly visit Ḥaḍrat Saudah ra , and like his other wives, he would show affection towards her and take care of her comfort. There is a difference of opinion with respect to the literacy of Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishah ra. However, it is established by a narration in Bukhārī that she was in the possession of a written manuscript of the Holy Qur’ān, 1 wherefrom she personally dictated various verses to a Muslim from Iraq, which in the least, proves that she could in fact read. It is most probable that after her Rukhsatānah , she learned how to write, though various historians have stated that she was unable to write. 2 Following the demise of the Holy Prophet sa , Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishah ra lived for more or less forty-eight years, and met her Beloved Creator in 58 A. H. , during the month of Ramaḍān. At the time she was approximately sixty-eight years of age. Polygamy Practiced by the Holy Prophet sa and its Wisdoms Along with the Rukhsatānah of Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishah ra the practice of polygamy begun in the life of the Holy Prophet sa. Therefore, at this instance, it would not be inappropriate to write a brief note on this issue. However, prior to mentioning anything with regards to polygamy, it seems necessary to mention the purposes of marriage, as stipulated in the Islāmic Sharī‘at. The reason being that along with all its additional purposes, to some extent, polygamy depends upon reasons which are an offshoot of these very same original purposes. As such, it should be known that there are four purposes of marriage, which are derived from the Holy Qur’ān. Firstly, for an individual to be safeguarded from various physical, moral and spiritual ailments and from their ill consequences. This aspect is referred to as Iḥṣān in the Arabic language, which literally means to be protected within a fortress. Secondly, the continuation of human life. Thirdly, life-long companionship and peace of heart. Fourthly, the growth of relations of love and compassion. The Holy Qur’ān states: 1 Ṣaḥīḥul-Bukhārī, Kitābu Faḍā’ilil-Qur’ān, Bābu Ta’līfil-Qur’ān, Ḥadīth No. 4993 2 Kitābu Futūhil-Buldān, By Aḥmad bin Yaḥyā bin Jābir Al-Baghdādī Ash-Shahīru Bil-Balādhuriyyi, p. 478, Amrul-Ḥaẓẓi, Al-Mausū‘ātu Bi-Shāri‘in Bābil-Khalq, Egypt, First Edition (1901)