Chief of the Prophets

Chief of the Prophets — Page 113

Chapter Seven 113 that the most eminent Companions accepted her as an authority and benefitted from her grace. Good Treatment of the Pure Wives Muḥammad sa also took special care to ensure that his esteemed wives enjoyed the lighter side of life as well. Once a few Abyssinians were showing Muḥammad sa and the Companions tricks of spears in the courtyard of Masjid an-Nabawī. Muḥammad sa lifted ‘Ᾱ’ishah ra next to the wall of the house behind him, and stayed there until she was tired of the show. 1 Once Muḥammad sa competed in a race with ‘Ᾱ’ishah ra and ‘Ᾱ’ishah ra won. Many years later, on another occasion Muḥammad sa beat her in a race as she had gained some weight by that time. Muḥammad sa smilingly said: This evens the score of that day. 2 On certain happy occasions, when a few friends of ‘Ᾱ’ishah ra gathered at the Prophet’s house to sing some virtuous poetry, Muḥammad sa did not object. Once Abū Bakr ra tried to warn the girls, but Muḥammad sa stopped him saying, “Abū Bakr, let it go, it is the day of the ‘Īd. Let the girls have some fun. ” When ‘Ᾱ’ishah ra was young, one of her dolls with wings used to be placed on the shelf. Once, Muḥammad sa remarked, “‘Ᾱ’ishah, dolls have wings?” ‘Ᾱ’ishah ra said, “Wings of Sulaimān’s horses have been mentioned too. ” Muḥammad sa smiled and kept quiet. Everyone makes jokes in some fashion, but her pious jokes were also a proof of her piety and veracity. 1 Bukhārī, Kitābun-Nikāḥ (Book of Wedlock, Marriage). 2 Sunan Abī Dāwūd, Kitābul-Jihād (Book of Fighting for the Cause of Allah).