About the story of `Aisha and their narrations were similar attesting each other, when the liars said what they invented about `Aisha, and the Divine Inspiration was delayed, Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) sent for `Ali and Usama to consult them in divorcing his wife (i.e. `Aisha). Usama said, "Keep your wife, as we know nothing about her except good." Barirah said, "I cannot accuse her of any defect except that she is still a young girl who sleeps, neglecting her family's dough which the domestic goats come to eat (i.e. she was too simpleminded to deceive her husband)." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Who can help me to take revenge over the man who has harmed me by defaming the reputation of my family? By Allah, I have not known about my family-anything except good, and they mentioned (i.e. accused) a man about whom I did not know anything except good."
Context and Background
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 2637 concerns the incident of ifk (slander) against Aisha, the Mother of the Believers. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) faced immense personal trial when hypocrites spread false accusations about his wife's chastity during the return from the expedition against Banu Mustaliq.
Scholarly Commentary on Consultation
The Prophet's consultation with Ali and Usama demonstrates the Islamic principle of shura (consultation) even in deeply personal matters. Scholars note that the Prophet, despite receiving revelation, engaged in human consultation to teach his community the importance of seeking counsel.
Usama's immediate defense of Aisha reflects his deep knowledge of her character and his loyalty to the Prophet's household. His statement "we know nothing about her except good" represents the proper Islamic approach of giving believers the benefit of doubt.
Barirah's Testimony
Barirah's testimony, as recorded in Sahih al-Bukhari, provides crucial insight. Her observation about Aisha's youthful negligence in household duties actually served as evidence of innocence rather than fault. Classical commentators explain that this simplicity in domestic matters contradicted the sophisticated deception alleged by the slanderers.
The Prophet's Distress and Justice
The Prophet's statement seeking revenge demonstrates the gravity of slandering chaste women in Islam. Scholars emphasize that his anger was not personal but rather for the defense of honor and the establishment of justice. His declaration of knowing only good about his family sets the standard for marital trust in Islam.
Legal and Spiritual Lessons
This incident established critical legal principles regarding evidence for adultery accusations, requiring four eyewitnesses. The delayed revelation, as explained by classical scholars, served as a test for the community and ultimately affirmed Aisha's innocence through Quranic verses (Surah Nur, 24:11-20), making this a definitive ruling for all times.
The episode teaches Muslims about patience during trials, the evil of gossip, the importance of verifying information, and Allah's ultimate protection of the truthful.