A Critical and Analytical Study of Nabia Abbott’s Ayesha: The Beloved of Muhammad

Abstract

This article explores the life, personality, and historical significance of Aishah bint Abi Bakr, as portrayed in Nabia Abbott’s biography Aishah: The Beloved of Mohammed. The book provides a detailed and engaging narrative of Aishah’s early life, her marriage to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and her enduring influence in the formative years of Islam. Through authentic historical sources and critical analysis, the author presents Aishah not only as the Prophet’s beloved wife but also as a key political, religious, and intellectual figure. The book highlights her intelligence, strength, and active role in early Islamic society, making it a valuable contribution to both Islamic studies and women’s history. This article aims to summarize Abbott’s main arguments and evaluate the scholarly contribution of this pioneering work.