Aisha (?A?isha)

views updated

AISHA (ʿAʾisha)

Daughter of Abu Bakr, Aisha was very young when she married Muhammad. After his death, she contested the designation of the Prophet's successors and opposed Ali, Muhammad's son-in-law, to the point of provoking the rebellion of a group of Muslims against him. In 656, after being defeated at the "Battle of the Camel," she was isolated from power. Respected by the Sunnis, Aisha is criticized by the Shiʿites who reproach her for her opposition to Ali.

SEE ALSO Ali;Shiʿite;Sunni Islam.