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I
All these souces are strong evidence that Alishals, knowledge
was deep and well respected. She was an eye witness of many
incidents the Qurlan had revealed. Her presence with the Prophet
most of the time helped her to read the Qurlan in a correct way.
Every night the Prophet was diligent in his prayers. He read long
verses. Often she prayed with him. heard him reading. Hence, "'A-lisha
relied on the holy Qurlan to give answers to matters concerning
Jurisprudence. For example, she gave a clearer explanation of the
Qurlanic, verse 2: 158 which had previously been obscure.
The other case which has also been mentioned is the Qurlanic
verse 4: 3 permitting polygamy and the connection between polygamy
and the treatment of orphans, as was discussed in the second chapter.
Her role as educator included the personal raising of at least four
orphan nephews. One famous person was greatly impressed by her
education is 'Abd Allah bin al-Zubayk, -her nephew, by whom she was
called? Umm 'Abd Allah; Also, his brother, 'Arwah bin a-Zuhayr who is
considered one of the best teachers in al-Madinah. There is also
al-ýasim, her nephew, who grew up unbder her direction, and AbT
Salama, her other nephew, Abd al-Rahrran
0
and MasrU*q and others, all
of whom she raised in accordance with Islamic rules.
2
Giving legal advice to the companions was a further way in
whichtK'isha participated in the public life of Muslims as well
a
as in religious af fairs. As al-Zarqar7i remarked, "A" isha was
skilful at explaining the law. It is said that she used to give
c
legal opinions in the days of Umar and Uthman till her death,
1. Moin, op. cit., P. 146
2. Ibid
145