Ayesha
Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature [1]
was the favorite wife of Mohammed, and was born at Medina in 611. She was the daughter of Abu-Bekhr, and was betrothed to the prophet at the age of nine years. The twenty-fourth chapter of the Koran was written by the prophet to silence all those who doubted Ayesha's purity. She survived her husband forty-six years, and took an active part in the contest against Ali, who took her prisoner, but suffered her to go unharmed. Her opinion was sought sometimes on difficult points in the Koran, and had the force of law with many of the Sunnites. She died at Medina about 678. (See Ali); (See Koran); (See Mohammed).
The Nuttall Encyclopedia [2]
The daughter of Abubekr, and favourite wife of Mahomet, whom he married soon after the death of Kadijah; as much devoted to Mahomet as he was to her, for he died in her arms. "A woman who distinguished herself by all manner of qualities among the Moslems," who is styled by them the "Mother of the Faithful" (see Kadijah ). She was, it is said, the only wife of Mahomet that remained a virgin. On Mahomet's death she opposed the accession of Ali, who defeated her and took her prisoner, but released her on condition that she should not again interfere in State matters (610-677).
