Tabaqat of Ibn Sa'd 1-The sole lady mufti of Islam 'A'ishah's whole life...

Tabaqat of Ibn Sa'd 1-The sole lady mufti of Islam 'A'ishah's whole life, with the exception of the period of caliphate of her father Abu Bakr, and his sincere friend 'Umar, was spent in intense political conflicts and indefatigable party activities so that, by those means, the caliphate could be brought back to Taym house and her endeared relatives could assume high positions in the government.

But as already said, during the caliphate of the two Elders, Abu Bakr and 'Umar, she was very pleased since her party had dominated other known parties of Medina, held the rein of the country's affairs, and she enjoyed peace of mind especially because her position was firmly established owing to the particular attention and excessive respect shown to her by the caliph himself and other authorities.

Thus, the Muslims and world people turned their attention to her, and were more drawn towards her than to other wives of the Prophet, to the extent that till now her rank and position have seemed more conspicuous than other companions and wives of the Messenger of God. The Prophet died while nine of his ladies were still alive. But history does not mention that any of them has won as much attention and respect from Abu Bakr and 'Umar, or has been consulted so much for her view and verdict.

Our evidence is attested by the statement of Ibn Sa'd in his Tabaqat quoted from al- Qasim son of Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr. He writes: During the rule of Abu Bakr, 'Umar and 'Uthman, 'A'ishah was the only lady who issued verdicts right; to the end of her life.95 Elsewhere in the same book he writes quoting Mahmud ibn Lubayd: " 'A'ishah issued verdicts to the end of her life during the caliphate of 'Umar and 'Uthman and gave orders.

'Umar and, after him, 'Uthman and other companions of the Prophet referred to her, inquired about the Prophet' traditions and ways, and received instructions." Moreover, when 'Umar arranged a monthly pension for each of the Prophet's wives, he gave a higher sum to 'A'ishah.

This point is mentioned as follows by Ibn Sa'd in his Tabaqat quoting Mus'ab ibn Sa'd: " 'Umar arranged a monthly pension of ten thousand for each of the Prophet's wives but he gave priority to 'A'ishah and set twelve thousand for her, his reason being that the Prophet had greater affection for her."96 Tabaqat of Ibn Sa'd 8/375.