Politics, gender, and the Islamic past : the Legacy of ʻAʼisha bint Abi Bakr

In this extraordinary study, D. A. Spellberg examines the life of 'A'isha bint Abi Bakr, Muhammad's most beloved and controversial wife, and a central figure in Islamic cultural history. Instead of employing the traditional chronological technique of the biographer, however, Spellberg uses 'A'isha as a lens through which to examine the place of women in Islamic societies. Approaches To The Study Of A Legacy: An Introduction -- Privileges And Problems: The Shaping Of 'a'isha's Historical Persona -- The Accusation Of Adultery And Communal Debate -- Gender And The Politics Of Succession -- The Politics Of Praise: 'a'isha And The Development Of Islamic Female Ideals -- The Last Word: A Note In Conclusion D.a. Spellberg. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [227]-238) And Index. This study examines the most beloved and controversial of Mohammed's wives as a rich symbol for medieval and modern Islamic society. It explores the debates surrounding A'isha's depiction in historical literature, describing how she has been praised and condemned by generations of Muslim writers