An Islamic Treasury of Virtues
4. Sincerity
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she went to sleep at the place where they had set up
their camp the night before. There she was spotted
by a Companion, who seating her on his camel and
himself holding the reins, brought her back to
Madinah. When they reached home, there were
certain hypocrites who used this episode to spread
false scandals about Aishah. One of the
scandalmongers was Mistah, a relative of Abu Bakr
who received a monthly stipend from his wealthy
kinsman. When Abu Bakr discovered Mistah’s role
in the slandering of his daughter, Aishah, he swore
an oath that he would stop giving any money to
Mistah. Then this verse of the Qur’an was revealed:
“Let not the honourable and the rich among you
swear not to give to their kindred, the poor, and
those who have emigrated for the cause of God.
Rather let them pardon and forgive, Do you not
wish God to forgive you? He is Forgiving,
Merciful.” (24:22) On hearing the revelation of this
verse, Abu Bakr said, “I would certainly like God to
forgive me.”
(IBN HISHAM,
AL-SIRAH AL-NABAWIYYAH
)
