The Prophet's Marriage to Aisha bint Abi Bakr

The marriage contract (nikah) between the Prophet and Aisha bint Abi Bakr was concluded in Mecca before the Hijrah, and the marriage was consummated in Medina in the month of Shawwal, approximately seven months after the migration. Aisha was the only wife whom the Prophet married as a previously unmarried woman; all his other wives were widows or divorcees. Aisha was exceptionally intelligent and became one of the greatest scholars of Islam, transmitting over two thousand hadith. The Prophet said about her: 'The superiority of Aisha over other women is like the superiority of tharid (a favorite Arabian dish) over other foods.' She asked him: 'Who among your wives do you love most?' He answered: 'Aisha.' She then asked: 'And among men?' He said: 'Her father.' She became a primary source of knowledge about the Prophet's private life, his worship, his character, and his domestic conduct. After his death, the leading companions would consult her on matters of fiqh and hadith.