Aisha Bint Abu A'sim

According to the Siyar A'lam An-Nubala of Allaamah Az-Zahabi (passed away in 748 H), Aisha Bint A'sim was a very pious woman. She remained without food or drink for more than 20 years. Allaamah Az-Zahabi says that he heard that from several people who lived in the epoch of this woman. Really shocking! But when Allah Ta'ala wants, anything can happen. Similarly, there was another woman at the time of Al-Mu'tadwid who remained without food or drink for more than 20 years. Eating and drinking is a means to survive. But this means is a secondary means. The actual means is the Divine will. Allah Ta'ala does not need any means. He can keep alive without food, drink and oxygen. Such supernatural things are termed as Mujizah when it comes from a Nabi. And when it comes from a Wali, it is termed as Karaamat. It is Allah Ta'ala who makes Mujizah and Karaamat manifest. And nothing is impossible for Him. These are possible things and this possibility has already been actualised and reported in authentic books through authentic means. There is no reason that necessitates lack of its acceptance. There is no evidence in the Qur'an, Hadith or Fiqh which says that such anecdotes should be rejected. Refusing to accept it and making fun of those who narrate this, is not based on any proof. It is purely nafsaaniyat if not ignorance.

[English version of "Aisha Bint Abou A’sim" – Al Jamiat – Vol.7 No.14]