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Why did A'isha say the prophet was like the walking Qur'an?

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What did she mean by this?
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TL;DR:

Aisha's statement that the Prophet was like the "walking Qur'an" reflects the deep reverence and admiration she and the companions had for him. It highlights how he embodied the teachings of the Qur'an in his actions, had a profound understanding of it, and could recite it with great eloquence.



Introduction

Aisha's description of the Prophet (saw) as the "walking Qur'an" is a profound statement that encapsulates the deep connection between the final messenger of Islam and the holy book revealed to him.

This statement not only reflects Aisha's immense respect and admiration for the Prophet but also serves as a testament to his profound relationship with the Qur'an and its teachings.



Evidences from Qur'an and Hadith:

  1. Qur'anic Verse:
    Allah (SWT) states in the Qur'an: "It is, in truth, the speech of an honored messenger. It is not the word of a poet—little do you believe! Nor is it the word of a soothsayer - little do you remember!" (Qur'an 75:16-17)
  2. Hadith on the Prophet's Manners:
    The Prophet (saw) said: "I have been sent to perfect good manners." (Sahih Bukhari 5922)
  3. Hadith on Teaching the Qur'an:
    The Prophet (saw) said: "The best among you is the one who learns the Qur'an and teaches it." (Sahih al-Bukhari 5027)
  4. Hadith on the Presentation of the Qur'an:
    The Prophet (saw) said: "The Qur'an and those who committed themselves to it will be presented on the Day of Resurrection, preceded by Surat Al-Baqarah and Surat Al 'Imran, like two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who committed themselves to them." (Sahih al-Muslim 804)


Companions' Sayings:

While there are no direct quotes from the companions regarding this statement, their actions and reverence towards the Prophet (peace be upon him) and their commitment to preserving and spreading his teachings and the Qur'an serve as a testament to their understanding of the Prophet's deep connection with the holy book.



A'isha's stating the Prophet (Saw) was like the Walking Qur'an

A'isha (ra) said the Prophet was like the walking Qur'an reflecting the deep reverence and admiration she and even the sahaba had for the Prophet (saw).

One reason for her statement was the Prophet (saw) was known to personally be a living embodiment of the Qur'an's ahkaam. The Prophet's actions and behavior were in line with the principles and values of the Qur'an, a model for all Muslims. Allah stated:

"It is, in truth, the speech of an honored messenger. It is not the word of a poet—little do you believe! Nor is it the word of a soothsayer - little do you remember!" (Qur'an 75:16-17)

The Prophet (saw) himself said:

"I have been sent to perfect good manners" (Sahih Bukhari, Hadith no. 5922)

Another reason for her statement is the Prophet (saw) had a deep understanding of the Qur'an and was able to explain it in a way easily understood by all. The Prophet (saw) said:

"The best among you is the one who learns the Qur'an and teaches it" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5027)

As the Prophet was considered the best among the community, it is no surprise that his teachings and explanations of the Qur'an were considered highly valuable.

Additionally, the Prophet's ability to recite the Qur'an with great eloquence and emotion also contributed to A'isha's statement. The Prophet said:

"The Qur'an and those who committed themselves to it will be presented on the Day of Resurrection, preceded by Surat Al-Baqarah and Surat Al 'Imran, like two clouds or two shades, or two flocks of birds in ranks, pleading for those who committed themselves to them." (Sahih al-Muslim 804)

Ibn Khaldun, a classical Muslim Scholar, stated:

"The Prophet was the living Qur'an, and his actions were the practical commentary on its teachings." (Muqaddimah: An Introduction to History, Translated by Franz Rosenthal)

Whilst Imam Ghazali stated:

"The Prophet was the ocean of knowledge, and his understanding of the Qur'an was like a pearl diver diving deep into that ocean to bring out its hidden treasures." (Ihya Ulum al-Din, Vol.1)



Conclusion

A'isha's statement the Prophet was like the walking Qur'an reflects the deep reverence and admiration that the early Muslim community had for the Prophet (saw), a living embodiment and deep understanding of the Qur'an, who was able to explain it in a way that was easily understood by all.


Ghazali,


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