In our previous issue we briefly mentioned that the date fruit facilitates delivery and can be eaten to help prevent infertility. This article will continue to examine their manyfold health benefits with a specific focus on their protective features against many diseases.

All essential amino acids

Dates contain 18 of the 20 amino acids found in living creatures. We may sort the quantity of amino acids found in dates from highest to lowest as: Glutamic acid, Aspartic acid, Leucine, Proline, Arginine, Phenylalanine, Valine, Alanine, Serine, Glycine, Iso-leucine (800 times more than an apple), Lisin (2000 times more than an apple and banana), Threonine, Histidine, Tyrosine, Methionine, Cysteine and Tryptophan.

Dates contain all of the 8 essential amino acids that should never be neglected in nutrition and are not made in the body. Additionally, the fact that dates offer 10 non-essential substances that can be made in the body means that all the necessary materials for the synthesis of these proteins, which serve as the basic building blocks of the human body, are present in dates. In this sense, date is a very unique fruit, and this is why a human being could survive on only dates and water for years. V. H. W. Dowson, one of the renowned experts on this subject, says that a date and a glass of milk will be enough to meet a person’s daily nutritional needs.

Other fruits are generally poor in protein while dates provide protection of the body against diseases and infections by providing amino acids, proteins, a renewal of cells, and a balance of body fluid. Meat is also useful for the body, but it may not be as useful as dates, especially during pregnancy. As a matter of fact, excessive consumption of meat in such a period may cause poisoning in the body. A diet consisting of light vegetables and fruits, such as dates, is more suitable.

A store of elements and amino acids

Dates contain more than 10 elements that are vital for keeping the human body healthy and fit. A hundred grams of dates contains 65 mg calcium, 521 mg potassium, 20 mg magnesium, 72 mg phosphorus, 2.69 mg iron, 0.06 mg sodium, 0.05 mg copper, 0.06 mg zinc, 0.07 mg manganese, sulfur, chlorine, and selenium as well as other elements that are very important for metabolic processes in the human body. Some studies have reported that the amount of minerals found in dates is three to five times higher than those found in apples, bananas, oranges, and grapes. Sodium and chlorine are effective in the activity of the muscular and nervous systems, in adjusting appetite, and protecting the body from gaining weight. They also take part in regulating the pH level in our blood and the water in the body. Sulfur is part of the amino acids cystine and methionine and is involved in the synthesis of many proteins.

In addition, potassium helps transport oxygen to the brain as a result of which we have clarity of thought. Moreover, it provides alkaline (basic) features that are suitable for body fluids. It stimulates the kidneys to remove toxic body waste, and additionally helps to lower high blood pressure and ensure the formation of healthy skin. Calcium and phosphate are essential minerals for muscles and healthy bone development, whereas magnesium is required for the kidneys and energy metabolism. Iron is necessary for the production of hemoglobin in the red blood cells. A person can meet the need for magnesium by eating 2-3 dates a day, and iron by eating 15 dates a day. These amounts will also prevent anemia.

Having been wisely created as a host of so many substances, dates surely have healing features. Numerous studies have been carried out on its feature of terminating harmful “free radical” molecules as well as its antioxidant, antimutagenic, anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory, antihyperlipidemic (anti-greasing) effects. Many studies have been done on the protective immune stimulating effects of dates against the stomach, liver, kidney diseases, and cancer. There are also other studies on the benefits of the seeds, pollen, leaves, and syrups of dates.

Antioxidant activity

In studies of its antioxidant effects, the date fruit has been shown to reduce oxidative stress that damages cells. The protective effect of high levels of vitamin C, A, E, and phenolic substances acts as a powerful antioxidant by accelerating the activity of enzymes such as catalase, glutathione reductase and glutathione S-transferase [1].

Anticancer effect

The components of a date have been found to initiate an antitumor activity. Research found that date juice stops the melanoma cell that causes epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma, which is a type of intestinal cancer and a type of skin cancer [2].

Effects on diabetes, raising of glucose and fat in blood

The glycemic indices of the sugars in dates are as follows: Maltose (105), Glucose (100), Sucrose (68), Lactose (46), and Fructose (23). Their absorption rate by the body is also different. Glucose is absorbed fastest while fructose is absorbed later. These absorption and glycemic index differences show that dates do not raise blood sugar fast and provide an increased feeling of fullness and are a food that can be used easily for diabetics. They do not raise blood sugar rapidly thanks to the fact that the total glycemic index of a date is 39. This may be due to its minerals, phenolic, and phytoestrogen components. Magnesium plays an important role in regulating and secreting the effect of insulin. Zinc, on the other hand, stimulates the production and release of insulin while strengthening the effect of chromium insulin. Selenium has also been shown to promote glucose uptake.

Phenolic compounds delay the absorption of carbohydrates, preventing the rapid rise of sugar in blood. In scientific literature, the antidiabetic effect of dates have been proven. Lab studies have shown that a-glucosidase and a-amylase were suppressed, thereby delaying digestion and absorption of carbohydrates and normalizing glucose levels in plasma. The effect of date leaves, hydro-alcoholic extract and aqueous solution of seeds are also shown. In another study,[3] scientists treated diabetic rats by giving each rat 10 ml of reconstituted date seed powder per day. It was then observed that the serum glucose, cholesterol and triacylglycerol levels of rats returned to normal values.

Anti-inflammatory activity

There is a great deal of research on the anti-inflammatory effects of dates, expediting wound healing processes, and protecting the heart. Al-Qarawi et al. found that the juice obtained from dates is effective in improving the severity of gastric ulceration and reducing histamine and gastrin concentrations. According to the authors, the anti-inflammatory properties of date extract can be explained by its antioxidant effect [4]. In another study conducted on dates grown in Algeria, it was shown that the extract given orally produced a significant reduction in wound edema in Swiss albino mice. Presumably, this effect is due to the suppression of inflammatory cytokine enzymes that can interfere with prostaglandin synthesis of some active substances in date sap.

Antimicrobial activity

There are a lot of studies about cold pressed date juice. A study found that the juice decreased the reproduction of Streptococcus causing febrile disease by 88.5%. Another study found that sap extracts dissolved in water and ethanol have a strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella abec and Enterococ. This germicidal effect is thought to be caused by tannic acid, gallic acid, itaconic acid and ferulic acids that are present in dates [5]. In another study, different degrees of influence were observed between different types of dates. It has been reported to be more efficient against Gram-negative bacteria due to the presence of an outer membrane in Gram-positive bacteria. This effect against microbes is due to phenolic compounds that enable the production of hydrogen peroxide, which stops the growth of bacteria.

Antitoxic activities

There are many studies about the protective effects of dates on the liver, kidney, and nervous system in neutralizing the oxidative stress and poisonous compounds that are obtained from food. It has been shown that p-Sitosterol, a bioactive compound often found in dates, is beneficial for liver injury when date seed powder is added to drinking water [6]. Another study showed the anti-damage effect of the succulent extract of dates on damaged liver cells related to oxidative stress [7].

Kidney-protective role

It is known that toxic substances that enter our body from the environment in various ways can cause great damage to us, especially to our kidneys. An extract prepared from date seeds has been shown to provide significant protection in the kidneys and remove harmful free radicals. This is thought to be due to the proanthocyanidin it contains. Another study showed improvements in mice with impaired renal function.

Scientists concluded that dates show significant improvements in the damage done to the kidneys by aflatoxin, a dangerous fungus that reproduces in foods, which can also be attributed to its antioxidant properties. Scientists believe that the effect here is due to the common effect of melatonin, vitamin E, and ascorbic acid in the extract [8].

Its influence against nerve poisoning

Free radicals have been extensively proven to cause aging and a multitude of age-associated diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and dementia due to circulatory system failure [9]. Antioxidants obtained from plants have long been used to help prevent neurons from weakening and dying [10]. Studies are concentrated on the effectiveness of joint protection by polyphenolic compounds (resembling flavonoids and plant sterols) and the ascorbic acid that is found in date extract.

Its effect on the cardiovascular system

Dates have been used against high blood pressure for centuries. In one study, an enzyme in dates has been shown to suppress a specific blood pressure hormone called angiotensin [11]. High sodium and low potassium intakes increase blood pressure, whereas dates help maintain electrolyte balances and keep blood pressure in control. Magnesium and calcium in dates play a key role in this control [12]. It has been reported that cholesterol absorption and metabolism can be regulated by the suppression of cholesterol production in the liver due to the fermentation of phytoestrogens in dates [13].

In another study, a Pakistani date variety has been shown to be very effective in lowering compounds such as preprandial blood sugar, cholesterol, triacylglycerol, LDL, and VLDL. In another study, some chemical components such as P-sitosterol, proanthocyanidin, catechin, quercetin, anthocyanins, and selenium have been shown to both protect the heart and lower blood fats [14].

Each and every day, scientific studies are teaching us more about dates and how they have been equipped with more features than any other fruit as we strive to unveil the wisdom and mercy among the bounties offered to us in the shape of food.

References

1. Biglari, F., Al Karkhi A.F.M., Easa, A.M. (2008): Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of various date palm (Phoenix dactylifera) fruits from Iran. Food Chem 2008; 107(4): 1636-41.
2. Eid, N., Enani, S., Walton G., Corona G., Costabile, A., Gibson, G., Rowland, I., Spencer, J.P.E. (2014): The impact of date palm fruits and their component polyphenols, on gut microbial ecology, bacterial metabolites and colon cancer cell proliferation. J Nutr Sci 3: e46.
3. Hasan, M., Mohieldein, A. (2016): In Vivo Evaluation of anti-diabetic, hypolipidemic, antioxidative activities of saudi date seed extract on streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. J. Clin. Diagn Res. 10(3): FF06-12.
4. Al-Qarawi A.A., Abdel-Rahman H., Ali B.H., Mousa H.M., El-Mougy S.A. (2005): The ameliorative effect of dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on ethanol-induced gastric ulcer in rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 98(3): 313-7.
5. El Sohaimy S., Abdelwahab A., Brennan C., Aboul-enein A. (2015): Phenolic content, antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of Egyptian date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits. Aust. J. Basic Appl. Sci. 9(1): 141-7.T
6. Al-Qarawi A.A., Mousa H.M., Ali B.H., Abdel-Rahman H., El-Mougy S.A.(2004): Protective effect of extracts from dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Int. J. Appl. Res. Vet. Med. 2(3): 176-80.
7. Saafi E.B., Louedi M., Elfeki A., Zakhama A., Najjar M.F., Hammami M., Achour L. (2011): Protective effect of date palm fruit extract (Phoenix dactylifera L.) on dimethoate induced-oxidative stress in rat liver. Exp. Toxicol. Pathol. 63(5): 433-41.
8. Al-Qarawi A.A., Abdel-Rahman H., Mousa H.M., Ali B.H., El-Mougy S.A.(2008): Nephroprotective Action of Phoenix dactylifera. in Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity. Pharm. Biol. 46(4): 22730.
9. Uttara, B.; Singh, A.; Zamboni, P.; Mahajan, R.(2009): Oxidative Stress and Neurodegenerative Diseases: A Review of Upstream and Downstream Antioxidant Therapeutic Options. Curr. Neuropharmacol. 7(1): 65-74.
10. Pujari R.R., Vyawahare N.S., Kagathara V.G. (2011): Evaluation of antioxidant and neuroprotective effect of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) against bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in rats. Indian J. Exp. Biol. 49(8): 627-33.
11. Braga F.C., Serra C.P., Junior N.S.V., Oliveira A.B., Cortes S.F., Lombardi J.A.(2007): Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition by Brazilian plants. Fitoterapia 78(5): 353-8.
12. Tang Z-X, Shi L-E, Aleid S.M. (2013): Date fruit: chemical composition, nutritional and medicinal values, products. J. Sci. Food Agric. 93(10): 2351-61.
13. Alsaif M.A., Khan L.K., Alhamdan A.A.H., Alorf S.M., Harfi S.H., Al- Othman A.M., Arif Z.(2007): Effect of dates and gahwa (Arabian coffee) supplementation on lipids in hypercholesterolemic hamsters. Int. J. Pharmacol. 3(2): 123-9.
14. Auger C., Teissedre P.-L,. Gerain P., Lequeux N., Bornet A., Serisier S., Besancon P., Caporiccio B., Cristol J.-P., Rouanet J.-M.(2005): Dietary wine phenolics catechin, quercetin, and resveratrol efficiently protect hypercholesterolemic hamsters against aortic fatty streak accumulation. J. Agric. Food Chem. 53(6): 2015-21.

The date is a fruit that is mentioned both in the Qur’an and the Bible, and is introduced as a symbol of fertility and vitality in the Old Testament. The New Testament mentions people going out with palm leaves to meet Jesus when he was entering Jerusalem (John 12:13), which is celebrated by Christians as Palm Sunday. Many verses in the Qur’an refer to dates while counting the blessings given to humankind: “And there are (among the produce that God brings forth as nourishment for you on the revived earth) the fruits of the date-palm, and grapes: you derive from them intoxicants and good, wholesome nourishment. Surely in this there is a sign for people who reason and understand” (16:67).

The following verse denotes an unknown feature of the date that draws our attention:

And the throes of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She said: “Would that I had died before this, and had become a thing forgotten, completely forgotten!” (A voice) called out to her from beneath her: “Do not grieve! Your Lord has set a rivulet at your feet. And shake the trunk of the date-palm towards you: it will drop fresh, ripe dates upon you. So eat and drink, and be comforted. If you should see some person, say (through gesture): ‘I have vowed a fast of silence to the All-Merciful, so I cannot speak to any human being today.’” (19:23-26)

There is much wisdom in God’s instruction of Mary to eat dates. It was one of the blessings offered to facilitate Mary’s delivery. In recent years, a great deal of information has been obtained on the importance and benefits of dates, especially for women who are pregnant and during delivery. On top of quenching the needs during pregnancy, dates have been found to be useful in facilitating birth, avoiding troublesome surgical processes such as cesarean section, and meeting the needs of both the mother and the newborn.

Dates are a complete package

It is believed that dates were first grown about 8,000 years ago. Over time, they developed into different strains, resulting in over 200 different varieties with various shapes and flavors. However, dates differ very little depending on the soil and climate in which they grow in terms of the amount of compounds that they contain as food. Depending on the varieties, 21-22% of dates is water, 1.7-2.2% ash, 1.8-2.3% protein, 0.4-0.6% oil, 2.2-5.8% are fiber, and 71-74% are carbohydrates. Dates are rich in a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, enzymes, anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, sterols, carotenoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, tannins, P-coumaric acids, terpenoids, procyanidins and flavonoids. They also have the ability to remove free radicals and bind heavy metals thus preventing oxidative stress and inflammation. Antioxidant metalloenzymes, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, play an important role in many biological functions in the body [1].

Tannins and alkaloids are very effective compounds to prevent parasites, bacteria, viruses, and fungal infections. Dates are considered a complete dietary food as they contain special fatty and amino acids as an important carbohydrate, vitamin, and protein source. One kilogram of dates has about 2850-3000 calories.

Vitamins

Beta carotene, which is stored as a precursor of 35 mg of vitamin A in 100 grams of dates, improves eyesight, and strengths our body resistance, bones, and teeth. Betacarotene has the ability to prevent cancer by controlling molecules that attack cells. Apart from that, dates contain 0.08-0.13 mg Thiamine (B1); 0.13-17 mg Riboflavin (B2); 0.14mg Pyridoxine (B6); 20 mg Folic acid (B9); 3-17.5 mg vitamin C; 0.2 mg of vitamin E and Niacin (B3) acid. The need for folic acid during pregnancy is doubled, so it is a vitamin that women must take. In addition, folic acid is a vitamin that plays an important role in the production of amino acids, which are new blood cells and building blocks in the renewal of cells. Insufficient folic acid levels can cause red blood cells to become larger than normal but weaker in function, which brings about symptoms of anemia. Vitamin B1 found in dates helps the nervous system to be healthy, convert carbohydrates into energy, and use proteins and fats whereas vitamin B2 helps burn protein, carbohydrates, and fats to provide the body with energy and regeneration of cells. Scientists who also draw attention to the stress and strain relief effect of dates believe that this is due to different types of vitamin B. In addition, the nutritional value of dates increases in significant amounts thanks to the amount of fiber it contains (6.4 -11.5%).

Potassium deficiency is revealed during pregnancy due to various physiological difficulties, especially nausea. Potassium, which is abundant in dates, is of great importance in this regard, and it is also very effective in maintaining the water balance in the body.

Carbohydrates and sugar

Dates give the body energy and vitality with its carbohydrates (73%). A large amount of this consists of glucose, fructose, other carbohydrates such as sucrose, xylose, mannose and lactose, which are easy to digest and useful for the body. There are 284 calories in 100 grams in total. Doctors state that pregnant women should be given food with fructose the day they give birth in order to energize the mother’s weak body, activate milk hormones, and to increase breast milk production in order to feed the newborn.

Blood loss during childbirth causes body sugar levels to drop, and dates are important for maintaining sugar levels, and preventing low blood pressure. It is especially useful for weak or tired people thanks to its high calorie value. This information reveals the wisdom behind why Allah instructed Mary to eat dates in order to give her the energy, vitality, and breast milk that would be necessary both for her and her newborn.

Their effect on reproduction and fertility

The wisdom behind the verse in the Qur’an in which Mary is being told to eat fresh dates while delivering Jesus may be related to the presence of oxytocin in this fruit. Oxytocin is an interesting hormone which has physiological effects on our body, especially during childbirth. Its release in our bodies has been found to be increasing when acts of love and compassion are shown, for instance, between spouses, parents and children, by caressing child’s head or touching one another. Especially during pregnancy, the release of this hormone can be increased by treating pregnant women with compassion and affection. Therefore, it is important to maintain peace and tranquility between spouses for oxytocin to play its part in order to attain a healthy pregnancy process and easy delivery.

Oxytocin is essentially a hormone secreted in the brain that initiates labor pains. All preparations of the body before birth are triggered with this hormone. Shortly before the onset of labor pains, there is an increase in the number of oxytocin receptors in the uterus and this hormone plays a key role in initiating contractions of the uterine muscles during delivery. This hormone, which stimulates the strong contraction of the mother’s womb, is extremely important for delivery. In addition, the uterus narrows the blood vessels and triggers the contractions of the muscles that are used to stop bleeding immediately after birth. It facilitates the separation of the placenta from the uterus. It is mentioned in a study that it shortens the delivery process [2]. It initiates the flow of milk into the gland duct, providing contraction of the muscular epithelial (myoepithelial) cells that cover the mammary glandular cells in the breasts.

Miraculously, the baby’s touching her mother to suckle has been found to contribute to more oxytocin release and increase the amount of milk. Moreover, it lowers the cortisol level and the blood pressure in order to reduce the effects of stress that might be caused by the fear of delivery. Of course, low blood pressure will also reduce bleeding. Two other benefits are that it has an accelerating effect on lesion healing and helps with weight loss.

Dates for infertility

Dates have been used to treat infertility for centuries, and studies are now showing the pollen obtained from male date trees may be the reason why. These studies conducted so far support the idea that dates can increase male and female fertility with microelements isolated from estrogen and sterols. In one study, date pollen was reported to improve sperm motility and viability along with the acrosome reaction in the head of sperm [1]. In another study,[4] male date pollen has been shown to cause an increase of the weight of the female reproductive organs and an increase in the amount of serum testosterone, testicular weight, sperm count, and quality in men. In male rats fed with date pits, a significant increase in testosterone and luteinizing hormones had been detected [5]. In another study, date pit oil had a significant role in the increase of sperm count, motility and viability in male mice [6]. In another study that involved mice that were fed with dates, it was found that oxytocin hormone levels increased and showed positive side effects on uterine muscles [7]. In addition, a study found that date pollen extract was effective in a significant increase of sperm count and motility, luteinizing hormone, testosterone, and estradiol levels in serum.

With new research, the positive aspects of antioxidants in dates, as explained above, is gaining more ground in the scientific community [8]. A recent study has shown that consumption of dates facilitates relaxation in the cervix, increases the integrity of the embryo protective membranes, significantly reduces both the first and second stages of pregnancy, and causes a significant increase in normal birth rates [9].

References

1. El-Far, A.H., Shaheen,cH.M., Abdel-Daim,cM.M., Al Jaouni, S.K. and Mousa, S.A. (2016): Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera): Protection and Remedy Food. Journal of Nutraceuticals and Food Science. Vol.1 No.2:9
2. Jadidi, M.Y., Kariman, N., Sang, S.J.B.S., Lari, H. (2015): The Effect of Date Fruit Consumption on Spontaneous Labor. Journal of Research on Religion & Health Vol. 1, No. 3, P. 4-10
3. Abdi, F., Roozbeh, N. and Amir Mohammad Mortazavian, A.M. (2017): Effects of date palm pollen on fertility: research proposal for a systematic review. BMC Research Notes. 10: 363.
4. Tahvilzadeh M., Hajimahmoodi M., Rahimi R.(2016): The role of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L) pollen in fertility: a comprehensive review of current evidence. J. Evid-based Complementary Altern. Med. 21(4):320–324.
5. Ali, B.H., Bashir A.K., Alhadrami, G. (1999): Reproductive hormonal status of rats treated with date pits. Food Chem; 66 (4): 437-41.
6. Ben, A.F., Dammak I, Mallek Z, Attia H, Hentati B, Ammar-Keskes, L. (2009): Effects of date seed oil on testicular antioxidant enzymes and epididymal sperm characteristics in male mice. Andrologia; 41(4): 229-34.
7. Agustina, E., Purnamasari, R., Lusiana, N. (2017): Effect of Extract Meat Dates (Phoenix dactylifera L.) to Oxytocin Levels in Pregnant Mice (Mus musculus L.). Humanistic Network for Science and Technology. Health Notions, Volume 1 Issue 2. ISSN 2580-4936
8. Mehraban F, Jafari M, Akbartabar Toori M, Sadeghi H, Joodi B, Mostafazade M, Sadeghi H. (2014): Effects of date palm pollen (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and Astragalus ovinus on sperm parameters and sex hormones in adult male rats. Iran J Reprod Med; 12 (10): 705-712.
9. Nasiri, M., Gheibi, Z., Miri, A., Rahmani, J., Asadi, M., Sadeghi, O., Maleki, V., Khodadost, M. (2019): Effects of consuming date fruits (Phoenix dactylifera Linn) on gestation, labor, and delivery: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Complementary Therapies in Medicine Volume 45, Pages 71-84.

Reports that Aisha bint Abi Bakr was 6 or 7 years old when she became engaged and 10 when she married [1] have been the most basic factor in the formation of the view regarding her age of marriage. Also, it should not be forgotten that factors such as similar practices being quite widespread at the time and the physical development of children becoming complete at an earlier age at that time also contributed to the dispersion of this view. For this reason, this subject was not made a current issue for discussion until very recently.

Orientalists who do not consider the conditions of the time period in which an action occurred and who examine Islam from “outside” have made this a current issue. The Muslim world’s reaction to this different stance has been mixed. While some have insisted that Aisha’s above-mentioned age at marriage is correct [2], others are of the opinion that Aisha was older [3]. In this situation, where it is not always possible to maintain a balanced view, various approaches have developed as an answer to Orientalists’ claims, including those that choose to deny the reports or ignore the existence of other alternatives as a response to this view.

First of all, we should know that everyone is a child of the time they live in and therefore must be evaluated according to the cultural context of the relevant time. There are certain values that form a society’s customs and when a society is evaluated, these values have to be taken into consideration. Otherwise, were we to attempt to evaluate historical events within today’s conditions, we should remember that we are fated to make mistakes.

It is known that during the time of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, young girls were married at an early age [4] and that age difference was not important in marriage [5]. Especially in regard to young girls, it should not be forgotten that there was social pressure for this, that they matured earlier due to climatic and geographical conditions and that they were seen as goods that needed to grow in their husband’s house. Moreover, this is not a matter just related to girls; boys were also married at ages 8, 9 and 10 and they became the head of a family at an age that is perceived as very young today [6]. Perhaps it is this culture that lies at the basis of this issue’s not having been questioned until recent times. Otherwise, it was impossible for a mentality that wanted to brew a storm in regards to the Prophet’s marriage with Zaynab bint Jahsh and that slandered Aisha after her return from the Muraysi expedition to not criticize such an issue at that time.

In the verses of the Qur’an that came at the same time, the age for marriage was mentioned and it was emphasized that children should be married when they come of age [7]. So, opposing a divine suggestion cannot be considered. Using the mentality of Umar, if intervention had been a matter of consideration here, the Prophet would surely have been warned in a coming revelation and a step would have been taken to resolve the issue. At any rate, the Prophet’s wedding to Aisha took place in accordance with direction from divine will [8].

Now, if you like, putting the extremes behind us and using moderate criteria, let’s examine sources related to Aisha’s age at marriage once again.

1. While listing names of Muslims during the first days of Islam, Aisha’s name, together with her older sister Asma, are listed immediately after the names of the Sabiqun al-Awwalun (the first ones) like Uthman ibn Affan, Zubayr ibn Awwam, Abdurrahman ibn Awf, Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas, Talha ibn Ubaydullah, Abu Ubayda ibn Jarrah, Arqam ibn Abi al-Arqam and Uthman ibn Maz’un. Being the 18th person to accept Islam, Aisha’s name precedes the names of Umayr ibn Abi Waqqas, Abdullah ibn Mas’ud, Salit ibn Amr, Ja’far ibn Abi Talib, Abdullah ibn Jahsh, Abu Hudayfa, Suhayb ibn Sinan, Ammar ibn Yasir, Umar ibn Khattab, Hamza ibn Abdilmuttalib, Habbab ibn Aratt, Said ibn Zayd and Fatima bint Khattab [9]. This means she was living then and was mature enough to make such a choice and exercise her will. In addition, the information in reports that “she was a small girl then” shows that her name was mentioned in a conscious way [10].

This date refers to the early days of Islam. For it is known that Aisha’s sister Asma, who was born in 595, was 15 when she became a Muslim [11]. This indicates the year 610, when the Prophet started to receive the revelation and this then shows that Aisha was at least 5, 6 or 7 that day and that she was at least 17 or 18 when she married the Prophet in Medina.

2. In regard to days in Mecca, Aisha said, “I was a girl playing games when the verse, ‘Indeed, the Last Hour is their appointed time [for their complete recompense], and the Last Hour will be more grievous and more bitter’ [12] was revealed to God’s Messenger [13].” This information opens other doors for us regarding her age.

The verse under consideration is the 46th verse of Surah Qamar, the 54th chapter of the Qur’an, which explains the miracle of the split moon [the splitting of the moon is one of the miracles performed by the Prophet Muhammad]. Revealed as a whole, this surah came while the Prophet was in Ibn Arqam’s home in the fourth (614) [14] or eighth (618) or ninth (619) [15] year of his mission, according to differing reports. Looking especially at necessity, some scholars focused on the date being 614; when this date is taken, Aisha either had not been born or had just been born. While when this date is taken it appears that she must have been born at least eight or nine years earlier, the situation does not change much when 618 or 619 are taken. In that situation she would have only been 4 or 5 years old, neither an age at which she would be in a position to understand this event and relate it years later. According to the second possibility, she was probably born when Muhammad’s prophethood had just begun [16].

Another matter worth mentioning here is that while describing that day, Aisha stated, “I was a girl playing games.” The word she used to describe herself, jariya, is used to describe the passage into puberty. Ibn Yara, an Arab poet, describes this passage as follows: “When a girl becomes 8 years old, she is not a ‘jariya.’ She is a bridal candidate that I can marry to Utba or Muawiya.” Some scholars say that it is used for girls who are older than 11.

If we look at the issue taking 614 as the year that Surah Qamar was revealed, Aisha would have been born at least eight years before the prophetic mission, or in 606. If we accept 618, then the year of birth would have been 610; this event alone makes it impossible for her to have been 9 when she married.

When this information is combined with her name being on the list of the first Muslims, we get the result that Aisha’s date of birth was probably 606. Consequently, she would have been at least 17 when she married.

3. Of course, Aisha’s memories of Mecca are not limited to this. In addition to this, the following memories confirm this matter:

a) Her saying that she had seen two people begging who had remained from the Year of the Elephant (the year in which Yemeni King Abraha sent an army of elephants to Mecca in order to destroy the Ka‘ba; the elephants were pelted with pebbles dropped on them by birds), which occurred 40 years before the prophetic mission and is accepted as a milestone for determining history, and her handing down this information with her sister Asma only [17].

b) Her describing in detail that during difficult times in Mecca, God’s Messenger had come to their house morning and evening and that her father, Abu Bakr, who could not endure this hardship, attempted to migrate to Abyssinia [18].

c) Her stating that first it was mandatory to offer two cycles of obligatory prayer and that later it was changed to four cycles for residents, but that during military campaigns two cycles were performed [19].

d) In reports about the early days, there being statements like, “We heard that Isaf and Naila had committed a crime at the Ka‘ba and for this reason God turned them into stone as a man and woman from the Jurhum tribe [20].”

4. Being betrothed before the engagement: Another factor that supports the above view is that at the time when the Prophet’s marriage was a topic of discussion, Aisha was engaged to Mut’im ibn Adiyy’s son Jubayr. The suggestion for the Prophet to marry Aisha came from Hawla bint Hakim, the wife of Uthman ibn Maz’un, someone not from the family. Both situations show that she had come to the age of marriage and was known as a young marriageable girl.

As is known, this betrothal was broken by the Ibn Adiyy family due to the possible religious conversion of their son to Islam, and it was only after this that Aisha’s engagement to Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, took place [21]. Consequently, the marriage agreement was either made before the prophetic mission or when the call to Islam was being made openly (three years after the Prophet began receiving revelation). If it was made before the mission, together with the idea that Aisha was 9 years old when she married being shaken from its foundation, it implies that Aisha was born even earlier than has been thought. For this reason, some say that she was a 13- or 14-year-old girl then [22].

It should not be overlooked that this decision was made during the period when the call to Islam had begun to be made openly. In regard to time, this means 613-614. If it is assumed that Aisha was born four years after the mission, it has to be accepted that she had not yet been born, so it is not possible to talk about a marriage agreement under these circumstances. In this case, it has to be accepted that she was at least 7 or 8 when her engagement was broken, so the year was probably 605 [23].

Here, another possibility can be mentioned; namely, an agreement of arranged future marriage similar to “cradle tallying,” an agreement between parents in the early years after the birth of a baby. However, there are no details in the texts under consideration to confirm this.

5. The age difference of Aisha’s siblings should be taken into account. As is known, Abu Bakr had six children. Asma and Abdullah were born from Qutayla bint Umays, Aisha and Abdurrahman from Umm Ruman, Muhammad from Asma bint Umays and Umm Kulthum from Habiba bint Harija. Asma and Abdullah have the same mother as do Aisha and Abdurrahman. The age difference between children from the same mother can enlighten our subject matter.

a) Abu Bakr’s first daughter, Asma, was born in 595, 27 years before the Hijra, Prophet Muhammad’s emigration to Medina [24]. At the time of the Hijra, she was married to Zubayr ibn Awwam and was six-months pregnant [25]. Her son Abdullah was born three months later in Quba while she was migrating to Medina. She died in the 73rd year of the Hijra at the age of 100; her teeth had not even fallen out.

Here there is another critical piece of information. The age difference between Aisha and her sister Asma was 10 years [26]. According to this, Aisha’s year of birth was 605 (595+10=605) and her age at the time of the Hijra was 17 (27–10=17). Since her marriage took place six, seven or eight months after the Hijra, or just after Badr [27], this means Aisha was 17-18 years old at that time.

b) The age difference between Aisha and her brother Abdurrahman is also striking. Abdurrahman became Muslim after the Treaty of Hudaibiya was signed, six years after the Hijra. He was careful not to encounter his father at the Battle of Badr, in the second year after the Hijra, and that day Abdurrahman was 20 years old [28]. In other words, he must have been born in 604. Taking into consideration the conditions of that time, the probability is low that the sister of a child born in 604 would be born 10 years later in 614. Put another way, at a time when the age difference between brothers and sisters is one or two years, a large difference such as 10 years between Aisha and her brother is highly unlikely.

6. Reports regarding Aisha’s death are also of a nature to illuminate this issue. The year in which she died is listed as the 55th, 56th, 57th, 58th or 59th year after the Hijra [29] and her age at that time as 65, 66, 67 or 74 [30]. Just as there is no agreement regarding her date of birth, there is no agreement regarding her date of death.

Reports to the effect that she died in the 58th year after the Hijra and that she was 74 when she died give the impression that they are sounder than others because they give detailed information such as the day she died as being Wednesday, that it corresponded to the 17th day of Ramadan, that upon her request she was buried at night after the Witr prayer in the Jannah al-Baqi graveyard, that again upon her last request the funeral prayer was lead by Abu Hurayrah and that she was lowered into the grave by persons like her sister Asma’s two sons, Abdullah and Urwa, her brother Muhammad’s two sons, Qasim and Abdullah, and her brother Abdurrahman’s son Abdullah [31]. Therefore, when calculations are made according to this date, we see she lived 48 years after the Prophet’s death (48+10=58+13=71+3=74). This means she was born three years before his prophethood and, in view of this information, she was 17 when she married (74–48=26–9=17).

In support of the above, her being on the battle front at Uhud, in the third year after the Hijra, when even boys were turned away; her depth in scholarly matters and the mature attitude and statements she put forth in regard to the matter of slander; the age difference between her and the Prophet’s daughter Fatima; her knowledge and awareness of the Hijra and later developments; after arriving in Medina, her marriage being consummated at her father’s suggestion and after the mahr had been paid [32]; the position of the Prophet as a guide in the society; the sensitivity of the Prophet and fatherly compassion; the differences in reports regarding the date of marriage and their having no finality [33]; Aisha’s using the doubtful expression “six or seven” when referring to her age; dates of birth and death not being as clearly determined in that society as they are today-all this strengthens the probability that she was born before the commencement of Islam, was engaged at 14 or 15 years of age and was married to the Prophet at the age of 17 or 18.

In this situation, it is up to us to attribute the meaning “I appeared to be” to the report “I was 6 or 7 when I was engaged and 9 when I married” and reconcile the two [34]. The fact that Aisha was physically thin strengthens this interpretation. She was affected by physical events faster and had a smaller body than her peers. Events like her becoming ill during the migration to Medina [35], her mother’s showing her special attention and trying to make her well [36], her losing her necklace after the Muraysi expedition and the enclosed litter being put on the camel thinking that she was in it [37] all show this.

In short, regardless of whether Aisha’s age at marriage was 9 or 17 or 18, there is nothing strange about it. It is necessary to evaluate every society according to its own rules. When we look at examples, it was quite a widespread custom to marry both boys and girls at a young age. However, when we look at information passed down to us, it should not be forgotten that this information to the effect that Aisha, may God be pleased with her, was born in 605, engaged at the age of 14 or 15 and married at the age of 17 or 18 is too strong to be ignored.

Dr. Resit Haylamaz is the editor-in-chief of Kaynak Publishing Group.

Notes

1. Bukhari, Manaqib al-Ansar, 20, 44; Muslim, Niqah, 71; Fadail al-Sahaba, 74; Abu Dawud, Adab, 55; Ibn Maja, Niqah, 13; Nasai, Niqah, 78; Darimi, Niqah, 56.
2. Azimli, Mehmet, “Hz. Âise’nin Evlilik Yas? Tartismalarinda Savunmaci Tarihciligin Ç?kmaz?,” Islâmî Arastirmalar, Vol. 16, Issue 1, 2003.
3. See Doðrul, Ömer Riza. Asr-? Saâdet, Istanbul: Eser Kitabevi, 1974, 2/141; Nadwi, Sayyid Sulayman. Hazreti Aise, (trns. by Ahmet Karatas), Istanbul: Timas Yay?nlar?, 2004, p. 21; Savas, R?za. “Hz. Âise’nin Evlenme Yasi ile ilgili Farkl? Bir Yaklasim,” D. E. Ü. ilâhiyât Fak. Derg. Issue 4, Izmir, 1995, pp. 139-144; Yüce, Abdülhakim, Efendimiz’in Bir Günü, Istanbul: Is?k Yayinlari, pp. 82-83, 2007.
4. Abdul Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet, married Hala bint Uhayb, who was young then. Since he married off his son Abdullah to Amina at an early age at around the same time of his own marriage with Hala, the Prophet was almost of the same age with his uncle Hamza.
5. In order to have family relationship with the Prophet and thus further his close relation with God’s Messenger, Umar ibn Khattab married Ali’s daughter Umm Qulthum, and this marriage was not found strange at that time at all.
6. Amr ibn As, for instance, was 12 years older than his son Abdullah. This means that he was around 10 when he got married. For further information see Ibn al-Athir, Usud al-Gaba, 3/240.
7. Nisa 4:6.
8. Bukhari, Ta’bir, 21, Manakib al-Ansar, 44, Niqah, 9; Muslim, Fadail al-Sahaba, 79; Ibn Hanbal, Musnad, 6/41, 128.
9. Ibn Hisham, Sira, 1/271; Ibn Ishaq, Sira, Konya, 1981, 124.
10. Ibn Hisham, Sira, 1/271; Ibn Hisham, Sira, 124.
11. Nawawi, Tahzib al-Asma, 2/597; Hakim, Mustadrak, 3/635.
12. Qamar 54:46.
13. Bukhari, Fadail al-Qur’an, 6; Tafsir al-Sura, (54) 6; Ayni, Badruddin Abu Muhammad Mahmud ibn Ahmad, Umdat al-Qari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, Dar alIhya al-Turas al-Arabi, 20/21; Asqalani, Fath al-Bari, 11/291.
14. Suyuti, Itqan, Beirut, 1987, 1/29, 50; Doðrul, Asr-i Saadet, 2/148.
15. The month difference stems from the lunar calendar.
16. Taking this information into account, some people calculate Aisha’s age at marriage as least 14 or 22, up to 28. We have not focused on these as they are not supported by the sources.
17. Ibn Hisham, Sira, 1/176; Haysami, Majma al-Zawaid, 3/285; Ibn Kathir, Tafsir, 4/553; Bidaya, 2/214; Qurtubi, Tafsir, 20/195.
18. Bukhari, Salat, 70, Kafala, 5, Manaqib al-Ansar, 45, Adab, 64; Ibn Hanbal, Musnad, 6/198.
19. Muslim, 3/463; Mu’jam al-Kabir, 2/285, 286; Mu’jam al-Awsat, 12/145; Ibn Hisham, Sira, 1/243.
20. Ibn Hisham, Sira, 1/83.
21. Bukhari, Niqah, 11; Ibn Hanbal, Musnad, 6/210; Haysami, Majma al-Zawaid, 9/225; Bayhaqi, Sunan, 7/129; Tabari, Tarih, 3/161-163.
22. Savas, Riza, D. E. Ü. ilahiyat Fak. Dergisi, Issue 4, izmir, pp. 139-144, 1995.
23. Berki, Ali Hikmet, Osman Eskioðlu, Hatemü’l-Enbiya Hz. Muhammed ve Hayati, 210.
24. Nawawi, Tahzib al-Asma, 2/597.
25. Nawawi, Tahzib al-Asma, 2/597.
26. Bayhaqi, Sunan, 6/204; Ibn Manda, Ma’rifat al-Sahaba, Köprülü Kütüphanesi, No: 242, p. 195; Ibn Asakir, Tarih al-Damascus, Tarajim al-Nisa, Damascus, pp. 9, 10, 28, 1982; Mas’udi, Muruj al-Zahab, 2, 39; Ibn Sa’d, Tabaqat al-Kubra, Beirut, 8/59, 1968.
27. Ibn Sa’d, Tabaqat, 8/58; Ibn Abdilbarr, Istiab, 4/1881; Nadwi, Sirat al-Sayyidati Aisha Umm al-Mu’minin, Edition critique by Muhammad Rahmatullah Hafiz al-Nadwi, Dar al-Kalam, Damascus, 40, 49, 2003.
28. Ibn Athir, Usud al-Gaba, 3/467.
29. Ibn Abdilbarr, Istiab, 2/108; Tahzib al-Kamal, 16/560.
30. Ibn Sa’d, Tabaqat, 8/75; Nadwi, Sirat al-Sayyidat Aisha, 202.
31. Ibn Abdilbarr, Istiab, 2/108; Doðrul, Asr-i Saadet, 2/142.
32. Tabarani, Kabir, 23/25; Ibn Abdilbarr, Istiab, 4/1937; Ibn Sa’d, Tabaqat, 8/63.
33. For such differences in narrations as “one and a half or two years before the Hijra,” “when she was 6 or 7 years old,” “when Khadija passed away or three years after Khadija passed away,” “seven or eight months after the Emigration or the first year of the Hijra,” “Right after the Battle of Badr,” see Bukhari, Manakib al-Ansar, 20, 44; 36.
34. There are even those who react to this information as the mistake of the narrator, claiming that it should be, “I was 6 or 7 when the first revelation came.”
35. Bukhari, Manakib al-Ansar, 43, 44; Muslim, Niqah, 69; Ibn Maja, Niqah, 13.
36. Bukhari, Manakib al-Ansar, 44; Muslim, Niqah, 69; Abu Dawud, Adab, 55; Ibn Maja, Niqah, 13; Darimi, Niqah, 56; Tabarani, Kabir, 23/25; Ibn Abdilbarr, Istiab, 4/1938; Ibn Sa’d, Tabaqat, 8/63; Ibn Ishaq, Sira, Konya, 239, 1981.
37. Bukhari, Shahada, 15; Magazi, 34; Tafsîr, (24) 6; Muslim, Tawba, 56; Tirmidhi, Tafsir, (63) 4; Ibn Sa’d, Tabaqat, 2/65; Ibn Hisham, Sira, 3/310.