and that the tribulation intended was ʿA’ishah herself! The answer is that this is the practice of the Jews, who distort words from their proper contexts. In the first narration, the wording, “He pointed in the direction of ʿA’ishah’s dwelling,” was understood by the Shiite as though it read, “He pointed to ʿA’ishah’s dwelling.” The use of “in the direction of,” rather than “to,” decisively refutes his false contention—especially since most narrations explicitly state that he pointed towards the East, while some mention Iraq. Historical reality likewise testifies to this.

As for the narration of ʿIkrimah, it is anomalous, as previously noted. Even if it were deemed authentic, it is so severely abridged that essential details have been omitted; the Shiite exploited this most bitterly. The totality of the hadith narrations makes clear that the meaning is as follows: the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, came out of ʿA’ishah’s house, may Allah be pleased with her, prayed the dawn prayer, then stood to address the people beside the pulpit—in one narration, at ʿA’ishah’s door—faced the point of sunrise, and pointed with his hand towards the East. In one narration recorded by al-Bukhari, it says: “in the direction of ʿA’ishah’s dwelling”; and in another recorded by Ahmad: “He gestured with his hand towards Iraq.” If an impartial person, free of bias, reflects deeply upon these reports as a whole, he will conclude decisively that the Shiite’s attempt to disparage Lady ʿA’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, is false. May Allah deal with him as he deserves.

2495 — “By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, had you killed him, he would have been the first tribulation and its last.”

Imam Ahmad (5/42) narrated: Ruh related to us; ʿUthman al-Shahham related to us; Muslim ibn Abi Bakrah related to us from his father, that the Prophet of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, passed by a man who was prostrating while he was on his way to the prayer. He completed the prayer and returned to him while he was still prostrating. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, then said: “Who will kill this man?” A man stood up, rolled up his sleeves, drew his sword, and shook it. Then he said: “O Prophet of Allah, may my father and mother be sacrificed for you! How can I kill a man who is prostrating and testifies that none has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger?” Then he said: “Who will kill this man?” A man stood up and said: “I will.”