Aishah was a great Muslim lady, the daughter of the Prophet's closet companion Abd Allah ibn Quhafah, better known as Abu Bakr, and his second wife, Umm Ruman. She was the 'second beloved' of the prophet, the joy of the last years of his life. She was so famous that it seems quite extraordinary that some of the best known facts about her should be challenged. This, however, is what this book proposes to do.

The status of woman in Islam has recently been the subject of much controversy and name-calling. The issue is being highlighted in the Muslim world as well as amongst "Westerners" looking at Islam from the outside. In the Muslim world there is an increasing recognition of the needs to distinguish between cultural traditions which may have nothing to do with Islam, and the true teachings of Islam. Even so, in the "Western" world, opinions about Muslims women's lives are often based on prejudice and ignorance, neither of which are helpful. More accurate information is needed.

To some as a subject the Muslim women's dress may sound trivial. The shari'ah, however, assigns, its moral, social and legal dimensions. One basic requirement to be a true believer according to the Qur'an is to make one's opinions, feelings and inclinations subservient to whatever Allah and his messenger have decided. This book looks at the requirements of Muslims women's dress in detail and reasoning behind it.