Detailed Account

During the return journey from the Banu Mustaliq expedition, a serious social crisis emerged when hypocrites led by Abdullah ibn Ubayy spread false accusations against Aisha (the Prophet's ﷺ wife). The incident began when Aisha, traveling in a howdah (camel litter), stepped away from the caravan to search for a lost necklace. Upon returning, she discovered the caravan had departed, assuming she was inside her howdah due to her light weight. Stranded alone, she waited at the same location, hoping someone would notice her absence. Safwan ibn al-Mu'attal, a companion assigned to collect items left behind, found her and escorted her back to Madinah, leading his camel while she rode, maintaining complete propriety. Upon their arrival together, the hypocrites seized this opportunity to fabricate allegations challenging her honor. The slander spread rapidly, causing immense distress to Aisha (who fell seriously ill), the Prophet ﷺ (who reduced his visits to her), and Abu Bakr's family. The Muslim community became deeply divided for nearly a month without divine guidance on the matter. The Prophet ﷺ consulted Ali and Usama ibn Zayd—Ali suggested investigating with her maidservant (though emphasizing replaceable marriages versus irreplaceable prophets), while Usama emphasized his certainty of her innocence. When the Prophet ﷺ gently questioned Aisha, she refused to offer excuses, saying her situation resembled Prophet Yusuf's father: 'Beautiful patience, and Allah's help is sought.' At the height of this crisis, divine revelation descended, exonerating Aisha completely in ten verses of Surah An-Nur (24:11-21), confirming her innocence, condemning the slanderers, and establishing legal punishments for unproven accusations against chaste women. The primary perpetrators, including Abdullah ibn Ubayy, Hassan ibn Thabit, Mistah ibn Uthathah, and Hamnah bint Jahsh, received the legal punishment of 80 lashes (except Ibn Ubayy whose influential position required political considerations). This incident established crucial precedents in Islamic law regarding slander, evidence standards, and the inviolability of reputation, while providing divine confirmation of Aisha's character.