Mary and Aisha
Uploaded by joeydaprof on Jun 12, 2006
Compare and contrast the roles and importance of Mary and Aisha in their respective traditions
Both Mary and Aisha are seen to adopt the role of ‘mother’ within their traditions. Mary was to become ‘mother of believers’ in John’s account of Jesus’ death on the cross when she was made mother of his favourite disciple, and in turn, mother of all the church. Aisha also is known as ‘mother of the faithful’ as having no children of her own she became the universal mother of all Muslims. Extreme reverence is thus afforded to both of them, and they indicate the need for a female figure within Islam and Christianity.
They are also similar in their roles as learners and teachers. Aisha studied and was taught by Muhummad, going on to teach and become a theologian herself. In doing this, she contributed over 2000 sayings to the Hadith (a 1/6 of it) and thus was involved in the development of the tradition. Mary also learnt from Jesus, and when on to become a disciple of his, as seen in scripture at Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit came to her and the 12 in the upper room, and she handed on the faith and taught the good news to others, however she did not contribute to laws and written scripture as Aisha did.
They are also similar in their ability to change society. Aisha’s role as a ‘catalyst for change’ can be seen in her influence over the law stating that for women to be convicted of a crime there must be 4 witnesses to condemn her. As such, she improved the rights of women, the oppressed members of society. Mary is also seen to be a liberator, and an advocate for the rights of the oppressed and for social justice. In turning social structure on it’s head to support the lowly, and in her many apparitions such as that in Lourdes and Fatima, and in the title ‘Help of Christians’ she is seen to be legitimising the rights of the oppressed, and mediates on behalf of the needs of the community. The Magnificat (lk 1:46-55 the song of Mary) associates Mary with the lowly, aligning her with the type of Kingdom God wishes to establish, turning social structure on it’s head ‘he has pulled the princes down from their thrones and raised the lowly. He has filled the starving with good things...