Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (may Allah be satisfied with her) is considered one of the most noteworthy ladies in the history of Islam. She was not just the wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, but also his lifelong companion and primary supporter. Her life with the Prophet ﷺ was marked by loyalty, sacrifice, and constant support. She is the perfect example of a righteous wife who stood by her husband through the long and challenging journey of spreading Islam.
1. Her Early Life and Life Before Marrying the Prophet ﷺ
Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) came from one of the leading and wealthiest families in Quraysh. She was born in Mecca into a noble family and was known for her high morals and good reputation, earning her the title “The Pure One” (Al-Tahirah) even in pre-Islamic times. She was a prominent figure in Meccan society, managing a successful business that was among the most prosperous of the time. She was known for her wisdom and excellent management skills.
2. **The Marriage of Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) to the Prophet ﷺ
When the Prophet ﷺ was 25 a long time ancient, Khadijah (may Allah be satisfied with her) chose him to oversee her exchange since of his notoriety for genuineness and keenness. She sent him on a exchanging travel to Syria. When he returned, he brought great profits and positive reports from her servant Maysarah regarding his ethical conduct. After that, she proposed marriage to him, despite the age difference—she was 40, and the Prophet ﷺ was 25.
Their marriage was full of love and mutual respect. Khadijah gave birth to all of the Prophet’s ﷺ children except Ibrahim. Her sons were Al-Qasim and Abdullah, and her daughters were Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah.
3. The First Supporter of His Prophethood
When the revelation first came to the Prophet ﷺ, Khadijah was the first to comfort and reassure him. When he returned home from the cave of Hira, shaken and saying, “Cover me, cover me,” Khadijah immediately comforted him, saying, “No, by Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your family, you speak the truth, you help the needy, you support the weak, you entertain guests, and you assist in the difficulties of life.”
She then took him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a scholar of the Torah and the Gospel, who confirmed that what the Prophet ﷺ experienced was indeed divine revelation.
4. The First to Believe in Islam
Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) was the first person to believe in the message of Islam, without any hesitation or doubt. Not only was she the first woman to embrace Islam, but she was also the very first person overall to accept the Prophet’s ﷺ message. Her strong faith made her an essential supporter of the Prophet ﷺ during the early days of his mission, when he faced mockery and hostility from Quraysh.
Her faith and trust in the Prophet ﷺ were a great source of strength and encouragement for him. She stood by his side during the most challenging moments, offering her wealth, time, and effort to support his mission.
5. Her Patience and Steadfastness During Difficult Times
Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) endured the harsh conditions of the boycott imposed on the clans of Banu Hashim and Banu Muttalib in the valley of Mecca for three years. During this time, food and water were scarce, but she remained patient and steadfast, standing by the Prophet ﷺ without complaint.
- The Death of Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) and Its Impact on the Prophet ﷺ
In the tenth year of Prophethood, Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) passed away, leaving a deep void in the life of the Prophet ﷺ. Her death marked the “Year of Sorrow,” as he also lost his uncle Abu Talib around the same time. The Prophet ﷺ never remarried during Khadijah’s lifetime, and her passing caused him great grief.
7. Her Status with Allah and the Prophet ﷺ
Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) held a high status with both Allah and the Prophet ﷺ. Allah promised her a house in Paradise, and the Prophet ﷺ expressed that he found no wife better than her. He highlighted that she was the first to believe in him when others denied him, supported him during difficult times, aided his mission with her wealth, and Allah blessed him with children through her when he was not granted children from others.
8. The Prophet’s ﷺ Loyalty to Her After Her Death
The Prophet ﷺ continued to honor Khadijah’s memory after her death, often mentioning her and praising her. This made Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) feel a bit jealous, despite never having met her. The Prophet ﷺ would also show kindness to Khadijah’s friends and would send gifts to them as a way of honoring her memory.
9. Khadijah’s Lasting Legacy in Islam
Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) holds a significant position in Islam. She was the first believer and set the example of how a righteous wife can support her husband. Her contributions were invaluable to the early days of Islam, and she endured the difficulties of life with patience, wisdom, and unwavering faith. She was strong, supportive, and steadfast, earning her a distinguished place in the hearts of all Muslims.
Conclusion
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (may Allah be pleased with her) represents the ideal Muslim woman, combining wisdom, love, sacrifice, and deep faith. She was the supportive wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during the most difficult times, standing by his side in the early years of his mission. The Prophet ﷺ cherished her throughout his life, and her example continues to inspire generations of Muslims.She was not only a pillar of strength for the Prophet ﷺ but also a model of loyalty, faith, and unwavering support for all to learn from.