The Mothers of the Believers (1): Khadijah bint Khuwaylid

The status of a righteous role model in Islam is one of great honor, profound significance, far-reaching influence, and enduring inspiration. Such an example may be embodied in a single individual, such as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), or in a group of individuals, such as his wives and his Companions. Because of the unique closeness of the Prophet's wives to him, Allah elevated their status in recognition of their obedience to Him and His Messenger, saying: {But if any of you is obedient to God and His Messenger and does good deeds, know that We shall give her a double reward and have prepared a generous provision for her.} [Al-Ahzab 33:31]

At the same time, they were held to a higher standard because they would serve as role models for the women who came after them.

We begin with the first of the Prophet's wives, Lady Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her).

Her Name and Life Before Islam

Lady Khadijah bint Khuwaylid ibn Asad ibn Abd Al-`Uzza lived a distinguished life before Islam, marked by several notable aspects:

1. Her Life Before Marrying the Prophet

Before marrying the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Khadijah was first married to Atiq ibn A’idh Al-Makhzumi, with whom she had a daughter named Hind. After his death, she married Abu Halah Malik ibn Nabbash, an ally of the clan of Banu Abd Ad-Dar ibn Qusayy. From this marriage she had two children, Hind and Halah. These children became the maternal half-siblings of the Prophet's children. ¹

2. Her Business Career

Lady Khadijah was a respected and wealthy merchant. She entrusted her wealth to capable men who traded on her behalf in return for an agreed share of the profits. Since the people of Makkah were primarily merchants, commerce formed the backbone of their society.

When she learned of Muhammad's exceptional honesty, trustworthiness, and noble character, she invited him to lead one of her trading caravans to Syria. She offered him better compensation than she paid any of her other agents and assigned her servant Maysarah to accompany him.

The Prophet accepted her offer and traveled with her merchandise to Syria. After successfully selling the goods and purchasing other merchandise for the return journey, he traveled back to Makkah with Maysarah.

Maysarah later reported that whenever the midday heat became intense during the journey, he witnessed two angels shading Muhammad from the sun as he rode his camel. Upon returning to Makkah, Khadijah sold the goods he had brought back and earned nearly double her investment. Maysarah also informed her of the remarkable events he had witnessed during the journey. ²

3. Her Marriage to the Prophet

After observing Muhammad's purity of character, honesty, and integrity in handling her wealth, Khadijah desired to marry him.

Nafisah bint Munyah related: Khadijah sent me to Muhammad, and I asked him, "What prevents you from marrying?" He asked, "Whom do you have in mind?" I replied, "Khadijah." He said, "How could that be possible for me?" I answered, "Leave that to me." He said, "Then I will."

I informed Khadijah, who arranged the marriage by asking her uncle, Amr ibn Asad, to conduct the marriage contract. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was twenty-five years old at the time, while Khadijah was forty. ³

Her Life After Islam

Lady Khadijah became the Prophet's greatest source of support, especially after the revelation began. Her exemplary companionship was demonstrated in several ways:

1. Comforting Him After the First Revelation

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to worship in the Cave of Hira until the Angel Gabriel brought him the first revelation. As narrated by Aisha in Sahih Al-Bukhari, the Prophet described how Gabriel embraced him repeatedly until he was exhausted before commanding him to recite.

The Prophet returned home trembling with fear and said, "Cover me! Cover me!" They wrapped him until his fear subsided. He then told Khadijah what had happened and said, "I feared for myself."

She immediately reassured him: "No, by Allah! Allah will never disgrace you. You maintain family ties, speak the truth, help those in need, honor your guests, assist the weak, and support people through every righteous hardship."

These words became one of the greatest examples of comfort and unwavering faith in the Prophet's mission.

2. Confirming His Prophethood

After the Prophet's frightening experience in the Cave of Hira, Khadijah sought to understand what had occurred. She took him to her cousin, Waraqah ibn Nawfal, who listened carefully as the Prophet described his experience.

Waraqah declared: "By the One in whose Hand is my soul, you are the Prophet of this nation. The same bearer of revelation who came to Moses has come to you. Your people will reject you, persecute you, drive you out, and fight against you. If I live to see that day, I will support the cause of Allah with all my strength." ⁴

3. Her Acceptance of Islam

Khadijah once said to the Prophet: "When your companion comes to you again, let me know."

When Gabriel appeared, the Prophet said, "Khadijah, this is Gabriel."

She asked, "Can you see him now?"

He replied, "Yes."

She then uncovered her head while the Prophet remained seated beside her and asked again, "Can you still see him?"

He answered, "No."

She concluded: "This is not a devil. It is an angel. O son of my uncle, remain steadfast and rejoice."

She then believed in his message and testified that what he had brought was the truth. ⁵

Khadijah also learned ablution and prayer directly from the Prophet. ⁶ At that time, before the Night Journey and Ascension when the five daily prayers became obligatory, Muslims prayed two units of prayer in the morning and two in the evening. She prayed alongside the Prophet from the earliest days of Islam.

4. Allah's Glad Tidings of Paradise

Because of her unwavering support of the Prophet and her sacrifices for the cause of Islam, Khadijah attained one of the highest ranks among believing women.

Aisha narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) gave Khadijah glad tidings of a house in Paradise made of hollow pearls, where there would be neither noise nor fatigue.

The Prophet's Loyalty to Her After Her Death

Aisha narrated that whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned Khadijah, he praised her abundantly. One day, out of natural jealousy, she said: "Why do you mention that elderly woman so often? Allah has given you someone better than her."

The Prophet replied: "Allah has not replaced her with someone better. She believed in me when the people rejected me, she supported me with her wealth when the people denied me, and Allah blessed me with children through her when He did not bless me through anyone else."

On another occasion, Aisha related that an elderly woman used to visit the Prophet regularly, and he would welcome and honor her warmly. After the woman left, Aisha asked why he showed her such special attention.

The Prophet answered: "She used to visit us during Khadijah's lifetime, and maintaining loyalty to old friendships is part of faith." ⁷

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