Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid

by Khadeeja Kiyani

 

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (رضي الله عنها) was the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Part of the Asad clan, a tribe of Quraish in Makkah, she was a highly respected and successful businesswoman. In a male-dominated field, she never compromised her modesty and was called “At-Tahira” (the Pure One).

She was known for her integrity and hired only those who could meet her exacting standards, so when she met the trustworthy Muhammad (ﷺ), she knew he was well-suited for the position. Her servant, Maysarah, accompanied Muhammad (ﷺ) and later praised him to her.

Khadijah (رضي الله عنها) had married twice before — she had 2 sons from her first husband, Hala and Hind, and from the second, a daughter named Hindah. Many had sought her hand in marriage, but she approached Muhammad (ﷺ) for marriage for he was clearly exceptional. She was 40 and he was 25.

She had six children with Rasulullah (ﷺ) — two sons, Qasim and Abdullah (they died in early childhood) and four daughters, Zaynub, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum and Fatima.

Khadijah (رضي الله عنها) was Rasulullah’s (ﷺ) champion — when he received the first revelation, he was frightened and doubted his sanity, but she reassured him: “Rejoice! Allah will never disgrace you, for you uphold the ties of kinship, you speak only the truth, you protect the poor and the destitute, host your guests with generosity, and support those who have been struck by calamity.” She guided him to the wise Waraqah bin Nawfal who confirmed that he had been visited by the angel Jibreel and she immediately professed faith.

She devoted her wealth to the cause of Islam and the poor. She stood by the Prophet (ﷺ) during the most difficult days of his life. When the disbelieving Quraish banished the Muslims to Sh’ib Abi Talib, Khadija’s life changed drastically — this respectable woman was reduced to being treated like an outcast. She bore this humiliation with courage and dignity. He (ﷺ) never forgot her and sent gifts to her friends long after her death. He said once to  ‘A’ishah (رضي الله عنها): “The truth of the matter is that no one can be better than Khadijah. She believed in me when the whole world refuted me and she attested to my trueness when the whole world accused me of falsehood. She offered me compassion and loyalty with her wealth when everyone else had forsaken me.” (Ahmad)

Khadijah (رضي الله عنها) died in Ramadan in the tenth year after prophethood, having suffered greatly at Shi’b Abi Talib. Rasulullah’s (ﷺ) uncle too passed away in the same year and he was so deeply saddened by the loss of his beloved supporters that he called it “The Year of Sorrow”.

So great was her service to Islam that Allah rewarded her beautifully. Abu Hurairah reported that Jibreel (عليه السلام) came to the Prophet (ﷺ) and said: “O Allah’s Messenger! This is Khadijah, coming to you with a dish having meat soup (or some food or drink). When she reaches you, give her salam on behalf of her Lord (Allah) and on my behalf, and give her the glad tidings of having a palace made of Qasab in Paradise, wherein there will be neither any noise nor any toil, (fatigue, trouble, etc.).” [Bukhari]

About Author
Khadeeja Kiyani is student of 7th semester and teacher's assistant at IIQL Weekend Islamic School.