As we know, Women are highly respected in Islam, and Hazrat Khadija (R.A) stands out as a remarkable figure. She was the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and the first to embrace Islam. Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) was already successful in business when she married Muhammad (S.A.W), and she supported him in spreading Islam with her wealth and influence. Despite societal norms at the time, she was a prominent businesswoman and played a crucial role in Islamic history. Hazrat Khadijah’s dedication to her husband and her strong personality made her a significant figure in Islam.
The Most Influential Muslim Women
Hazrat Khadija (R.A) was born in Mecca in 555 CE to her parents Khuwaylid and Fatimah. She was highly respected and known as the first Muslim woman. Coming from a well-off family, Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) had a comfortable life. After her father’s passing, she took charge of the family business and became very successful. She was generous and used her wealth to help the less fortunate, supporting the poor, sick, handicapped, widows, orphans, and even helping needy couples get married.
The Wealth of Hazrat Khadijah (R.A)
Hazrat Khadija (R.A) was very rich. She had more money than anyone else in Quraysh, the tribe of Mecca. People say that even the merchants in Mecca did business with her. They traveled to places like Sham to sell things and buy clothes and food for the people in Mecca. That’s how she got even richer.
The Prophet (S.A.W.) Trades with her Money
Before Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) became a prophet, he asked his uncle Abu Talib if he could trade using Lady Khadijah’s money. Abu Talib, who cared a lot for Muhammad, agreed to his request.
Al-Wafidi mentions that Prophet Muhammad’s uncle, Abu Talib, encouraged him to trade using Lady Khadijah’s money. He expressed concern about their difficult financial situation and suggested that Muhammad (S.A.W.) join the caravans going to Sham. Abu Talib believed that Hazrat Khadija (R.A) would trust Muhammad (S.A.W.) because of his honesty and integrity, despite his worries about the journey and the potential risks from the Jews. He even offered to speak to Lady Khadijah on Muhammad’s behalf.
The Prophet (S.A.W.) said, ‘As you like an Uncle.’
The Prophet (S.A.W.) or his uncle Abu Talib approached Lady Khadijah (a.s.) to trade with her money. She agreed happily because she trusted Muhammad’s honesty and good character, unlike many young people in Quraysh who were more interested in having fun.
She gave him some money and sent her servant Maysarah with him. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) travelled to Sham, sold his goods there, bought new ones, and returned. He made incredible profits, unlike anyone who had traded with Lady Khadijah’s money before. Maysarah was amazed by the extraordinary things he witnessed while travelling with the Prophet (S.A.W.). He saw a cloud providing shade for the Prophet (S.A.W.) and witnessed the Prophet’s deep faith in Allah through his special gaze toward the heavens.
Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) was pleased with the talk of her servant. She loved Muhammad (S.A.W) and thought he would have a great future that would include all the earth.
The Marriage of the Prophet (S.A.W.) with Hazrat Khadija (R.A)
When Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) was 40 years old, she was a respected and successful businesswoman in Arabia. She hired Muhammad (S.A.W), a young and trustworthy man, to work for her. Despite a 15-year age gap, they got married, and Khadijah supported Muhammad’s (S.A.W) work. When Muhammad (S.A.W) received a revelation from God, Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) was his first supporter and comforter. She encouraged him to focus on preaching and financially supported him. Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) also used her influence to protect Muhammad (S.A.W) during Islam’s early days. She was a devoted wife and a strong believer in Muhammad (S.A.W). Even after her death, Muhammad (S.A.W) deeply mourned her loss, showing how much he loved and valued her. Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) is celebrated as one of history’s most remarkable women for her unwavering support and companionship to the Prophet (S.A.W) during difficult times.
The Speech of Abu Talib
On the occasion of the engagement of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and Hazrat Khadijah (S.A.), Abu Talib made a speech saying,
“Thanks to Allah, who has blessed us to be descendants of Abraham and Ishmael, and given us a sacred land and a place of pilgrimage. He has also appointed us as leaders among people. Now, my nephew Muhammad, son of Abdullah, stands out among the youth of Quraysh. His piety, wisdom, determination, and nobility surpass all others, despite his modest wealth. He desires to marry Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, and she shares his feelings. Whatever dowry you ask for, I will provide.”
Khuwaylid agreed and Hazrat Khadijah (S.A.), who was forty years old, was carried in procession to the house of her husband Muhammad (S.A.W.) who was twenty-five years old then.
Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) chose to marry Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) of her own accord, breaking the norms of her time where men typically proposed to women. She brought her considerable wealth into the marriage, which the Prophet (S.A.W.) did not use for personal gain but rather for the sake of Islam. Khadijah’s wealth played a crucial role in supporting the early Islamic mission and contributed to its success.
The marriage between Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and Hazrat Khadijah (R.A.) was filled with love, kindness, and sincerity. It was the happiest marriage in Mecca. Khadijah was deeply devoted to the Prophet, providing him with the love and care he had missed since losing his parents in his early childhood.
In the Cave of Hira
The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) often sought solitude in the cave of Hira. He would spend extended periods there, contemplating the signs of Allah and reflecting on the wonders of the universe that pointed to the existence of a Great Creator. His devoted wife, Hazrat Khadijah (R.A), was always concerned for his well-being and would send someone to watch over him. She firmly believed that he would be chosen as a great prophet by Allah to guide humanity out of ignorance.
In the cave of Hira, the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) received a message from Allah. The angel Gabriel appeared to him, bestowed upon him prophethood, and instructed him to recite a verse from the Quran. This verse was from Surah Al-Alaq. The Prophet was deeply moved by this experience and returned home feeling fearful. He confided in his wife, Hazrat Khadijah (R.A), about what had happened. She comforted him and assured him that he had nothing to fear. Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) had firm faith that he would become a prophet, as he was known for his honesty, kindness to relatives, returning deposits to their owners, feeding the hungry, welcoming guests, and helping those in need.
This speech of Hazrat Khadijah (S.A.) relieved the Prophet (S.A.W.) and made him feel safe and calm. When the Prophet (S.A.W.) went to bed, Gabriel came to him again carrying with him another Sura. The sura recited,
“O you who are clothed. Arise and warn” 74:1-2
It was a moment that required action, not rest. The Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) knew he had to work tirelessly to guide people away from ignorance and idolatry and towards the worship of Allah alone. Without delay, he shared his experience with his wife, Khadijah, once more. She offered him even greater support and determination.
Hazrat Khadija (R.A) with Waraqah
Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) went to her cousin Waraqah bin Nawfal, who was knowledgeable about the Torah and the Bible. When Khadijah shared the Prophet Muhammad’s (S.A.W.) experience with him, Waraqah was filled with joy and faith. He assured her that the same divine law that was revealed to Moses and Jesus had now come to Muhammad. He affirmed that Muhammad was indeed the Prophet of their people and encouraged Khadijah to support him firmly.
Khadijah (S.A.) returned to the Prophet (S.A.W.) and told him what Waraqah said. She encouraged him and gave him more confidence. The Prophet (S.A.W.) was pleased to hear that.
Hazrat Khadija (R.A) and Hazrat Ali (R.A) the First Muslims
All historians say that Hazrat Khadijah (S.A.) was the first one who believed in Islam and embraced the mission that Allah had revealed to His slave and messenger Muhammad (S.A.W.) and then Ali Ameerul Mo’minin (A.S.).
Hazrat Imam Ali (A.S.) said, “…and there was no house, then, that gathered in Islam save the messenger of Allah (S), Khadijah, and me the third of them.”
Ibn Abbas said, ‘Ali was the first one who believed (in Islam) from among people after Hazrat Khadijah (R.A).
Hazrat Imam Ali (A.S.), when he turned a Muslim, was seven years old, and it was said nine years.
Muhammad (S.A.W.) became prophet on Monday, and he, with Khadijah (S.A.) and Imam Ali (A.S.), who was a young boy then, offered the prayer in the Kaaba on Tuesday.
Afif al-Kindi
Afif al-Kindi said, ‘Once in the pre-Islamic age, I went to Mecca to buy some clothes and perfumes for my family. I went to al-Abbas bin Abdul Muttalib (one of the Prophet’s uncles) who was a merchant. While I was sitting with him looking at the Kaaba and the sun was high in the sky, a young man came, looked at the sky, and stood up towards the Kaaba. After no long, a young boy came and stood on his right, and then a woman came and stood behind them. The young man bowed, and the boy and the woman bowed with him. Then, the young man prostrated himself, and the boy and the woman prostrated too. I astonishedly said,
‘O Abbas, it is a great thing!’
Al-Abbas said, ‘Yes, it is a great thing! Do you know who this young man is?’
I said, ‘No.’
He said, ‘He is Muhammad bin Abdullah (S.A.W.), my nephew. Do you know who this young boy is?
I said, ‘No.’
He said, ‘He is Ali bin Abi Talib. Do you know who this woman is?’
I said, ‘No.’
He said, ‘She is Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Muhammad’s wife. My nephew (he pointed to Muhammad) told me that his Lord, the Lord of the heaven and the earth, had ordered him with this religion. By Allah, there is no one on the earth in this religion except these three ones.’
In Kaaba
Hazrat Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) was always by the Prophet’s side. She even accompanied him during his circling of the Kaaba. Abdullah bin Mas’ud, a companion of the Prophet, recalled the first time he learned about the Prophet’s mission. He described seeing the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), a young boy, and a veiled woman approaching the Kaaba. The Prophet kissed the Black Stone, and the boy and woman followed suit. Then, they performed the ritual of circumambulation around the Kaaba together.
We said, ‘O Abul Fadhl (al-Abbas), we have not known such a religion among you. Has something happened?’
Al-Abbas said, ‘This is my nephew, Muhammad, the boy is Ali bin Abi Talib, and the woman is Khadijah.’
Ibn Mas’ud said, ‘By Allah, we have not known anyone on the face of the earth worshipping Allah by this religion except these three ones.’
Hazrat Khadijah and Hazrat Ali (peace be on them) were the first ones who believed in the Prophet (S) and embraced the new religion.
Moral Assistance to the Prophet (S.A.W.)
Hazrat Khadijah (S.A.), the Mother of the Believers, stood with the Prophet (S.A.W.) supporting and assisting him in bearing the severest harms and persecution he received from Quraysh.
Ibn Isaaq said, ‘Whenever the messenger of Allah heard something that he hated (from the people of Quraysh) and accused him of lying, Allah relieved him by Hazrat Khadijah (R.A). When he came back to her, she encouraged and comforted him. She believed him and made the troubles of people easy for him. She did so until she joined her Lord.’
Economical Assistance
Hazrat Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) generously offered her wealth to support Islam. She spent all her resources to spread the message of Islam. When the Quraysh confined the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.) and his family in Shi’b Abi Talib and imposed a harsh economic blockade on them, Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) provided them with everything they needed for over two years.
Hazrat Khadijah (S.A.) offered to Islam all her wealth until she became poor where she had no mat to sit on.
Greetings from Allah to Hazrat Khadija (R.A)
Hazrat Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) held a very special place in the sight of Allah. Allah appreciated her immense support and service to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in spreading Islam. Many authentic traditions mention that Allah conveyed His greetings and blessings to her through His Messenger Muhammad.
Her House in the Paradise
For Khadijah’s special closeness to Allah, He granted her a house in the High Paradise. It’s among the grand palaces reserved for righteous men and women who believe in Allah.
It is related that the Prophet (S.A.W.) had said, ‘I have been ordered to bring the good news of a house of reeds in the Paradise for Khadijah. There will be neither clamor nor pains in it.’
This will be her reward from her Lord for the great services she did to Islam and the great favors she did Muslims.
Hazrat Khadija (R.A) Position Near the Prophet (S.A.W.)
Lady Khadijah (S.A.) occupied the feelings and emotions of the Prophet (S.A.W.) and had a very high position near him. He loved her too much and was loyal to her.
Once, Halah, Khadijah’s (s.a.) sister, came to Medina and visited the Prophet’s (S) house. When the Prophet (S.A.W.) heard her voice, which was like the voice of Khadijah (s.a.), in the yard of the house, he said, ‘O my Lord, she is Halah bint Khuwaylid…’
Aa’isha could not control herself and she said, ‘What do you remember from an old woman from the old women of Quraysh?… She died for long, and Allah has given you in place of her better than her.’
Aa’ishah, the Prophet’s wife said, ‘The Prophet, when going out of home, often mentioned Khadijah (after her death) and praised her. Once, he mentioned her, but I became jealous and said, ‘She was but an old woman that Allah has given you in place of her better than her.’
Afterwards, The Prophet got upset and firmly told Aisha, “No, I swear by Allah, I haven’t found anyone better than her. Khadijah believed in me when others doubted, trusted me when people called me a liar, supported me with her wealth when others rejected me, and Allah blessed me with children through her, unlike my other wives.”
When the Prophet (S.A.W.) slaughtered a sheep, he said (to servants),
‘Take (some meat) to the friends of Khadijah!’
Once, Aa’isha said to him, ‘Why do you do that?’
He said, ‘I do like her beloveds.’
Envy overcame Aa’isha when she often heard the Prophet (S) praising Khadijah (s.a.). She said, ‘I did never envy a woman like I did Khadijah. The messenger of Alla h (a.s.) did not marry me except after her death.’
The soul of Khadijah (s.a.) was with the Prophet (S.A.W.) wherever he went. His soul was full of her love. He often and always remembered her and prayed to Allah to have mercy on her.
The Gifts of Allah on her
Allah gave Hazrat Khadijah (R.A) special gifts that none of the Prophet’s other wives had. One of these gifts was that Allah made her the mother of Fatimah, the best woman ever created by Allah, and the grandmother of Hasan and Hussain (A.S), who are considered leaders in Paradise. Although, she was the grandmother of Zaynab, who was known for her strength in Islam. These special gifts were only given to Khadijah and not to any other woman.
The Death of Hazrat Khadija (R.A) – The Year of Grief
Hazrat Khadijah (R.A), the Mother of Believers, became sick and knew her time was near. She felt sad when she looked at her young daughter, Fatimah. In her final moments, she asked the Prophet (S.A.W.) to take good care of Fatimah (A.S).
Hazrat Khadija (R.A) was married to Hazrat Muhammad (S.AW) for about 25 years. She passed away on the 10th of Ramadan in 619 AD, three years before the Hijrah. When she passed away, all her wealth had been spent to spread Islam. She was buried in Makkah wearing the Holy Prophet’s cloak (P.B.U.H). The same year, Hazrat Abu Talib (A.S), the Prophet’s uncle, also passed away. This year was named Aam-ul-Huzn by the Prophet (P.B.U.H), known as “the year of grief.” The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) never married another woman during Hazrat Khadija’s lifetime. He constantly praised her and considered her the best of all his wives. He also regarded her as one of the four most perfect ladies, along with Hazrat Aasiya (wife of Firaun), Hazrat Maryam (mother of Prophet Isa), and Hazrat Fatima Zahra (daughter of Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W).
After Khadijah (R.A) passed away, her young daughter Fatimah (A.S) was left feeling sad and lonely. Despite her young age, Fatimah took care of her father, the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.), with love and kindness. She comforted him, helped him, and supported him through difficult times. Because of her care and support, Fatimah (A.S) became known as “the mother of her father.”