Khadijah bint Khuwaylid

Salaam Aleikum

Hi Friends,

From my new series called  Women of Faith, I'm introducing Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid

"She believed in me when none else did, she embraced Islam when people disbelieved me; and she helped and comforted me when there was none to lend me a helping hand" - Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

She was born in 556 CE in the city of Mecca of the Quraysh tribe. She was known by the names; Ameerah Quraysh (Princess of Quraysh), Al-Tahira (The Pure One) and Khadijah Al-Kubra (The Great One). Before getting married to The Prophet (PBUH), she was already widowed twice and had borne several children. She became a very successful merchant, was known to be the richest woman in Mecca and was widely known for her trade in Syria and Yemen.She was a known philanthropist who fed and clothed the poor.

The Prophet was recommended by Abu-Talib to Khadijah because of his trustworthiness. At that time, the Prophet (PBUH) was 25 years old and Khadijah was 40 years old. When he embarked on the journey to Syria on business and after coming back, Khadijah was impressed as to how he conducted the business. The servant who assisted him on the journey; Maysarah said he saw angels shielding him when he was resting. One night she dreamt that the shining sun had descended from the heavens into her courtyard, radiating her home. When she woke up she went for the interpretation of this wonderful dream to her cousin, Waraqah bin Nawfal, a blind man noted for his skill in interpreting dreams, and for his depth of knowledge, particularly of  the Injil (Bible). When he heard her dream, he gave a serene smile, and told her not to worry, as this was a very promising dream. The glorious sun she saw descending into her courtyard indicated that the Prophet (PBUH) whose advent had been predicted in the Injil was to grace her home and she would gain from his presence in her life.

Khadijah sent her close friend named Nafisa to approach the Prophet (PBUH) and ask him to marry her. The Prophet (PBUH) was hesitant because he had no money to support a wife. Nafisa asked him if he would consider marriage to a woman who had means to provide for herself. The Prophet (PBUH) agreed and the marriage took place.

The Propher (PBUH) and Khadijah were married monogamously for 25 years in which she had six children namely: Qasim, Zaynab, Ruquyyah, Umm Kulthum, Fatima and Abdullah in that order.

When the Prophet started receiving signs and revelations of Prophethood through Angel Jibril, he confided in his wife who called her cousin Waraqah Ibn Nawafil who confirmed his Prophethood. She was supportive of his Prophetic mission, embraced Islam and invested her wealth in the mission.

She died in the month of Ramadan of the 10th year after his Prophethood. He calls that year the year of sorrow because his uncle Abu Talib also died that year. She died at the age of sixty-five, having given almost twenty-five years to Muhammad and the cause of Islam.When Muhammad (PBUH) saw her in the throes of death he consoled her saying Allah had so ordained it, and that the thing she was dreading, would prove favorable for her. Her eyes lit up and as she gazed at her beloved husband, her soul left its earthly body.

Her grave was prepared at a place called Hujjun, near Makkah. Muhammad (PBUH) stepped into it to see that everything was as it should be, and with his own hands lowered her gently into it. Thus passed away the 'Mother' of all Muslims, the one who had sacrificed her all for Islam, the lady who was the greatest supporter of Islam in its earliest days.Three years after her death, the Prophet migrated to Madinah. 

Ayshah narrates that whenever the Prophet (PBUH) talked about Khadijah, it was in terms of the highest praise. He said: 

"I have not yet found a better wife than her. She had faith in me when everyone, even members of my own family and tribe did not believe me, and accepted that I was truly a Prophet and a Messenger of Allah. She converted to Islam, spent all her wealth and worldly goods to help me spread this faith, an d this too at a time when the entire world seemed to have turned against me and persecuted me. And it is through her that Allah blessed me with children."

Lessons:  Khadijah has been a role model for all Muslim women. Her marriage to Muhammad and the stories of their relationship reflect love, loyalty, trust, and respect between two individuals and partners.It also shows a woman who believed in a cause (Islam) and gave her all for it.

Have a rewarding week ahead

Ma Salaam

Love:  Deejah