by Noor Hmadain

March 18, 2022

Khadija bint Khuwalid was Prophet Muhammed (saw’s) first wife. She was known as the best woman of her time because of how she had perfected her faith. She was extremely beautiful, well educated, well dressed, perfect in her behavior and her character, and the most elegant women in Mecca. Khadijah was nicknamed Tahirah, meaning pure, which was a reference to her character. She was known to have never gossiped, lied, hurt anyone, or upset anyone.

By the time Khadijah RA was 25 years old, she had already been widowed twice due to both of her previous husbands passing away. She inherited from her parents as well as from both of her husbands, who were both wealthy. Khadijah was a highly respectable business woman in her clan. She controlled one of the most important caravan trade routes in the region. She was known as the wealthiest woman in the Quraish, and was nicknamed “Amirat el Quraish” which means the Princess of the Quraish. All the people of her clan were keen to marry her because of her family status and thriving business. Khadijah’s home was known to have a green silk pavilion over her roof, which was a sign for the poor in need. The poor knew to go to her house if they ever needed money or food.

Khadijah used to hire men from her clan to trade in her business and to travel with her trading caravans. She was always known to be very giving and good hearted, which some of her merchants took advantage of. Khadijah was seeking to find an honest merchant that she could entrust with her wealth on her trade routes. At that time, Muhammad (SAW) was known for his honesty and truthfulness, so Khadija took the decision to hire him to trade in her business. Muhammad (SAW) showed remarkable success in his trip to Al-Sham because of the transparency he adopted in his trading job with the business lady.her business trips, Khajidah appointed Maysarah (one of her servants) as an assistant to Muhammad (SAW) in his new job. And through talking to her servant, she was assured of Muhammad’s transparency and honesty in handling her business.

Khadijah RA then spoke to her friend, Nafisah, about her interest in Muhammad (SAW). Nafisah went straight to the Prophet and implicitly mentioned lady Khadijah. The Prophet got so interested and decided to ask for her hand in marriage. Despite Khadija RA being 15 years older than the prophet, the couple concluded their marriage ceremony.

During their marriage, Muhammad SAW would spend long days and nights in the

cave of hira focused on his worship. Khadijah RA would go all the way up the cave to bring Mohammad SAW food, drinks, and blankets so that he did not have to come all the way back home to re load or replenish his goods. Khadjah RA knew that Muhammad SAW had sincere devotion and she wanted to be as supportive as she could. She was known to be a women that always exceeded all expectations.

One night, Jibreel (AS) approached  the Prophet (SAW) in the cave. The Prophet was terrified over what he had experienced and the first person he ran to was Khadijah RA. Muhammad (SAW) could have ran to his best friend Abu Bakar RA, Abu Talib RA, or any  of his good friends,  but he didn’t. He went to Khadijah RA knowing that no one is going to reassure him and be more supportive than his wife. No one could comfort him the way that she did. When Muhammad SAW burst into their home, he was sweating and shaking. He told Khadija RA “hold me, hold me. Khadijah held him, embraced him and comforted him.After Muhammad SAW told Khadijah everything that had happen, he asked her “oh Khadijah, what is wrong with me?,

I am worried about myself. The one who I saw in my sleep came to me.” Khadijah responsed “ There is nothing wrong with you. This is good news. I swear Allah would never disgrace you, so do not be sad.” She then began to reassure Muhammad SAW with all his amazing qualities that he had.

She said “ First and foremost, you are someone who always maintains good relations with kin and you only speak words of truth and you help the poor and the people in need. You entertain your guests and you assist those who are stricken with calamities, You are always there for those who are in hardship”

Khadijah RA ‘s description of why Allah would not disgrace the prophet SAW matches up with the qualities that later comes in Surah Baqarah Quran to describe a righteous believer, subhanAllah.

Not only is Khadijah the first believer, but she believed in the Prophet SAW before the Prophet even believed in himself. Khadijah RA never hesitated to support and protect Muhammad SAW. She always spoke highly of him and constantly said how truthful he was. The Prophet SAW made his first Wudu and Salah with Khadijah. He made his first Tawaf with Khadijah and prayed his first qiyam with her as well. Khadijah RA sold all her clothes and goods, spending it all on the the dawah of the Prophet SAW.

When Muhammad SAW was boycotted from Makkah, Khadijah insisted to be right by him. Whenever Muhammad SAW would speak about Khadijah RA, he would say

“She believed in me when everybody disbelieved. She spent her wealth on me when everyone denied me. She was the strong pillar of support and she bore all my children when none other did.”

When Jabreel (AS) came down with revelation. He said “O Muhammad SAW, Khadijah is about to enter the door with something in her hand. When she enters, pass her the greetings of Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala and my own greetings. Tell her that Allah Subhana Wa Ta’ala has prepared for her a home in paradise made of pearls.”

Khadijah RA was one of the first women who was promised paradise. She was the first of the Um al mutmineen. She is known as the mother of the believers. Khadijah RA passed away at the age of 65, during the month of Ramadan in the year 620. She passed away 3 days after Abu Talib had passed. Muhammad SAW and Khadijah RA had been married for 25 years.