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Saidatuna Khadijah binti Kuwailid رضي الله عنه
Mother of the believer.
Afif Kandi reported it to Yahya bin Furat, who quoted Ibn-e-Saad RA about the Makkah in pre-Islamic days in these words:
“I came to Makkah; the times were just before the dawn of Islam. I intended to buy clothes and perfumes for my wife. I stayed with Abbas son of Abdul Muttalib. The next morning I went to Kaabah (the House of God) in the company of Abbas.
After a few moments, I saw a young man coming to Kaabah who looked into the skies and then stood erect. Then a young lad came and stood beside on his right. After a short interlude, a woman came and stood behind the two men.
These three offered prayers and then went away. I keenly observed them and told Abbas “Some great change is ahead”.
“You know, who these people are?”
Abbas asked. I said ‘No’.
Abbas said ‘This young man is Mohammad son of Abdullah, who was the son of Abdul Muttalib, and he is my nephew; and the woman was his wife Khadijah daughter of Khuwailid”. And this was the beginning.
Saidatuna Khadijah RA belonged to a respectable family of the Quraish tribe. Her surname was Tahira (The chaste woman). Saidatuna Khadijah RA and Rasulullah SAW hailed from the same tribe and the ancestral chain met at Grandfather Qussaiy. The marriage of Saidatuna Khadijah RA and Rasulullah SAW took place in very strange circumstances. It seems that this holy bondage was pre-destined. Saidatuna Khadijah RA was first married to Abu Hala, but unfortunately, he died. After that Saidatuna Khadijah RA was married to Utayyiq son of Abid Makhzumi but he too died after some time and she was again a widow. Saidatuna Khadijah RA was a very affluent woman but now least interested in worldly affairs. She took to business and became very wealthy. Saidatuna Khadijah RA had many commercial agents working for her.
When Rasulullah SAW reached the age of twenty-five; by then the whole of Arab had known him because of his sublime character which mattered much in those days. People called him as “the honest” and “the truthful”. (Al Amin)
Saidatuna Khadijah RA was looking for just such a person for her commercial operations. Saidatuna Khadijah RA sent a message to Rasulullah SAW that if you take my commercial consignments to Syria for business and earn good profits, I shall pay you twice more than usual. My slave Maisarah will accompany you.
Rasulullah SAW’s guardian and his uncle Abu Talib had also recommended the deal and predicted good profits in the business.
On his recommendation, Rasulullah SAW accepted the offer and proceeded to Basra with Saidatuna Khadijah’s RA merchandise. Soon, all the consignment was sold and after return to Makkah, the profit was found to double than previous journeys. Saidatuna Khadijah RA was much impressed by Rasulullah SAW's integrity, nobility and intellect. In the meantime, Saidatuna Khadijah RA had also learned much about Rasulullah SAW family affairs and Saidatuna Khadijah RA respected him because he had an enviable good repute. Time passed by, and this respect changed into keen interest and ultimately Saidatuna Khadijah RA decided to marry Rasulullah SAW. Nafisa, the maid servant of Saidatuna Khadijah RA was entrusted with the job of conveying the proposal of marriage to Rasulullah SAW agreed to the proposal.
Saidatuna Khadijah’s RA uncle Amr bin Saad was called for making the necessary marriage arrangements because Saidatuna Khadijah’s RA father had been killed in the battle of ‘Fijar’ many years ago. Rasulullah SAW uncle Abu Talib and other dignitaries of the family congregated at Saidatuna Khadijah’s RA place for the marriage ceremony. Abu Talib recited the matrimonial sermon. Rasulullah SAW was twenty-five years of age at the time of his marriage with Saidatuna Khadijah RA and Saidatuna Khadijah RA was then forty years old.
This marriage enhanced Rasulullah SAW’s respect in Quraish tribe and struck a beautiful combination of wealth and virtue. Rasulullah SAW was rich in character and Saidatuna Khadijah RA was rich in money, so this combination created a powerful marital bond. Saidatuna Khadijah RA was a very loyal and loving wife and she provided all the domestic comforts to her husband. But Rasulullah SAW was all the time mentally perturbed because of the deteriorating social and moral conditions in the Arab society.
It was but natural of a Rasulullah SAW. Rasulullah SAW was pondering over some cogent solution of the moral problems of the society. In the forthcoming years, he got so much engulfed in his meditations that he sought refuge, from the mundane problems in the Hira cave near Makkah. Rasulullah SAW made it a routine to visit Hira and stay there for weeks altogether for deep meditation and spiritual purification. Saidatuna Khadijah RA stood by her husband during this critical period and extended all help. Saidatuna Khadijah RA was the only source of solace for the Holy Prophet (SAW) in those days.
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| Khadijah RA the best of Wife. |
Wrap me in a blanket”.
Saidatuna Khadijah RA said “Don’t worry, you are a truthful person. You care for others and are kind to all. You are honest and hospitable. Allah will not forsake you”.
After sometime, Saidatuna Khadijah RA took Rasulullah SAW to her cousin Warqa bin Naufil, who was a great scholar of the Bible (old and new testament) and renowned intellectual. Warqa inquired about the whole incident from Rasulullah SAW. Rasulullah SAW gave full details about the appearance of a strange angel in Hira cave. He said that simultaneously with the appearance of the angel, the whole cave illumined with a bright light. The angel asked me to recite. I could not, because I never went to school. But when he embraced me, I could recite the holy verses.” Warqa listened and understood the whole situation. He explained.
After a few days Warqa died and true to his prediction, the Makkans unanimously turned against Rasulullah SAW. They started teasing him. In these tortuous days, Saidatuna Khadijah RA stood by her husband. Saidatuna Khadijah RA was his lone follower and companion. Saidatuna Khadijah RA helped him all she could. Saidatuna Khadijah RA loved, obedient, confirming and co-operative with her husband. She solved the problems he was facing. Saidatuna Khadijah RA used her social status to minimize the opposition against Rasulullah SAW. Due to these factors Saidatuna Khadijah RA was his most beloved wife.
Rasulullah SAW loved her so much that while Saidatuna Khadijah RA was alive, he did not marry another woman. In the later years of his age he used to recall the sweet memories of times passed with Saidatuna Khadijah RA.
This is part of her reward in Paradise. Moreover, Saidatuna Khadijah RA she received noble Prophetic rewards, as her devoted husband frequently spoke of her and nostalgically remembered her days with him, expressing how much he missed her.
Supporter of the Messenger
The greatness of Saidatuna Khadijah RA vividly showed in its best and perfect form from the time her husband was commissioned as a Rasulullah SAW until she died.
Rasulullah SAW was made to love seclusion and staying away from people and their materialistic world for the purpose of reflection and meditation. This seclusion led to the elevation of his soul and the purity of his feeling. Rasulullah SAW became prepared to receive the great news and the huge responsibility.
Rasulullah SAW used to visit the cave of Hira' on the Mountain of Mercy (Jabal Ar-Rahmah). He would take with him his food and drink that his wife Saidatuna Khadijah RA had prepared for him. Rasulullah SAW would spend some days and nights there, particularly during the month of Ramadan, in seclusion.
One day, Rasulullah SAW returned home after the revelation was sent down to him for the first time, to convey the first Divine words to Saidatuna Khadijah RA.
It is here that the first signs of her greatness manifested. Yes! Saidatuna Khadijah RA instantly believed in him and accepted Islam without hesitation. This is the consensus of the historians and writers of the life history of Rasulullah SAW. Saidatuna Khadijah RA was the first believer ever of Rasulullah SAW.
There is, however, a question that may pop up here. Was her acceptance of Islam and her faith done just to follow her husband so that their relationship could continue, or was it done for noble and sublime reasons that transcended this materialistic and sentimental meaning?
To know the answer, let's reflect on the situation when Rasulullah SAW returned home to his wife after receiving the first revelation. His heart was trembling, and he was saying, "Cover me; cover me." Saidatuna Khadijah RA covered him until he was no longer terrified. After having informed her of his experience in the cave of Hira', he told her, "I was afraid that something bad might happen to me" (Al-Bukhari).
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| Khadijah bint Kuwailid RA -Exemplary of Muslim Women |
But his wife's response to this expression of fright was, "Nay! But receive the good tidings! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you, for by Allah, you keep good relations with your kith and kin; speak the truth; help the poor and the destitute; entertain your guests generously; and assist those who are stricken with calamities" (Al-Bukhari).
This statement was undoubtedly a sign of awareness, wisdom, maturity, and deep understanding of the situation. It was also an expression of support.
Saidatuna Khadijah RA then accompanied him to her cousin Warqa ibn Naufil ibn Asad ibn `Abdul `Uzzah, who, during the pre-Islamic period became Christian and would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah wished him to write. He was an old man and had lost his eyesight.
Saidatuna Khadijah RA said to Warqa, "Listen to the story of your nephew, O my cousin!"
Warqa asked, "O my nephew! What have you seen?" Allah's Messenger described whatever he had seen.
Warqa said, "This is the same one who keeps the secrets [Angel Gabriel] — whom Allah had sent to Moses" (Al-Bukhari).
The Islamic scholar Al-Haithami mentioned in his Mujamma` Az-Zawa'id that one day Rasulullah SAW was sitting down with Saidatuna Khadijah RA and then he saw Angel Gabriel (peace be upon him) and told Saidatuna Khadijah RA of what he saw. Saidatuna Khadijah RA asked him to move closer to her. When he moved closer, she asked him if he still saw the person and he answered in the affirmative.
Saidatuna Khadijah RA invested all her wealth in the cause of Allah. Saidatuna Khadijah RA generously and unlimitedly spent without making any mention of what she had spent.
Saidatuna Khadijah RA then took off her headscarf and asked him if he still saw him. Rasulullah SAW answered in the negative. Saidatuna Khadijah RA then told him, "By Allah, this is a Noble Angel. By Allah he is not a devil [i.e., if he had been a devil, he would not have been ashamed of looking at them while she was bareheaded."
Indeed, with decisive words and actions Saidatuna Khadijah RA calmed Rasulullah SAW and strengthened him. The great love Saidatuna Khadijah RA had for him transformed into what is greater: belief in Allah and His Messenger.
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| Saidatuna Khadijah - 1st renown business women. |
First Believer
One day, Rasulullah SAW returned home after Angel Gabriel had taught him how to pray. He informed Khadijah of this, and Saidatuna Khadijah RA said, "Just teach me how he taught you." So he taught her.
Saidatuna Khadijah RA then performed ablution as he did and she prayed along with him, and then said, "I testify that you are really the Messenger of Allah"
The Islamic scholar, Ibn Hajar, said in his book, Al-Isabah, "This is the most correct narration I came about concerning her Islam."
Ibn Is-haq, another Islamic scholar, said, “Saidatuna Khadijah RA was the first person to believe in Allah and His Messenger and believe in all that he brought. Allah comforted His Messenger by that. Rasulullah SAW never heard any unpleasant thing from her whenever she talked to him."
The ship of faith continued to weather the storms and waves of the age of ignorance and its darkness, while its great captain, Rasulullah SAW, directed the passengers with wisdom, patience, and reliance on Allah SWT.
Whenever Rasulullah SAW sensed tiredness in him, or sensed an aggression in the violent winds, he turned his eyes to the heavens, and then sought support from his companion and life partner. And what he got was a compassionate smile and a truthful, assuring, and reinforcing word. This strengthened him in his mission to carry out the command of Allah and His order.
Various Sacrifices
Here is another aspect of greatness in the life of Saidatuna Khadijah RA. Saidatuna Khadijah RA had invested all her wealth in the cause of Allah. She generously and unlimitedly spent without making any mention of what she had spent, especially during the three-year blockade led by Quraish infidels against Muslims in the mountain pass of Abu Talib.
Saidatuna Khadijah RA spared Rasulullah SAW the trouble of labor. All his occupation was calling to the way of Allah. Allah reminded him of this favor when
He says, ”Did He not find you destitute and enrich (you)?”
(Ad-Duha 93:8)
Saidatuna Khadijah RA also showed kindness to weak and poor Muslims. She was very generous to them and was deservedly called the Mother of the Believers. Saidatuna Khadijah RA was the first Mother of the Believers in every sense.
Year of Grief
"Her love had been nurtured in my heart by Allah Himself" said Allah’s Messenger.
Saidatuna Khadijah RA came out of the mountain pass of Abu Talib physically weakened. Saidatuna Khadijah RA became sick, and her beloved husband and daughters cared for her, consoled her, and alleviated her suffering to the best of their ability. But as Allah would have it, no remedy or cure was able to heal her, and Saidatuna Khadijah RA finally surrendered her soul and left for the Highest Company.
Saidatuna Khadijah RA died amid the tears of her daughters and the sorrow of their great father, the noble Messenger, over his companion, life partner, and solid support. Her death was one of the saddest experiences of Rasulullah SAW, to the extent that the year of her death was called the year of grief.
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| The Best of Women |
Khadijah's Multiple Rewards
The great aspects of Saidatuna Khadijah RA were adequately rewarded by the Lord of Majesty. Abu Hurairah narrated that Gabriel came to Rasulullah SAW 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, greet her on behalf of her Lord [i.e., Allah] and on my behalf, and give her the glad tidings of having a qasab [canes stud with jewels] palace in Paradise wherein there will be neither any noise nor any fatigue [trouble]"
(Al-Bukhari).
Moreover, Rasulullah SAW said, "The best of the world's women is Mary [during her lifetime], and the best of the world's women is Khadijah [during her lifetime]" (Al-Bukhari).
The sayings of Rasulullah SAW — besides being signs of deep love and devotion toward his late wife — were the result of the inevitable gap her death created in the household, in the real sense of the word. This is because seeing his daughters would remind him of their absent mother, and the atmosphere of sorrow and distress would remind him of the big heart that flourished with love, care, and faith.
Saidatuna Khadijah RA was the only wife, who bore children to Rasulullah SAW. After Saidatuna Khadijah RA was only the bond maid Maria Qibtiya who gave birth to a son, named Ibrahim, who died very young at the age of sixteen months. Before the announcement of apostleship, Saidatuna Khadijah RA gave birth to two sons Qasim and Abdullah who died soon after. Their sun-names were ‘Tahir’ and ‘Tayyab’. In addition to these two sons, she gave birth to four daughters. Their names are Saidatuna Zainab RA, Saidatuna Ruqqaiya RA, Saidatuna Ummi-Kulthum RA and Saidatuna Fatimah Al Zahra RA.
Saidatuna Khadijah RA passed twenty four years of her married life with Rasulullah SAW. In the tenth year of his Prophethood and three years before the Rasulullah SAW migration to Medina, Saidatuna Khadijah RA died in the month of Ramadan. By that time offering of funeral prayers was not made obligatory so no funeral prayer was offered and she was laid to rest by Rasulullah SAW. She was buried at a place called ‘Hajoon’.
Abu Talib the loving uncle and the guardian of Rasulullah SAW too died in the same year. Rasulullah SAW declared that year as the “year of grief and sorrow” as he had lost two personalities who always gave him full support and backing in every test and trial of his life.
Saidatuna Khadijah RA was a very kind hearted woman. Saidatuna Khadijah RA was a loving mother too. Though very rich, she was a reputed philanthropist. Saidatuna Khadijah RA kept an eye over her business and managed her household affairs equally well. Due to these qualities Rasulullah SAW called her ‘Mother of children and respect of the house’.
Throughout her life, she was obedience personified for Rasulullah SAW. Saidatuna Khadijah RA followed him at every phase and step of the life before and after the declaration of his apostleship. It is reported, that one day Saidatuna Khadijah RA come out of her house in search of Rasulullah SAW. These were the days, when whole of the Arab society was pitched against Rasulullah SAW.
On the way, Gabriel, the arch-angel met her, personified as a human being, and asked about the whereabouts of Rasulullah SAW; Saidatuna Khadijah RA got scared that the stranger might not be an enemy looking for Rasulullah SAW to kill him. So she kept quiet. At home, on the arrival of Rasulullah SAW, Saidatuna Khadijah RA narrated the incident. Rasulullah SAW listened, and said smiling, Oh, he was Gabriel who has given a message, that I should congratulate Saidatuna Khadijah RA that she has been blessed with a house in paradise made of pearls, free of noise and hard work”.
During this period, the opposition to Islam in Makkah was so strong that Rasulullah SAW and his wife Saidatuna Khadijah RA used to offer prayers secretly at their home instead of Kaabah, the house of God.
Abu Hurairah RA has reported that Rasulullah SAW remarked one day at Madinah:
“Four women are better than the rest of the woman-kind, Maryam, daughter of Imran and mother of Christ, Aisyah wife of Pharaoh of Egypt, Saidatuna Fatimah Al Zahra RA daughter of Mohammad and Saidatuna Khadijah RA daughter of Khuwailid”.
It is also reported that Rasulullah SAW praised none more than Saidatuna Khadijah RA among his wives. Ibn Ishaq says that she was a very sincere advisor to Rasulullah SAW. According to one report, once Rasulullah SAW come to his daughter Saidatuna Fatimah Al Zahra RA wife of Saidina Ali RA while she was ailing and asked,
“My daughter, how are you?”
“I am ailing and do not have anything to eat”, she replied. “Dear daughter, don’t you like the status of being the leader of women of the whole world”, Rasulullah SAW said.
“Father! Then what about the status of Mary daughter of Imran”, Saidatuna Fatimah Al Zahra RA exclaimed!
Everlasting love of Rasulullah SAW for Sayyidatuna Khadijah.
This is part of her reward in Paradise. Moreover, she received noble Prophetic rewards, as her devoted husband frequently spoke of her and nostalgically remembered her days with him, expressing how much he missed her.
The following incident is a very delicate and indicative one. `Aisyah RA reported that Halah bint Khuwailid (Khadijah's sister) sought permission from Allah's Messenger to see him, so he was reminded of Khadijah's manner of asking leave to enter and was overwhelmed with emotions; he then said, "O Allah, it is Halah, daughter of Khuwailid" (Muslim).
Aisyah RA said about Saidatuna Khadijah RA
“I envied her the most of all the wives of Rasulullah SAW. One day expressed this feeling in front of Rasulullah SAW in these words, “Oh, she was an old woman, now God has given you better wives”. On hearing this, Rasulullah SAW got so angry that the hair of his body stood on their roots, and he said,
“No by Allah SWT, I could not find a better wife. She embraced Islam when all opposed it. She believed in me when the whole society opposed me. She helped me financially when everybody deprived me. And she bore me children by the grace of God.
Aisyah RA said that: “I promised to myself that in future, I will never utter anything negative against Saidatuna Khadijah RA”.
How great Rasulullah SAW devotion to his wife was. He still remembered the way his late wife — who died many years ago — used to ask for his leave!
Several significant virtues we might like to know and emulate about the awesomely, mother of all Muslim – Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA.
1. She was a successful and well known business woman.
We would give anything to do an on-the-job, ride-along with Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA. Gladly swipe our car for a camel, our laptop for a government-issued glass weight to measure goods in trade. What could we learn in one day of shadowing this highly-respected business leader, trading furniture, pottery and silks? Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA was born to a father who was a successful merchant in their Quraish tribe of Makkah. Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA inherited her father's skills in a time in history where society was male-dominated and dangerous. Upon her father's death, she took over the business and traded goods through the primary commerce centers at that time, from Makkah to Syria and to Yemen, hiring the most trustworthy men of character to brave the dangerous trade routes. Her business was larger than all of the Quraish trades combined and the most acclaimed with a reputation of fair-dealing and high-quality goods. Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA had a keen eye and was highly intuitive, earning the monikers, Amirat-Quraish ("Princess of Quraish") and al-Tahira ("The Pure One") due to her stellar reputation. Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA Khadija knew what she was doing business-wise, never compromising her modesty or integrity to succeed in the male-dominated trades- hiring only those that could meet these standards. Glass ceiling? Hah! 1,400 years ago, yes, Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA shattered it.
2. She turned down many marriage proposals.
Being the most successful woman around, rich in worldly attainment as well as character, it seems Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA faced a consistent campaign of men seeking her hand in marriage. She was married twice before her wedlock to Rasulullah SAW; both of these marriages produced children and both left her widowed. Her keen sense of character left her picky; and, she was less than eager to suffer another painful loss of a husband. She resigned herself to being a widowed woman taking care of herself and her family. Until...
3. She asked Rasulullah SAW to marry her.
Love comes when we aren't looking, or so we have heard. (And experienced.) Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA learned of the stellar character of Rasulullah SAW as well as his experience managing caravans on the trade routes accompanying his uncle, Abu Talib. She hired him into her conglomerate. Marriages at this time were typically necessary for survival and not always about love as we know it in today's world. Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA didn't need a husband to take care of her financially. And Muhammad did not have the means to seek a wife. She fell in love with him, and through a friend, asked him to marry her. (He said yes.)
4. She was 15 years older than Muhammad.
If Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA story hasn't broken stereotypes about Islam yet, it might intrigue you to know that she was 40 years old when she married Rasulullah SAW. He was 25.
5. She was an ideal wife; theirs was a true love story.
"Your wives are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them."
(Qur'an 2:187)
Taking multiple wives was a common practice, yet Saidatuna Khadijah RA and Rasulullah SAW marriage was monogamous until her death 25 years later. Rasulullah SAW prophet hood began during his marriage to Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA, when he received the first of God's revelations through the Angel Gabriel that left him frightened, strained and feeling alone when no one believed in him. Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA comforted her husband and encouraged him during the most difficult days of his life. She bore him 6
Children. He loved no one more than Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA during his lifetime.
6. She was the first Muslim.
Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA, the mother of Islam, was the first person on earth to accept Rasulullah SAW as the final prophet of God and accept the revelations that culminated into the Holy Qur'an. She was greeted with "Salam" (peace) by God himself as well as the Angel Gabriel. Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA bequeathed her worldly goods and put her in the face of danger to stand by Rasulullah SAW as Islam became established in the land.
7. Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA spent her worldly riches on the poor.
In Islam, whether rich or poor, one's financial condition is a test. Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA gave her earnings to the poor and to the orphans, to the widows and the sick. She helped poor girls get married and provided their dowry.
Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA was one of history's most remarkable women. Rasulullah SAW once said that the four greatest women of mankind were: Saidatuna Khadijah bint Khuwailid RA, Fatimah Al Zahra binti Rasulullah SAW (his youngest daughter,) Mariam bint Imran (the Virgin Mary) and Aisyah bint Muzahim (the wife of Pharaoh.) Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA Khadija continues to inspire people to this day who revere her for taking great care of the Prophet of Islam and for showing the world, through her behavior, what a pious, modest and courageous woman can accomplish. The example she left for mankind remains timeless.
A very common name for girls among Muslims is Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA. Many choose this name to commemorate the first wife of Rasulullah SAW. Even though Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA only lived to see the early stages of a Muslim community, she was considered a central figure in the history of Islam. Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA is the focus of this post, the fifth in a series on significant figures in Islam.
Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA was born around 556 in Makkah. Her father, Khuwailid bin Asad, was a popular leader in the tribe of Quraish and a successful businessman, who eventually died in battle. As a result of her father’s business success, Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA grew up in a wealthy household. She later followed in her father’s footsteps, becoming a successful businesswoman in her own right. In addition to her business savvy, Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA was known to have good character, often feeding and clothing the poor and assisting her relatives in need. These deeds earned her the title Al-Tahira (the Pure One).
Before marrying the Prophet Muhammad, Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA was widowed twice. She decided that she would not marry again and would just focus on her children from those two marriages. However, after she hired Rasulullah SAW to take her trading caravans to Syria, she revisited the idea of marriage. She was impressed by his character and his honesty in dealing with her business. Saidatuna Khadijah’s friend, Nafisa, approached the Prophet and asked if he would accept Khadijah’s proposal. He said he would. She was 40 years old and he was 25.
They were married for 25 years, during which the Prophet was monogamous. Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA and the Prophet had 6 children together: Qasim, Abdullah, Zainab, Ruqqaiya, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah. Their two sons, Qasim and Abdullah, did not survive past childhood.
In the 15th year of their marriage, Rasulullah SAW received his first revelation of the Qur’an from Gabriel. He ran from the Cave of Hira and went straight to Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA and asked her to cover him. Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA consoled him and told him that he was in fact a prophet. She became the first person to become Muslim.
Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA was loyal to Rasulullah SAW and supported him in all aspects of life. She was a strong Muslim and sacrificed her wealth in the cause of Islam. In 617, the Makkans decided to impose an economic boycott on the Muslims and members of the Prophet’s Banu Hashim clan. During this boycott, the Muslims suffered tremendously often spending days without food. Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA, who had been very wealthy, bore the hardships with the other Muslims.
In 619, three years before the hijrah to Madinah, Abu Talib, Rasulullah SAW’s uncle and protector, and Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA Khadijah, weakened by the boycott, died. This year was called the year of sadness because it was a big loss for Rasulullah SAW. Throughout the rest of his life, Rasulullah SAW would remember Khadijah often, so much so that Saidatuna Aisyah RA said that she was never as jealous of another woman as she was of Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA. Once Saidatuna Aisyah RA asked the Prophet about his love for Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA and his response was, “She believed in me when no one else did; she accepted Islam when people rejected me, and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a helping hand.”
Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA is respected by all Muslims for her conviction, her love for Rasulullah SAW, and her willingness to sacrifice for the faith. She is considered to be one of the great women in the history of Islam and is a role model for all Muslim women.
The good deeds and devotion of Saidatuna Khadijah binti Khuwailid RA must be the choice for all Muslim to emulate the limitation of seeking worldly material things.
Selected hadiths attributed to Saidatuna Khadijah RA
Found In: Sunan Ibn Majah Chapter No: 8, Chapters Regarding Funerals
Hadith no: 1512
Narrated: Husain bin Ali
"When Qasim the son of the Messenger of Allah (saw) died, KHADIJAH said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, the milk of Qasim’s mother is overflowing. Would that Allah had let him live until he had finished breastfeeding.’ The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘He will complete his breastfeeding in Paradise.’ She said: ‘If I know that, O Messenger of Allah, it makes it easier for me to bear.’ The Messenger of Allah (saw) said: ‘If you wish, I will pray to Allah to let you hear his voice.’ She said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, rather I believe Allah and His Messenger.’" Sahih
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