Khadija is a highly esteemed figure in Islam, recognized as the primary and most respected woman. As Prophet Mohammed’s first wife, she had a significant impact on his life and the religion itself. Her unwavering support was crucial in assisting him in overcoming challenges faced during the early spread of Islam.
Khadija al-Kubra, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad, held significant influence in the religion. She was a member of the Banu clan and a distant cousin of Muhammad, being the daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad ibn Abdul Uzza ibn Qusayy. Khadija’s acts of generosity and her beauty were widely recognized. She supported the needy by providing nourishment and clothing, financially aided her relatives, and sponsored marriages for family members who lacked financial resources.
It is believed that she was born in 565 A. D and died at the age of 58, one year before the Hijra in 623 A. D. (Yasin T. al-Jibouri, Khadidja, May 12, 1994). Before marrying the prophet, she had been married twice and her husbands had passed away. Due to her previous marriages, she was wealthy. She was a successful businesswoman and met the prophet through her trades. Seeking an honest business agent to trade her goods in Syria, she was informed about the prophet Muhammad by one of her uncles.
Her uncle informed her about him as he was already well-known for his honesty and reliability. After hiring him and sending him to Syria for trading, he came back with a substantial profit. This event led her to develop feelings for him and suggest marriage. This occurrence makes her my favorite woman in our religion because at that time it was typical for men to propose to women. However, she went against the tradition and asked the prophet to marry her despite being older (she was forty while the prophet was twenty-five) and having children from prior marriages.
Despite her age and having children, Khadija agreed to marry the prophet. They had a joyful marriage for 15 years and had four children together before she passed away. Before their union, the prophet was an ordinary man who had not yet received his prophethood. It was only after 15 years of being married that he received a revelation from Angel Gabrielle on Mount Hira, which marked the beginning of his prophetic journey at the age of forty. Khadija was his first believer and she encouraged him to follow the instructions given by the Angel. In Islam, it is said that “Islam did not rise except through Ali’s sword and Khadija’s wealth,” emphasizing how crucial Khadija’s belief in her husband and financial support were in establishing Islam. She devoted all her money to religion and is often referred to as the mother of Islam for being the first person to embrace this faith.
Thanks to her, the prophet was spared expulsion from Mecca as he spread his religious teachings. The people of Mecca, who worshiped idols and followed no religion at the time, did not believe him. It was only after her death that Muhammad received the revelation of funeral prayers (salat al janaza). The Qur’an states, “O soul at rest! Return to your Lord, content in His pleasure. Enter among My servants and enter My garden” (89:27-30).
According to the Koran, Khadija is acknowledged as the first woman to enter paradise. She is considered one of humanity’s four most perfect women, along with Fatima (the daughter of Muhammad), Maryam bint Umran (Mary, mother of Christ), and Muzahim (wife of Pharaoh). In Islam, Khadija holds a significant position and is highly revered. She was renowned for her generosity and for pioneering the faith. Despite facing doubt from others, she remained steadfast in supporting her husband and devoted all her resources to uphold the religion.
My family has a tradition of naming many people after my grandmother, including my mom. This is because our culture believes that adopting the name of a remarkable individual can bring forth some of their positive qualities. My grandmother serves as my role model due to her honesty and generosity. Moreover, she passionately loved her spouse and maintained faith in him even when no one else did. Furthermore, she selflessly donated all her wealth in the name of God. Throughout my entire life, I will always admire and look up to her.
Work Cited: Koran (religious book). Deepak Chopra, Muhammad, Harper Collins publishers, 2009. Yasin T. al-Jibouri, Khadidja, May 12, 1994.
