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Khadija bint Khuwaylid (RA) — a name that holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims around the world. As the first woman to accept Islam and the beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Khadija’s (RA) life was one of strength, virtue, and unwavering belief.
Early Life of Khadija (RA)
She was born into the distinguished Quraysh tribe in Mecca. Her father, Khuwaylid ibn Asad, was a successful merchant and passed on his business acumen. She became one of the most successful and respected businesswomen of her time — a rare feat in pre-Islamic Arabia. Known as “Al-Tahira” (The Pure One), Khadija (RA) was admired for her integrity, generosity, and character.
She managed a thriving trade caravan and often employed others to work for her. Among those she hired was a young, trustworthy man named Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH), whose honesty and diligence deeply impressed her.
Marriage to the Prophet (PBUH)
Khadija (RA) proposed marriage to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) when he was 25 years old, and she was 40. Their marriage was built on love, mutual respect, and shared values. It was a peaceful union, free from polygamy during Khadija’s lifetime, and blessed with six children — including Fatimah (RA), the mother of the Prophet’s beloved grandsons, Hasan and Husayn (RA).
The First to Believe in Islam
When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the first revelation from Angel Jibreel (AS) in the Cave of Hira, he was shaken and afraid. It was Khadija (RA) who comforted him, saying, “By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you.” Her words were filled with faith and assurance. She took him to her cousin Waraqa ibn Nawfal, a Christian scholar, who confirmed the signs of prophethood.
Khadija (RA) was the first person to accept Islam — making her the first Muslim and first believer in the Prophet’s mission. She supported him emotionally, spiritually, and financially during the most challenging years of his prophethood.
Her Unmatched Support
Khadija (RA) gave her entire wealth to support the growing but persecuted Muslim community. During the Boycott of the Hashim clan, she endured immense hardship with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), sacrificing her comfort for the sake of Allah’s message.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) never forgot her sacrifices. A Hadith narrated by Aisha (RA) reveals his deep love:
“The Prophet never stopped mentioning Khadija. When he slaughtered a sheep, he would send portions to her friends. I once said, ‘You treat Khadija as if there were no other woman on earth.’ He replied, ‘Khadija was such-and-such, and from her I had children.’”
(Sahih Bukhari)
The Year of Sorrow
Khadija (RA) passed away in the tenth year of Prophethood, shortly after the death of Abu Talib, the Prophet’s protective uncle. This period was so painful for the Prophet that it became known as ‘Aam al-Huzn — The Year of Sorrow.
In another Hadith, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Allah did not give me a better wife than her. She believed in me when people rejected me. She supported me with her wealth when no one else would.”
(Musnad Ahmad)
Legacy of Khadija (RA)
Khadija (RA) stands as a beacon of strength and inspiration for Muslims. Her devotion, wisdom, and courage remind us that women have always been foundational to Islam’s history. She was not only the first woman of Islam but also its earliest supporter, nurturer, and trailblazer.
May we all find inspiration in her legacy and strive to uphold the values she so beautifully embodied — faith, loyalty, and unwavering love for the truth.
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