Khadija bint Khuwaylid, may Allah be pleased with her, was the first wife of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, the mother of his children, and the first person to believe in and affirm his message.

She was one of the most respected women of Quraysh and was known for her dignity, wisdom, generosity, and strong character. She was also a successful merchant in Mecca before becoming the wife and greatest supporter of the Prophet during the earliest days of his mission.

Who Was Khadija bint Khuwaylid?

Her Lineage and Early Life

Khadija bint Khuwaylid belonged to the Quraysh tribe. Her father was Khuwaylid ibn Asad ibn Abd al-Uzza ibn Qusayy, while her mother was Fatimah bint Za'idah from the Quraysh.

She was born and raised in Mecca in a distinguished family known for honor and social standing.

Her father died during the War of Fijar, after which Khadija continued to build a respected position within Meccan society.

Her Life Before Marriage to the Prophet

Before marrying Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, Khadija had been married previously and had children from those marriages.

She was also a prominent businesswoman. She employed men to manage her wealth and conduct trade on her behalf, and her commercial caravans traveled throughout the region.

Her reputation for honesty, dignity, and business success made her one of the notable merchants of Mecca.

Khadija’s Marriage to the Prophet

Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, worked with Khadija in her commercial activities. She entrusted him with a trading journey to the Levant, accompanied by her servant Maysarah.

When he returned, Maysarah told Khadija about Muhammad’s honesty, noble character, trustworthiness, and the blessings he had witnessed during the journey.

Khadija was deeply impressed by his character and wished to marry him.

The Prophet married Khadija before the beginning of his prophethood. He was twenty-five years old at the time, while she was forty according to the commonly reported account.

Their marriage was marked by affection, loyalty, and stability, and they had several children together, including Al-Qasim, Abdullah, Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah, may Allah be pleased with them.

Khadija Was the First to Believe in the Prophet

Her Response to the First Revelation

Khadija played a crucial role when the first revelation came to Prophet Muhammad.

After seeing Angel Gabriel for the first time, the Prophet returned home deeply shaken and asked to be covered. He then told Khadija what had happened and expressed his fear.

Khadija immediately reassured him with words reflecting her wisdom and confidence in his character. She reminded him that Allah would never disgrace a person who maintained family ties, spoke truthfully, helped those in need, honored guests, and supported what was right.

She then accompanied him to Waraqah ibn Nawfal, who recognized the significance of the revelation and confirmed that the being who had come to Muhammad was the same heavenly messenger who had come to earlier prophets.

Khadija’s Support for the Islamic Mission

Khadija did not hesitate to believe in Prophet Muhammad and became the first person to affirm his prophethood.

She remained beside him during the most difficult stages of the early mission, offering emotional, moral, and financial support.

Her unwavering faith provided the Prophet with comfort and strength as he faced rejection and persecution in the early years of his mission.

Khadija’s Special Place in the Prophet’s Heart

Prophet Muhammad remained deeply loyal to Khadija even after her death.

He continued to remember her virtues and speak about his love for her. He said:

“I have been granted her love.”

He also praised her support, saying that she believed in him when others rejected him and supported him with her wealth when others deprived him.

These statements demonstrate the exceptional position Khadija held in the Prophet’s life and the profound impact of her support during the beginning of his mission.

The Prophet’s Loyalty to Khadija After Her Death

The Prophet’s loyalty to Khadija continued after her passing.

He maintained relationships with her friends and treated them generously. When he slaughtered a sheep, he would send portions to Khadija’s friends.

He also remembered her when he heard the voice of her sister, Halah.

This enduring loyalty reflected the deep affection, gratitude, and respect that remained between them even after her death.

Khadija’s Virtues and Status

Khadija holds a distinguished position among the women mentioned for their exceptional virtue.

The Prophet praised her and spoke of her elevated status among the righteous women.

Her virtues included being the first to believe in the Prophet, his wife and the mother of his children, and one of his strongest supporters during the earliest and most challenging period of his mission.

Her life became an enduring example of faith, loyalty, generosity, wisdom, and sacrifice.

The Death of Khadija bint Khuwaylid

Khadija passed away approximately three years before the Hijrah and before the Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascension.

She was around sixty-five years old according to the commonly reported account and was buried in Al-Hajun in Mecca.

Her death was an extremely painful loss for Prophet Muhammad. He continued to remember her with love and gratitude and repeatedly acknowledged her remarkable contribution to his life and mission.

Why Is Khadija a Model of Supporting the Truth?

The life of Khadija represents a powerful example of faith, steadfastness, loyalty, and sacrifice.

Her role went far beyond being the Prophet’s wife. She was his source of emotional support and reassurance and contributed her wealth and strength during the earliest stage of the Islamic mission.

Her story remains one of the most inspiring chapters in Islamic history, carrying timeless lessons about faith, trust, loyalty, and standing beside those who uphold the truth.

Who was Khadija bint Khuwaylid?

Khadija was the first wife of Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, the mother of his children, and the first person to believe in his prophethood.

Why was Khadija the first to believe in the Prophet?

She immediately believed him after he told her about the first revelation and remained one of his strongest supporters throughout the early Islamic mission.

How old was the Prophet when he married Khadija?

According to the commonly reported account, Prophet Muhammad was twenty-five years old when he married Khadija.

When did Khadija die?

Khadija passed away approximately three years before the Hijrah, before the Prophet’s Night Journey and Ascension.

What were Khadija’s greatest virtues?

She was known for her faith, wisdom, generosity, loyalty, and unwavering support for Prophet Muhammad during the earliest and most difficult years of his mission.