Khadijah bint Khuwaylid

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid: The First Believer and Respected Wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, also known as Khadijah al-Kubra, holds a highly esteemed place in Islam as the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the first person to accept Islam. Revered for her character, intelligence, and dedication, Khadijah was not only a devoted spouse but also a pivotal figure in the early days of Islam. Her unwavering support and belief in the Prophet provided him with immense comfort and strength during some of the most challenging periods of his mission.

Early Life and Character

Born into a noble family in Mecca, Khadijah was widely respected in society. She was known as “Al-Tahira” (The Pure One) for her noble character and reputation for honesty, wisdom, and compassion. Khadijah inherited a prosperous trading business from her father and became a successful businesswoman, a rare achievement for a woman at that time. She employed many, including men to manage her caravans, and her integrity earned her high regard in a society known for its harsh and patriarchal norms.

Meeting the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Khadijah first encountered Muhammad (PBUH) when she hired him to manage her trade caravans. Impressed by his honesty and integrity, she trusted him with her wealth and trade affairs. Upon seeing his trustworthy nature and noble character, she proposed marriage to him despite their 15-year age difference, and he accepted. They shared a deeply loving and supportive marriage, built on mutual respect, trust, and shared values.

The First Believer in Islam

When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received his first revelation in the Cave of Hira, he was understandably overwhelmed. It was Khadijah who consoled him, providing him with words of encouragement and reassurance. She was the first to believe in his message and accept Islam, offering her unwavering faith and support to the Prophet during this transformative period.

Khadijah’s role as the first Muslim was monumental. She was not only a devoted wife but a powerful advocate for the truth of Islam, spreading the message within her family and social circles. Her acceptance of Islam at a time when no one else had done so provided the Prophet with essential emotional support and validation.

A Pillar of Support for the Prophet

Khadijah was a source of strength and comfort to the Prophet (PBUH) throughout the early days of Islam. She supported him financially, emotionally, and spiritually, allowing him to focus on his mission without concern for their livelihood. During the harsh years of persecution faced by the early Muslims in Mecca, Khadijah stood by the Prophet, offering him encouragement and protecting him from the societal backlash.

One of the most difficult periods in their life came during the boycott against the Prophet’s clan, Banu Hashim, where they endured hunger, isolation, and immense hardship. Khadijah, despite her wealth, remained steadfast and loyal, enduring the suffering with patience and determination.

Legacy and Passing

Khadijah passed away in the year 619 CE, a year that became known as the “Year of Sorrow” because of the profound loss the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) felt with her passing. She was buried in Mecca, and her memory remained deeply cherished by the Prophet throughout his life. Even after her passing, he would speak fondly of her and express his love and admiration for her, often reminding others of her virtues and kindness.

Khadijah’s legacy is that of an inspiring Muslim woman who demonstrated immense strength, devotion, and faith. She exemplifies the virtues of loyalty, patience, and compassion, leaving a lasting impact on the Islamic community and setting a high standard of character for future generations. To this day, Khadijah is celebrated as one of the “Mothers of the Believers” and remains an exemplar for Muslim women around the world. Her role in the Prophet’s life and the early history of Islam is unparalleled, and she continues to inspire Muslims with her dedication, faith, and love for the Prophet and the message of Islam.

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