Overview
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid رضي الله عنها occupies a station in Islamic history that is entirely unique; she is “the first” in nearly every dimension of the faith’s early development. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ described her as the best of women, ranking her alongside Maryam bint Imran as one of those who achieved perfection in faith. She was the first human being to believe in the message of Islam, the first to pray, and the first member of the ummah to be sent the personal salam (greeting of peace) from Allah through the angel Jibreel عليه السلام. For twenty-five years, she was the Prophet’s ﷺ only wife and his greatest source of emotional and material support, using her immense wealth, distinguished social standing, and unshakable character to anchor the mission during its most vulnerable beginnings.
Early Life
Khadijah رضي الله عنها was born in Makkah in approximately 555 CE, fifteen years before the Prophet ﷺ. She was the daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad, a chief of the Banu Asad clan of Quraysh who famously stood alongside Abdul Muttalib to defend the Ka’ba against the army of Abraha. Her mother was Fatima bint Zaidah, after whom the Prophet’s ﷺ youngest daughter, Fatima رضي الله عنها, would later be named. Her family tree converged with the Prophet’s ﷺ at their common ancestor Qusay ibn Kilab.
Growing up, Khadijah رضي الله عنها was known as at-Tahira (the Pure One), a title she earned through an impeccable character that never inclined toward the idol worship common in Makkah. She was exceptionally intelligent, literate, and possessed a refined elegance that made her the most prominent woman in Quraishi society. Her cousins and siblings played pivotal roles in Makkah; her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal was a senior scholar of earlier scriptures who would later confirm the Prophet’s ﷺ mission, while her brother Al-Awwam was the father of the celebrated companion Az-Zubayr ibn Al-Awwam رضي الله عنه.
Before marrying the Prophet ﷺ, Khadijah رضي الله عنها had been widowed twice. Her first husband was Abu Hala ibn Zurara, with whom she had two sons, Hind and Hala. Her second husband was Atiya, with whom she had a daughter also named Hind. Left a widow at twenty-five, she spent the next fifteen years focused on her business. She was a phenomenally successful merchant, managing a trade caravan that equaled the combined value of all other Quraishi caravans and employing hundreds of servants. Despite her wealth, she was renowned for her humility and generosity, erecting a green silk pavilion over her home to signal to the poor, the orphaned, and the sick that her doors were always open.
Entrance into Islam
Khadijah’s رضي الله عنها path to Islam began with a business arrangement. Seeking an honest merchant for her caravans to Syria, she was referred to the young Muhammad ibn Abdullah ﷺ by her sister, Hala. The Prophet’s ﷺ success and nobility on that journey—noted by Khadijah’s servant Maysara—impressed her deeply. She chose him for marriage not for status, but for his husni khuluqika wa sidqi hadithik—“noble character and truthful tongue.”
When the first revelation descended in the cave of Hira fifteen years later, the Prophet ﷺ fled back to Khadijah رضي الله عنها, trembling and crying, “Zammiluni, zammiluni” (“Cover me, cover me”). Her response was a masterpiece of spiritual intuition. Before he was even certain of his own role, she affirmed it, telling him: “Kalla. Abshir. Fa wallahi la yukhzeekallahu abadan” (“No. Rejoice. By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you”). She cited his kindness to kin, his truthfulness, and his service to the poor as evidence that the Divine would only bring him good. Her declaration made her the first Muslim, accepting the faith without a moment of hesitation.
Life During the Prophethood
Khadijah’s رضي الله عنها marriage was a partnership of total devotion. Her home became the first sanctuary of Islam, housing not only their own children—including Fatima, Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, Al-Qasim, and Abdullah—but also those they cared for, such as Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه and the adopted Zaid ibn Harithah رضي الله عنه.
The Great Boycott
The most profound trial of her life was the three-year boycott of Banu Hashim. Though she was not a member of the boycotted clans and could have remained in the comfort of her home, she voluntarily chose to enter the siege to remain by the Prophet’s ﷺ side. A woman of sixty-five who had known only comfort, she was reduced to eating grass to survive. She used her wealth to secretly smuggle food to others in the starving community, never once complaining or blaming the Prophet ﷺ for the loss of her fortune and health.
Death
Khadijah رضي الله عنها died in 620 CE (the Year of Sorrow), just three days after the death of the Prophet’s ﷺ protector and uncle, Abu Talib. Her health had been shattered by the deprivation of the boycott. Shortly before her passing, Jibreel عليه السلام appeared to the Prophet ﷺ and instructed him to give her the glad tidings of a palace made of hollowed pearls in Paradise, where there would be no noise and no exhaustion—a fitting reward for a woman who provided the Prophet ﷺ with a home of perfect peace amidst the noise of Makkan persecution. The Prophet ﷺ personally lowered her into her grave in Al-Hajun, his heart broken by the loss of his greatest confidante.
Legacy
Khadijah’s رضي الله عنها legacy is woven into the very fabric of the faith. She provided the material wealth that sustained the early community and the emotional stability that anchored the Prophet ﷺ. Her children, particularly Fatima رضي الله عنها, carried on the prophetic lineage. Long after her death, the Prophet ﷺ continued to honor her memory, often sending gifts to her friends and declaring that no wife had ever surpassed her in the way she believed in him when others doubted.
Firsts & Distinctions
- The first person to accept Islam and believe in the Prophet ﷺ.
- The first to perform wudu and pray alongside the Prophet ﷺ.
- The first human being to receive the salam (greeting) of Allah.
- The first to receive a personal guarantee from an angel of a specific home in Paradise.
- She was the Mother of the Believers and the mother of all the Prophet’s ﷺ children except Ibrahim.
- Achieved “perfection of faith,” a status shared by very few in history.
Key Lessons
- Character over Standing: Khadijah رضي الله عنها chose the Prophet ﷺ for his honesty and character when he was a poor orphan, turning down the elite of Makkah.
- Affirmation in Crisis: Her ability to see the good in a terrifying moment of revelation shows that true support is identifying someone’s strengths when they are in doubt.
- Voluntary Sacrifice: She entered the boycott voluntarily, showing that a believer stands by the truth even when they have an “easy way out.”
- The Power of Silence: She never complained about her loss of wealth or health, teaching that contentment (rida) with Allah’s decree is a hallmark of perfected faith.
References & Further Reading
Classical Sources
- Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, Fath al-Bari
- Al-Bukhari, Sahih
- Imam al-Suheili
- Ibn Sunni
Further Reading
- Omar Suleiman, The Firsts: Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (Yaqeen Institute) — watch here