Two Esteemed Women
Two Esteemed Women
Hazrat Khadija Tul Kubra رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا was born in Makka. She was the daughter of Khuwaylid Ibn Asad. She was the first wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Hazrat Khadija Tul Kubra رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا is referred as "The Mother of Believers".
She was born 15 years before the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in one of the most honorable households of Quraysh. She was known for her purity and chastity before Islam. She was already nicknamed: al-Tahira; al-Afifah; and al-Sharifah.
She never worshipped their idols. Regarding her lineage, she had the honor that her lineage connects with the blessed lineage of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Hazrat Khadija Bint Khuwaylid رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا was an exceptionally successful merchant known for her generosity and compassion. She provided food and clothing to the poor, supported her relatives financially, and helped impoverished relations with marriage expenses.
Notably, she rejected idol worship, a departure from the norm in pre-Islamic Arabian society. Described as "resolute and noble" by Abd al-Malik ibn Hisham, she commanded significant respect within her tribe.
According to traditional sources, she played a pivotal role in Muhammad's ﷺ early prophethood. Her wealth afforded him the opportunity to reflect and meditate, while her reassurance strengthened his belief in the authenticity of his initial revelations.
Her contributions were instrumental in the early development of Islam, particularly during times of adversity when the faith faced relentless persecution. Hazrat Khadija's رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا unwavering faith in Allah and her steadfast support of Muhammad's ﷺ mission served as a lifeline for Islam during challenging times.
She epitomizes the guardian of the pathway to Allah's pleasure and holds the key to success in both worlds. Through her selflessness, she aided the marginalized in Makka and became Muhammad's ﷺ first convert to Islam, utilizing her wealth and influence to propagate its teachings.
Hazrat Khadija's رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا enterprise surpassed all other Quraysh trades combined, renowned for its fair dealings and high-quality merchandise. Operating on an extensive scale, she sought intelligent, sensible, and trustworthy workers to facilitate her business endeavors.
She chose to marry the Beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ upon witnessing his noble character, becoming a steadfast supporter during the early days of Islam. Generous by nature, she spent liberally, demonstrating her commitment to philanthropy.
Her astute business acumen enabled her to rival competitors, managing caravans as large as those of all her Meccan counterparts combined. Recognized for her discernment, she employed skilled caravan agents who later proved their expertise in desert navigation.
Hazrat Khadija Kubra رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا was born into a life of privilege, her family holding importance and wealth in Mecca. Despite the opportunity for a life of ease, she was a woman of intelligence and industry, finding fulfillment in business and honing her skills.
Following her father's passing, she assumed leadership of the family business, overseeing its prosperous growth. Compassionate and diligent, Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا generously supported various causes, aiding the poor, sick, disabled, widows, orphans, and facilitating marriages for impoverished couples.
Hailing from the distinguished Banu Asad Ibn ʿAbd alʿUzza Ibn Qusay lineage within the Quraysh tribe, she held a revered position in society. Even before Islam, she was known as Tahirah, reflecting her purity and honor.
Due to her noble lineage and esteemed social standing, she was revered as Sayyidat Nisaʾ Quraysh, the foremost among the women of Quraysh. Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا was an esteemed and respected figure, recognized as one of the wealthiest women of her time.
Hazrat Khadija father name was Khuwaylid, like many members of the Quraysh tribe of Mecca, a merchant who had amassed a fortune through foreign trade. Her family was esteemed as one of the noblest and most honorable in all of Arabia, not only for its wealth but also for its exemplary character.
Upon her father's passing, Khadija Al Kubra رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا and her siblings inherited his wealth, a circumstance that could have tempted them towards a life of idleness and luxury. However, she recognized the dual nature of wealth and resolved not to succumb to its pitfalls. Endowed with exceptional intelligence and strength of character, she embarked on a mission to expand her family's business into an empire.
Though she had many siblings, Hazrat Khadija alone seemed to inherit her father's knack for wealth generation. Demonstrating her entrepreneurial prowess, she rapidly expanded the family business, using its profits to aid the disadvantaged—providing for the poor, widows, orphans, the sick, and the disabled. She even ensured the marriage of impoverished girls by providing them with dowries.
Managing her enterprise with skill and integrity, she conducted trade between Mecca, Syria, and Yemen, surpassing all other Quraysh traders in both scale and reputation for fair dealings and high-quality goods. With a sizable workforce at her command, including trusted agents who oversaw transactions and managed finances, Hazrat Khadija's رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا business flourished under her capable leadership.
Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا was a remarkable and exemplary figure in every aspect — her lineage, nobility, impeccable manners, character, wealth, and her tireless efforts for the people. She was a unique personality of her time, blessed with the privilege of becoming the wife of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Known for her generosity, Bibi Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا spent openly and selflessly, rejecting a life of luxury to devote herself entirely to serving the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Her steadfast commitment and willingness to endure hardships and difficulties are clear indications of her sincere love for him.
As a savvy businesswoman, Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا always sought out competent and honest individuals to represent her in trade ventures, demonstrating her grace and wisdom. She established herself as a successful trader, leveraging her skills and acumen in the field.
Even when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ retreated to the cave of Hira on Mount Noor for reflection and meditation, it was Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا herself who would climb up to deliver his food and necessities. She holds the distinction of being the first individual to embrace Islam at the Prophet's ﷺ instruction.
Khadijatul Kubra رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا was a well-known personality of the Quraysh. She had a strong personality and single-handedly managed the trade business of her late father. Due to her strength and strong image, she expanded the business to many parts of Arabia.
She was considered one of the successful businesswomen of that time. She did not travel with her trade caravans; instead, she employed others to trade on her behalf for a commission. Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا needed a co-worker for a transaction in Syria.
She hired Muhammad ﷺ, who was then 25 years old, for the trade in Syria, sending word that she would pay double his usual commission. With the permission of Abu Talib ibn Muttalib, his uncle, Muhammad ﷺ was sent to Syria with one of Hazrat Khadija's رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا servants.
She sent one of her servants, Maysarah, to assist him. Upon returning, Maysarah gave an account of the honorable way in which Muhammad ﷺ had conducted his business, bringing back twice as much profit as she had expected.
She was so impressed by her agent's ability and integrity that she decided to put him in charge of all her future business transactions. Word soon got out that there is a young man who deals with honest and fair means and is known as "Sadiq" and "Amin".
Hazrat Khadija tul Kubra رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا had heard of the integrity, honesty, and principled behavior of the Prophet ﷺ and sent a job offer to him to head her trading caravans. The commercial expedition of Muhammad ﷺ to Syria turned out to be the prelude to his marriage with her.
He led the caravan, and impressed by his qualities, Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا offered him to join her trade business. He ﷺ accepted the offer. When he first went on his business trip, she asked her servant to go and check.
The servant returned and gave her the report that he had never met such a gentle, honest, righteous man before. Until then, she had refused to marry again and had rejected many suitors, but the young Muhammad ﷺ caught her attention and admiration for his qualities, which made Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا change her mind and propose to him, despite his humble condition.
When he returned home, Maysarah reported to Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا all that had taken place on the trip to Syria. She was deeply moved and impressed, and started thinking of proposing marriage to Muhammad ﷺ. She chose to become the wife of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ upon witnessing his lofty character.
Bibi Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا was the first wife of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ. She was a pillar of support for him during the initial phases of Islam. Upon receiving the first revelation, the Beloved Prophet ﷺ was overwhelmed by the power of the divine word descending unto his heart.
She exerted herself for the glory of Islam and the happiness of our Beloved Prophet ﷺ. She had the honor that her lineage connects with the blessed lineage of the Beloved Prophet ﷺ. One of her brilliant attributes is that she was the first woman to accept Islam.
It was she who comforted him in the most trying times. Her presence was a great solace for him. Her wealth allowed him the leisure to meditate, and she reassured him of the authenticity of his first revelations, giving him the help and inspiration he needed to spread Islam.
Khadijah Kubra رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا spent all her wealth on inviting people to Islam and promoting the religion. The significance of her role can only be understood by those who have experienced the responsibility of contributing aid to fighters during times of conflict and repression.
Throughout Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ formative years as a prophet, she stood by his side, offering him guidance and emotional support. Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ perseverance in his mission to spread the message of Islam was significantly aided by her support and encouragement.
The early years of Islam were significantly influenced by Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا. She provided both financial and emotional support for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and it was her wealth that allowed him to concentrate on fulfilling his prophetic mission without concern for his financial situation.
In the early years, when the growth of Islam was slow and increasingly dangerous, Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا protected Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with her political power and influence. She made her entire fortune an endowment for Islam. That endowment could not have come at a more opportune time for Islam.
Khadija Bint al Khuwaylid رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا submitted to Islam upon the very first days in which Islam came into existence; she made the greatest efforts as a perfect, wise, and magnanimous woman. When Quraish turned their back on him, she gave him all her wealth to support him.
She provided instrumental support in Muhammad’s ﷺ early prophethood. She never wavered in her belief in his Prophethood, which enabled him to overcome the difficulties he encountered in the early days of Islam. The early Islamic teachings and practices were also shaped by her encouragement and leadership.
When necessary, she supported his followers, too. Another great attribute of Khadija Tul Kubra رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا is that she was generous and used to spend open-heartedly. She told her husband that all her vast wealth was his, and he could spend it just as he wished.
Khadija Bint Khuwaylid رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا financially supported him so he could preach with all his heart and energy; she sustained him in this way for the rest of her life. She left her comfortable home to join her husband, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, in hiding.
Three years of rugged living followed, during which Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا depleted her entire large fortune supporting the followers of Islam. But material wealth was not the only investment that Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا made in Islam. She also invested her time, talent, energy, spirit, and heart in Islam - an investment otherwise known as commitment.
She knew her spouse's dreams and hopes, and she shared them all with him. Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا was an eyewitness of the birth of Islam. She nursed it through its infancy, through its most difficult, and through its most formative years. Islam was given shape and design in her home.
Khadīja Bint Khuwaylid رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا was a great and perfect lady from every perspective: her lineage, nobility, excellent manners, character, wealth, and brilliant work for the people. She was a unique personality of her age.
In those times of stress and distress, she was a bastion of strength for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It was only because of her and Abu Talib that the polytheists could not disrupt his work of preaching and propagating Islam.
She made, in this manner, a most important contribution to the survival and propagation of Islam. Hazrat Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا set basic standards that spell domestic peace, harmony, happiness, and fulfillment, and she upheld and reflected them in her life.
She demonstrated that the key to a family's strength and happiness is the degree of emotional closeness between its members. She spelled out the rights and duties of husbands and wives.
The strength of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا character and her dignified femininity made her an exceptional woman. She was cherished by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and was remembered for her fortitude, kindness, and faith. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ continued to show his love for her even after she passed away by sending food and assistance to her friends and family.
Hazrat Khadija grave is situated in Jannat al-Mualla cemetery, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Khadija tul Kubra رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا is recognized as a great woman. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ revered Hazrat Khadijah's رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا memory for the rest of his life, consistently holding her up to both men and women as a model of intelligence, virtue, courage, and devotion to family and to Allah.
She is revered by Muslims worldwide and honored with the titles First Believer and Mother of Believers. Her life is a testament to the transformative power of faith, resilience, and wisdom. Her legacy serves as a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path for personal growth, empowerment, and selfless service.
In an era of transient values and fleeting successes, her life offers timeless principles that can guide us in our personal and communal journeys. Whenever the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ went to sit in the cave of Hira on Jabal-e-Noor, it was Bibi Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَا who used to go up there and bring him food and necessities.
She used to help the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ spread the teachings of Islam by using her riches and influence. She stood by him once he proclaimed himself the divine messenger of a new religion after receiving a revelation from Allah Almighty.
Because of her devotion towards her husband, Khadija رَضِیَ اللہُ تَعَالٰی عَنہَاis regarded as having played a pivotal impact in the history of Islam. She had a charming personality like no other person.
