Khadija bint Khuwaylid holds the prime position in Islamic history for being the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) and the first lady who accepted Islam. Born into a richly rewarded and highly regarded Quraysh family in Mecca, Khadija attained a reputation for intelligence, good business sense, and great integrity. Since she was twice widowed, she became a successful merchant and employed men to manage her trade caravans.
It was for this reason that Khadija had first met Muhammad (S.A.W), when she employed him to manage her trade caravans. Pleased with his integrity and skill, she soon made a proposal of marriage to him. Muhammad was 25 years old at this time, and Khadija was 40 years old. Their marriage was a marriage based on mutual respect and love; thus, a strong partnership was set which would support Muhammad during his prophetic mission.
She played an important role in the early days of Islam: when Muhammad received his first revelation from the Angel Gabriel, he was frightened and perplexed. Khadija comforted him and reassured him that he indeed was a prophet. She was the first to believe in his message and stood by him through thick and thin in the early days when Islam struggled to find its feet.
They had several children, including daughters such as Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, Fatimah, and sons such as Qasim and Abdullah. Khadija's support gave Muhammad the latitude to delve deep into the Divine Mission, while her purse helped keep the small Muslim community going when persecution was at its height.
Khadija's legacy extends beyond the role of wife. She is remembered for her compassion, strength, and commitment to the cause of Islam. Her death in 619 CE grieved Muhammad, who referred to her as "the mother of believers." Her life is a manifestation of loyalty and bravery and is an example to millions of Muslims even today.
In short, Khadija bint Khuwaylid was not only a great wife but also a prime mover in the whole movement to establish Islam as a world force. In a nutshell, this captures the spirit of support and faith that is in-built in the Muslim story. Her influence and sacrifices continue to be honored in the Islamic tradition.
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