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KHADIJAH: the first Muslim The first woman to follow the religion of Islam was Khadijah daughter of Khuwailid. Every Muslim knows who she was and she is such a great role model to all women all over the world. She is the ideal successful woman in the eyes of every Muslim. She was and still is a great example for all. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that she was one of the four greatest women on earth along with Mariam, daughter of ‘Imran and mother of Jesus; Aasia, wife of Pharaoh of Egypt; and Fatimah, daughter of Muhammad. Khadijah was born in the year 555 C.E. Her parents were Khuwailid and Fatimah daughter of Zaidah. She was an exceptionally charming person. Her sound moral reputation had earned her the honoured title of Tahira, meaning ‘the pious lady’. She was known as a wealthy, noble, fine-natured businesswoman. Khadijah was a graceful widow of forty when she came in contact with the 25 year old Muhammad (pbuh). Young Muhammad’s moral integrity impressed her most. Like her, he too had earned the honoured title of Ameen, which means ’the trustworthy’. She sent him a proposal to ask him to handle some of her business affairs. On the return from one trip to Syria, he reported a profit that doubled that which anyone else had done for her, that impressed her greatly! Khadijah's satisfaction with her new employee was soon to turn into love. Despite their age difference of 15 years, she desired to marry him. She confided this desire to her friend, Nafeesa, who was a wise woman. Nafeesa approached Muhammad (pbuh) and said, “Why don’t you get married?” He replied, “I don’t have the requisite resources”. How could such a noble woman, who had turned down the marriage proposals of the noblest and wealthiest Quraysh men, desire to marry him?! Muhammad’s Uncle Abu Talib and Khadijah's uncle 'Umar ibn Asad sat down to arrange the completion of the marriage. Khadijah and Muhammad (pbuh) were blessed with six children. They were given two boys, Qasim and 'Abdullah, but neither survived infancy. They were also given four daughters, Zainab, Ruqaiyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah.
"Rejoice, O son of my uncle, and be of good heart. Surely by Him in whose hand is my soul, I have hoped that you will be the prophet of this people. You have never done any wrong to anyone. You are kind to others and you help the poor. So Allah will not let you down." He then asked for a blanket and she quickly fulfilled his request. Shortly thereafter, he fell asleep. When Muhammad woke, Khadijah took him to her cousin, Waraqah bin Nawfal. He was Christian and quite knowledgeable of the scriptures of the Torah and Bible. He confirmed Muhammad's Prophethood and said: "This is the same one who keeps the secrets (angel Gabriel) whom Allah had sent to Moses. I wish I were young and could live up to the time when your people would turn you out." Just a few months later Gabriel came again and ordered him to start warning the people. Khadijah supported him in this by financially supporting the family and his teaching. She was also content to raise the children and handle the family affairs so that he could preach. During the next 10 years, she proved herself to be a loving wife. She supported him when nobody else would. She consoled him when rough time hit them. She comforted and encouraged him when the Quraysh did all they could to stop him from preaching. Khadijah remained the only wife of Muhammad until her death at the age of 65. She died on 10 Ramadan 620 C.E. in the 10th year of Prophethood. Long after her death, Muhammad remembered and honoured her often. There is a lesson in Khadijah's life. She accepted and started working for the religion of Islam after the first revelation. This not only made her the first Muslim but also a role model for women today. She led the example of a good, loving wife. She also showed us how to forget the desires of this life and work only for the good of Islam. Khadijah truly was a righteous woman! by Iman Rustom |
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