Lady Khadija (Khadija bint Khuwaylid) was the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the first person to accept Islam. She was a wealthy and noble merchant in Mecca, known for her intelligence, integrity, and generosity. Khadija supported the Prophet both emotionally and financially during the early years of his prophethood, enduring hardships and persecution alongside him. Her unwavering faith and dedication earned her the title of “Mother of the Believers.”
Before the advent of Islam, Khadija, was considered one of the women of the Quraysh tribe to the extent that she was called the Lady of Quraysh women. Before marrying Prophet Muhammad, Khadija was engaged in trading, with Muhammad working in her caravan. Khadija later proposed Muhammad for his hand in marriage and they marry afterwards. This was 15 years before Muhammad’s prophethood. Khadija is the first wife of the Holy Prophet (pbuh) and the mother of Zahra and is known as Umm al-Mu’minin (mother of the believers). She was the first woman to believe in the Prophet (PBUH) and who prayed with Imam Ali (PBUH) behind them. Khadija (PBUH) used all her wealth to propagate Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) described her by saying: “There will be no one like Khadija. When people denied me, Khadija confirmed me and helped me with her wealth to advance the religion of God. God ordered me to give good news to Khadija about her emerald palace in heaven, where there is no suffering or hardship.” Lady Khadija passed away on the 10th of Ramadan in the 10th year of prophethood (around 619 CE). Her death was a profound loss to the Prophet, and the year of her passing is remembered as the “Year of Sorrow.” Khadija (pbuh) died three years before emigration to Medina, at the age of 65 in Mecca due to the difficult conditions of the Valley of abu Talib, where they had been under economic blockade by the polytheists for three years.
By: Dr. Reyhaneh Sadat Raisi
