Khadījah (خديجة) - Esteemed as Khadījatu ʾl-Kubrā, “Khadījah the Great.” She was the first wife of Prophet Muḥammad ﷺ, and the very first individual to believe in his divine mission. Khadījah was a revered woman from the Quraish tribe, known for her wealth and nobility. Born the daughter of K͟huwailid, who descended from Quṣaiy, she was a widow before marrying Muḥammad ﷺ, having previously been married twice and mothering three children.
At the age of forty, Khadījah married a young Muḥammad ﷺ, who was twenty-five, and remained his sole wife until her death. Her marriage to the Prophet was foundational; she provided remarkable emotional and financial support, significantly aiding the Prophet’s early mission. Khadījah passed away in December, A.D. 619 at the age of 65, after being Muḥammad’s cherished partner for twenty-five years.
Significantly, Khadījah bore Muḥammad ﷺ two sons—al-Qāṣim and ʿAbdu ʾllāh (also known as at̤-T̤aiyib and at̤-T̤āhir)—and four daughters: Zainab, Ruqaiyah, Fāt̤imah, and Umm Kuls̤ūm. Only Fāt̤imah survived Muḥammad ﷺ, and through her and her husband ʿAlī, a lineage of Saiyids descends, honored in liturgical prayers across the Muslim world.
The Prophet ﷺ’s deep affection for Khadījah continued throughout his life. Aʿishah reported her jealousy inspired by the Prophet’s constant reminiscences of Khadījah, his acts of kindness towards her friends, and his praises for her virtues and companionship.
Khadījah, acknowledged in Islamic tradition, is one of the four perfect women, alongside Fāt̤imah, the Virgin Mary, and Āsiyah, wife of Pharaoh. Her unparalleled contributions to the fledgling Islamic community exist in historical veneration and spiritual memory.
Etymology and Background
The name “Khadījah” derives from the Arabic root “kha-da-ja,” meaning premature birth or something that comes ahead of its expected time. The name beautifully symbolizes her role as an early and unwavering supporter of Prophet Muḥammad’s mission.
Cultural Differences and Similarities
Though figures similar to Khadījah exist in other cultures—noble women supporting prophetic missions—her unique position in Islamic history makes her recognized and commemorated particularly in Muslim societies. The cultural veneration differs from place to place, often echoing local historical and social values.
Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Molādã Kūrā (يكرذي أنوا)
- Al-Siddiqah (The Truthful)
Antonyms:
- Hypocrite (Munāfiq - منافق)
- Detractor
Related Terms With Definitions:
- Sahabah (صحابة): Companions of Prophet Muhammad including those who met and believed in him.
- Umm al-Mu’minin (أم المؤمنين): “Mother of the Believers,” a title for Prophet Muḥammad’s wives.
- Makkan Period: The initial phase of Muhammad’s prophethood before the migration to Medina.
Exciting Facts:
- Khadījah financed the early spread of Islam, significantly aiding its establishment.
- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ never remarried until after her death, showing a profound monogamous commitment.
- Khadījah was known for her business acumen, running a prosperous trade caravan.
Quotations from Notable Writers:
- Imam Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani: “Khadījah was the inheritor of fortitude and faith; the first to affirm the final messenger.”
- Fatimah Mernissi: “In Khadījah, women find the strength of leadership combined with the gentleness of motherhood.”
References and Suggested Literature:
- “Mothers of the Faithful” by Nabia Abbott
- “Women in Islam: An Anthology from Quran and Hadith” edited by Camille Adams Helminski
- “Al-Sira al-Nabawiyya” by Ibn Ishaq
Inspirational, Thought-Provoking Farewell:
As we look back on the enduring legacy of Khadījah (خديجة), may we find inspiration in her strength, faith, and unwavering support for the truth. Her story is not just of historical significance but a timeless testament to the transformative power of belief and love in pursuit of a noble cause.
رحمت اسانی، نویسنده افریقایی.
