🌟 Khadijah bint Khuwaylid: The Luminary of Early Islam
Definition
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (d. ca. 618 CE) was the first wife of Prophet Muhammad, and his only wife until her passing. She is celebrated as the mother of Fatimah and other children of Prophet Muhammad, and she holds the distinction of being the first person to believe in the Prophet’s divine mission.
Etymology and Background
- Etymology: The name Khadijah (خديجة) in Arabic means “premature” or “early-born”.
- Background: Khadijah, a wealthy and noble widow from the Quraysh tribe, hired the young Muhammad to manage her trade caravans. Impressed by his integrity and skills, she later proposed marriage. Khadijah was around forty at the time, and Muhammad was twenty-five. Their union was monogamous and deeply supportive.
Historical Significance
- Supportive Wife: Khadijah was not just a spouse but Muhammad’s confidante, adviser, and staunchest supporter. When Muhammad received his first revelation, it was Khadijah who consoled him and affirmed his experience.
- Wealth and Influence: Her wealth played a crucial role in supporting the early Muslim community during the difficult formative years. Khadijah’s social standing and resources significantly bolstered Islam’s fledgling days.
- First Believer: Revered as the first to embrace Islam, her belief and encouragement were foundational during the initial period of the Prophet’s mission.
Cultural Context
- Arabian Peninsula: Khadijah’s life and contributions are contextualized within the pre-Islamic Arabian Peninsula, a patriarchal society where women’s roles were often overlooked. Her status as a businesswoman and her marriage to Muhammad were extraordinary.
- Global Perspectives: Across the Islamic world, Khadijah is celebrated for her faith and commitment. Her story is inspirational to Muslim women globally, encouraging a balance between personal faith and broader societal roles.
Synonyms
- The Faithful Wife: Reflecting her unwavering loyalty and belief in Muhammad.
- Mother of Fatimah: Signifying her role in parenting an essential figure in Islam.
Antonyms
- Non-believer: Opposite to her role as the first convert to Islam.
- Obstructive: In contrast to her unwavering support.
Related Terms
- Fatimah (فاطمة): Khadijah’s daughter, an important figure in Islam.
- Prophet Muhammad (محمد): The last Prophet in Islam and Khadijah’s husband.
- Quraysh (قريش): The leading tribe in Mecca to which Khadijah belonged.
Exciting Facts
- Wealthy Businesswoman: Before marrying Muhammad, Khadijah was already a prominent businesswoman, handling extensive trade routes from Mecca to Syria and Yemen.
- Private Marriage: Their marriage ceremony wasn’t flamboyant, symbolizing their sincere and humble union.
- Four Daughters: Khadijah bore Muhammad through four daughters and at least two sons.
- Spiritual Fortress: Despite mounting societal pressures and ostracism, Khadijah remained a spiritual and emotional pillar of strength for the Prophet.
Quotations
- Muhammad on Khadijah: “She believed in me when no one else did; she accepted Islam when people rejected me, and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a helping hand.” - Prophet Muhammad.
Further Reading
- *“In the Footsteps of Khadija: A Storyteller’s Adventure” by Fatimah Asad
- *“Khadija: The First Muslim and the Favorite Wife” by Michael Cook
- *“The Life of the Prophet Muhammad: Volume I” by Ibn Ishaq (Translated)
- Academic exposes on women in early Islam and their roles.
Quizzes
### Who was Khadijah bint Khuwaylid?
- [x] The first wife of Prophet Muhammad and the first person to believe in his prophethood.
- [ ] The mother of Prophet Muhammad.
- [ ] A political leader of Mecca.
- [ ] Prophet Muhammad's daughter.
> **Explanation:** Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was the first wife of Prophet Muhammad and is celebrated as the first person to believe in his divine mission.
### What was Khadijah’s economic status before marrying Muhammad?
- [x] A wealthy and successful businesswoman.
- [ ] A modest merchant.
- [ ] A craftswoman.
- [ ] An employee of the Meccan council.
> **Explanation:** Khadijah was known for her substantial wealth and successful business operations, which she managed herself.
### How old was Khadijah when she married Prophet Muhammad?
- [x] Around forty years old.
- [ ] Twenty-five years old.
- [ ] Thirty years old.
- [ ] Fifty years old.
> **Explanation:** Khadijah was around forty years old, while the Prophet was twenty-five when they married.
### What role did Khadijah play in early Islam?
- [x] She was the first supporter and believer in Prophet Muhammad's mission.
- [ ] She led battles for Islam.
- [ ] She wrote the Qur'an.
- [ ] She was a political leader in Medina.
> **Explanation:** Khadijah is celebrated as the first and earliest believer in Islam, providing emotional and financial support to Prophet Muhammad.
### Which tribe did Khadijah belong to?
- [x] Quraysh
- [ ] Ansar
- [ ] Banu Hashim
- [ ] Banu Umayya
> **Explanation:** Khadijah was a part of the Quraysh tribe, which was Mecca’s leading tribe.
### What significant event did Khadijah console Muhammad after?
- [x] His first revelation at Hira
- [ ] The Night Journey
- [ ] The Treaty of Hudaibiyah
- [ ] The Battle of Badr
> **Explanation:** After Prophet Muhammad’s first revelation at the cave of Hira, it was Khadijah who consoled and reassured him.
### How many children did Khadijah have with Muhammad?
- [x] Six
- [ ] Two
- [ ] Four
- [ ] Eight
> **Explanation:** Khadijah and Muhammad had six children together, including four daughters and two sons.
### Where is Khadijah buried?
- [x] Jannat al-Mu’alla cemetery in Mecca.
- [ ] Al-Baqi' cemetery in Medina.
- [ ] Karbala in Iraq.
- [ ] Najaf in Iraq.
> **Explanation:** Khadijah is buried in Jannat al-Mu’alla cemetery in Mecca.
Remember, each term in our faith lexicon is not just a word but a portal to a vast history and profound insights. As you delve into these narratives, allow them to inspire and guide your understanding and spirituality.
In the spirit of Khadijah’s unwavering faith and strength, may we find the courage to support and uplift one another.
Warm regards, Saad Al-Rashid October 4, 2023
