Early Life and Background
Born in 554 CE into the noble Quraysh tribe of Mecca, Hazrat Khadija was the daughter of Khuwaylid bin Asad. She inherited her father’s prosperous trading business, becoming one of the wealthiest and most respected women in Arabia. Known as al-Tahira (the Pure), she was admired for her honesty, integrity, and wisdom in a male-dominated society.
Marriage to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
At the age of 40, Hazrat Khadija proposed marriage to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who was 25 at the time. Impressed by his honesty and trustworthiness (he was known as al-Ameen), she entrusted him with her trade caravans before proposing. Their marriage was a harmonious partnership, marked by mutual respect and love. They had six children together: two sons, Qasim and Abdullah, who died young, and four daughters, Zaynab, Ruqayya, Umm Kulthum, and Fatima.
Her Role in the Early Days of Islam
Hazrat Khadija was the first person to believe in the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH). When he received his first revelation in the Cave of Hira and returned home distressed, she comforted him and affirmed his mission. She said, “Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your kith and kin, help the poor and destitute, serve your guests generously, and assist those who are afflicted by calamities” (Sahih Bukhari).
Her acceptance of Islam marked a pivotal moment in history. She became the first Muslim and supported the Prophet emotionally, spiritually, and financially. Her wealth was instrumental in funding the early propagation of Islam. She used her resources to free slaves who had embraced Islam and to support Muslims during their persecution.
Sacrifices for Islam
Hazrat Khadija’s sacrifices were unparalleled. During the three-year boycott imposed on Muslims by the Quraysh in She’b Abi Talib, she spent all her wealth to provide food and necessities for the Muslim community. Despite her affluence, she endured severe hardships alongside her husband and fellow believers.
Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) Love for Hazrat Khadija
Even after her passing, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) frequently spoke of her with deep affection. He once said: “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”. Her support gave him strength during some of his most challenging times.
Death and Legacy
Hazrat Khadija passed away in 619 CE during Ramadan, three years before the Hijrah (migration to Medina). Her death deeply grieved the Prophet; that year is known as Aam al-Huzn (the Year of Sorrow). She was buried in Jannat al-Mu’alla cemetery in Mecca.
Her legacy endures as one of the “Four Ladies of Heaven,” alongside Maryam (Mary), Asiya (Pharaoh’s wife), and Fatima (her daughter). She is honored as Umm-ul-Mu'mineen (Mother of Believers) for her unparalleled contributions to Islam.
Key Contributions to Islam
- First Convert: Hazrat Khadija was the first person to accept Islam.
- Financial Support: She used her wealth to support Muslims during persecution.
- Moral Support: Her encouragement strengthened Prophet Muhammad’s resolve.
- Role Model: Her character set an example for Muslim women as a devoted wife, mother, and believer.
Ahadith About Hazrat Khadija
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) frequently praised Hazrat Khadija:
- “The best women of humankind are four: Maryam bint Imran, Asiya wife of Pharaoh, Khadija bint Khuwaylid, and Fatima bint Muhammad” (Sahih Bukhari).
- Aisha (RA) narrated that whenever meat was slaughtered in their home, Prophet Muhammad would send portions to Khadija’s friends out of love for her memory.
Conclusion
Hazrat Khadija’s life is a testament to faith, resilience, and selflessness. Her unwavering support for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) laid the foundation for Islam’s growth during its most vulnerable period. Muslims worldwide continue to honor her contributions as an enduring symbol of devotion to Allah’s cause.
FAQs About Hazrat Khadija
Who was Hazrat Khadija?
Hazrat Khadija bint Khuwaylid was the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the first person to accept Islam. She was a successful businesswoman and a pillar of support for the Prophet.
What was Hazrat Khadija's role in early Islam?
She was the first believer, providing emotional and financial support to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during the early days of Islam. Her wealth helped fund the spread of Islam and support persecuted Muslims.
How did Hazrat Khadija support Prophet Muhammad?
She supported him emotionally by believing in his prophethood when others did not, and financially by using her wealth to aid Muslims during times of hardship.
What were Hazrat Khadija's contributions to Islam?
Her contributions included being the first Muslim, supporting the Prophet financially and emotionally, and setting an example for Muslim women as a devoted wife and mother.
When did Hazrat Khadija pass away?
Hazrat Khadija passed away in 619 CE during Ramadan, three years before the Hijrah.
What is Hazrat Khadija's legacy?
She is remembered as one of the “Four Ladies of Heaven” and is honored as Umm-ul-Mu'mineen for her contributions to Islam.
How did Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) remember Hazrat Khadija?
Even after her death, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) often spoke of her with affection and sent portions of meat to her friends as a gesture of love for her memory.
What lessons can be learned from Hazrat Khadija's life?
Her life teaches us about the importance of faith, resilience, and selflessness. She exemplifies how one can support a noble cause with unwavering dedication.
How is Hazrat Khadija remembered in Islamic history?
She is celebrated as a pioneering figure in Islam, known for her courage, generosity, and unwavering support for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
What is the significance of Hazrat Khadija's marriage to Prophet Muhammad?
Their marriage was significant because it provided a stable and supportive environment for the Prophet during his early prophetic years, allowing him to focus on his mission.
How did Hazrat Khadija handle the challenges faced by early Muslims?
She endured hardships alongside her husband and fellow believers, using her wealth to alleviate their suffering during times of persecution.
What is the historical context of Hazrat Khadija's life?
She lived in a society where women had limited rights, yet she was a successful businesswoman and a respected figure in Mecca. Her acceptance of Islam marked a pivotal moment in Islamic history.
How does Hazrat Khadija inspire Muslim women today?
She serves as a role model for Muslim women, demonstrating how to balance faith, family, and societal responsibilities with grace and strength.
What were Hazrat Khadija's major achievements in business?
She built one of Mecca’s largest trading enterprises through honesty and innovation while maintaining high-quality goods.
How did Hazrat Khadija influence early Islam?
She provided financial support, moral encouragement to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and set an example of resilience for Muslims.
What were key moments in Hazrat Khadija's life?
Inheriting her father’s business, marrying Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), accepting Islam first, and enduring hardships during the boycott.
How did Hazrat Khadija use her wealth for Islam?
She funded Islamic propagation efforts, supported persecuted Muslims financially, freed slaves, and provided food during crises.
What challenges did Hazrat Khadija face?
Widowhood before meeting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), opposition from Quraysh leaders, personal losses of children, and enduring hardships during persecution.
Hazrat Khadija’s life stands as a beacon of faith, courage, and generosity. Her contributions to Islam laid a strong foundation for its growth while inspiring countless generations with her legacy as a leader, philanthropist, and devoted believer.
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