Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid stands as one of the most revered and influential figures in Islamic history. As the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) and the first person to believe in his divine mission, Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid occupies a uniquely honored place among the women of Islam. Her unwavering faith, exceptional character, and remarkable support of the Prophet (PBUHH) during the most challenging years of early Islam mark her as a cornerstone in the foundation of the Muslim community.
The legacy of Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid continues to inspire generations of believers, especially women, through her example of strength, sacrifice, and devotion. Studying the status and virtues of Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid is not only an exploration of her noble biography but also a means to understand the vital role women have played in the advancement of Islam.
Lineage and Early Life
Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid was born into a noble and respected family of the Quraysh tribe in Mecca, one of the most prominent tribes in Arabia. Her father, Khuwaylid ibn Asad[1] while her mother, Fāṭimah bint Zāʾidah[2], came from a similarly prestigious background. This noble lineage contributed to Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid’s reputation as a woman of high status, integrity, and honor even before the advent of Islam. She is believed to have been born fifteen years before the Year of the Elephant (ʿĀm al-Fīl), around 555 CE, in Mecca[3].
Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid was widely admired for her chastity, generosity, and intelligence. Despite living in a patriarchal society, she managed a thriving trade business, earning her the title Amīrat al-Quraysh (Princess of Quraysh). Her wealth and business acumen placed her among the most influential individuals in Meccan society.
Marriage to the Prophet Muhammad
The marriage of Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) is one of the most significant and inspiring unions in Islamic history. At the time, Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid was a wealthy and respected merchant, while Muhammad (PBUHH), though not yet a prophet, was renowned for his honesty and trustworthiness, earning him the title al-Amīn (the Trustworthy). Their marriage was not only a bond of love and mutual respect but also a spiritual partnership that would form the bedrock of the early Muslim community.
Impressed by Muhammad’s (PBUHH) integrity and business ethics, Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid employed him to manage one of her trade caravans. Upon his return from Syria, with both profits and reports of his virtuous conduct, she was moved to propose marriage through a trusted intermediary[4].
Their marriage was monogamous and deeply affectionate. Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid was the first person to accept Islam after the Prophet received revelation, standing firmly by his side as his most loyal companion and supporter. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) would often recall her with deep love, saying, “She believed in me when people disbelieved in me, she confirmed my words when people rejected me, and she supported me with her wealth when people deprived me.[5]”
Through this sacred union, Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid gave birth to several children, including Fatimah al-Zahra (ʿa.s), the mother of the Imams of the Ahl al-Bayt. Their home was a sanctuary of divine mercy, patience, and unwavering commitment to the path of truth.
Support for the Prophetic Mission
Among the most outstanding virtues of Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid was her unwavering support for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) during the most critical and trying periods of the early Islamic mission. When the first revelation descended upon the Prophet in the cave of Ḥirāʾ, it was Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid who received him with calm reassurance and unconditional belief. She became the first Muslim, affirming his prophethood without hesitation and consoling him in his moment of awe and uncertainty[6].
Her support went beyond words; Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid used her wealth, influence, and status to protect and empower the nascent Muslim community. She financed the Prophet’s mission, offering her resources for the propagation of Islam, the protection of converts, and the welfare of the oppressed. The Prophet (PBUHH) once said, “Prophet Muhammad (s) always said: “No money was profitable for me the way the wealth of Khadijah (a) was[7].”
One of the most severe trials in the early years of Islam was the boycott of the Banū Hāshim in the valley of Abū Ṭālib, known as Shiʿb Abī Ṭālib. For three years, the Prophet (PBUHH), Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid, and other family members endured hunger, thirst, and isolation. Her resilience during this siege became a symbol of patience and sacrifice in Islamic tradition. According to a narration: “Abu Talib and Khadija (a) dedicated all their wealth to protecting Islam and helping the boycotted Muslims[8].”
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) never forgot her dedication. Years after her death, he would frequently speak of Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid, honoring her memory, praising her virtues, and expressing deep love for her. His loyalty to her was so profound that ʿĀʾishah, one of his later wives, once said, “I never felt so jealous of any woman as I did of Khadija, though she had died three years before the Prophet married me, and that was because I heard him mentioning her too often…[9]”
Spiritual Virtues and Faith
The spiritual stature of Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid is among the highest ever attained by any woman in Islam. Her faith was not merely a passive belief but an active, living commitment that radiated through her actions, her sacrifices, and her unwavering loyalty to the message of Islam. As the first person to accept the prophethood of Muhammad (PBUHH), Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid is often described by scholars as the “Mother of Believers”.
Additionally, several narrations describe how Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid was honored by the Almighty through the Angel Jibrīl (Gabriel). In a well-authenticated ḥadīth, the angel said to the Prophet: “Here is Khadija coming to you with a dish of food or a tumbler containing something to drink. Convey to her a greeting from her Lord (Allah) and give her the glad tidings that she will have a palace in Paradise built of Qasab wherein there will be neither any noise nor any fatigue (trouble)[10].”
Recognition by the Prophet and the Ahl al-Bayt
The honor and recognition given to Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) and the Ahl al-Bayt (ʿa.s) are unmatched. Her name was continually invoked by the Prophet with reverence, gratitude, and love—long after her passing. In every mention, Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid was remembered not merely as his wife, but as his most loyal supporter and the first cornerstone of the Islamic household.
The Prophet (PBUHH) once remarked: “She believed in me when people disbelieved in me, she confirmed my words when people rejected me, and she supported me with her wealth when people deprived me.[11]”
Her legacy was not only preserved by the Prophet (PBUHH) but also cherished by the Ahl al-Bayt. Her daughter, Lady Fāṭimah al-Zahraʾ (ʿa.s), carried forward the virtues of Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid, and the Imams from her lineage often referenced her lofty station.
The Prophet (PBUHH) often mentioned Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid among the four greatest women of all time, alongside Lady Maryam, Lady Āsiyah, and Lady Fāṭimah (ʿa.s). “Sufficient for you among the women of mankind are Mariam bint ‘Imran, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Fatimah bint Muhammad and Asiyah the wife of Fir’awn[12].”
The spiritual recognition of Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid continues in Islamic scholarship and devotion. Scholars, both classical and contemporary, underscore that her unwavering faith and sacrifices place her among the highest exemplars of female piety and dignity in Islam.
Legacy and Relevance Today
The legacy of Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid endures as a shining example for Muslims across generations. Her life story continues to inspire not only women but all believers who strive to embody faith, sacrifice, and moral integrity in their personal and public lives. In an age when Islam was surrounded by hostility, it was Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid who laid the first spiritual and material foundations of the Prophet’s household and mission.
Her unwavering support for Islam—spiritually, emotionally, and economically—makes her a timeless symbol of strength and devotion. Muslim women today see in Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid a model of empowerment rooted in faith. She was a successful businesswoman, a devoted wife, and a courageous believer. Her example proves that spiritual leadership and societal contribution are not mutually exclusive.
Throughout Islamic literature, Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid is remembered in both Sunni and Shiʿi traditions as one of the four greatest women of all time. Her virtues are referenced in sermons, lectures, books, and educational curricula worldwide. She continues to be honored through commemorative gatherings (majālis), especially in the month of Ramaḍān, during which she passed away—a month that became known to the Prophet (PBUHH) as the “Year of Sorrow”.
Conclusion
Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid holds a unique and unparalleled place in Islamic history. As the first believer in the message of Islam, her unwavering faith, immense sacrifices, and enduring support for the Prophet Muhammad (PBUHH) not only shaped the early Islamic community but also set a powerful example for all generations. Her life was a blend of intellectual, spiritual, and material contributions to Islam, showcasing that true greatness in Islam arises from a balanced commitment to both faith and action.
Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid’s spiritual strength, unmatched loyalty, and wisdom make her a role model for women and men alike in the modern world. Her legacy continues to inspire Muslims today, particularly in the way she combined the roles of a successful businesswoman, a loving spouse, and a steadfast believer. The modern world, with its numerous challenges and demands, can still draw lessons from her example—lessons of resilience, empowerment, and service to a greater cause. Her story remains an enduring testament to the power of faith, sacrifice, and integrity.
Her contemporary relevance serves as a beacon for Muslims worldwide, demonstrating that piety and professional success can go hand in hand and that a strong moral foundation is key to navigating the complexities of modern life. Lady Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid will forever remain a figure whose life continues to guide and inspire, transcending time and context.
Notes
[1] . Ibn Athīr, Usd al-ghāba, vol. 6, p. 78.
[2] . Ibn ʿAbd al-Barr, al-Istīʿāb, vol. 4, p. 17.
[3] . Ibn Saʿd, al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā, vol. 8, p. 13.
[4] . Ibn Kathīr, al-Bidāya wa l-nihāya, vol. 2, p. 293; Ibn Sayyid al-Nās, ʿUyūn al-athar, vol. 1, p. 63.
[5] . Musnad Aḥmad, ḥadīth no. 24864.
[6] . Ibn Kathīr, al-Bidāya wa l-nihāya, vol. 3, p.23; vol. 4, p. 817.
[7] . Majlisī, Biḥār al-anwār, vol. 19, p. 63.
[8] . Majlisī, Biḥār al-anwār, vol. 19, p. 16.
[9] . Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Ismail, Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, vol. 6, p. 163, ḥadīth no. 3399.
[10] . Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Ismail, Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī, vol. 11, p. 177, hadith no. 6719
[11] . Ibn Hambal, Ahmad (1995). Musnad Aḥmad, vol. 41, p. 356, ḥadīth no. 24864.
[12] . Tirmidhi, Muhammad ibn Isa, Jami` at-Tirmidhi, vol. 5, p. 515, hadith 3877.
References
Bukhari, Muhammad ibn Ismail, Sahih al-Bukhari. Cairo: Ministry of Endownment, 1989.
Ibn ʿAbd al-Barr, Yūsuf b. Abd Allah. Al-Istīʿāb fī maʿrifat al-aṣḥāb. Edited by ʿAlī Muḥammad al-Bajāwī. Beirut: Dār al-Jayl, 1412 AH.
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Ibn Hambal, Ahmad, Musnad al-Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal. Beirut: Mu’assasat al-Risalat, 1995.
Ibn Saʿd, Muḥammad b. Manīʿ al-Ḥāshimī al-Baṣrī. Al-Ṭabaqāt al-kubrā. Edited by Muḥammad ʿAṭā. Beirut: Dār al-Kutub al-ʿIlmīyya, 1415 AH.
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