She was one of the noblest women around, coming from a very prominent family. She was also quite beautiful and the holder of a considerable amount of wealth, being a prominent businesswoman.
To marry her would have been a great feat for any man, and indeed, quite a few of the most prominent and wealthy men in society had asked for her hand. Yet, she rejected them all; already being a widow, she had lost the desire to marry again.
Until he came into her life. He was young man of 25, and although he was also of a noble family, he was an orphan and was not a man of many means. He had made a meager living tending sheep in the hills surrounding the city. Yet, he had an impeccable moral character, and he was widely known as one of the most honest men around. That is what attracted her to him. She was looking for someone honest who could conduct business for her, as she - a woman in a fiercely patriarchal society - could not do it herself. So, he started working for her.
Upon his return from his first business trip, she asked about him from the servant she had dispatched to accompany him. The servant's report left her astonished: this young man was the kindest, gentlest soul he had ever encountered. Not once did he treat the servant harshly, a stark contrast to the norm among many others. But there was more to the tale that captivated her attention.
The servant recounted a remarkable incident: as they journeyed through the scorching desert, a cloud had miraculously followed them, providing constant shade from the relentless sun. This extraordinary occurrence seemed to reflect the young man's blessed nature. Impressed by both his character and the divine signs that accompanied him, the businesswoman found herself deeply moved by her new employee.
Not only did this young man embody kindness and integrity, but he also revealed himself to be an astute businessman. He took his employer's merchandise, sold it, and with the profits bought more goods, which he then sold again, thus doubling the gains. This display of wisdom and diligence deeply impressed her. The embers of love in her heart, long extinguished were kindled anew. She found herself drawn to his character and capabilities, recognizing in him a rare blend of virtue and intelligence. Resolute in her decision, she resolved to marry this exceptional young man, who was 15 years younger than her.
After hearing about the young man's success in trading, the businesswoman was deeply moved and impressed. She desired to propose to him but was unsure how to express her thoughts. So, she sent one of her close friends, Nafisah bint Manbah, to approach him. Nafisah asked him if she could pose a personal question.
"Why are you not married yet?" she inquired.
"My living conditions and financial situation do not allow me to get married," he responded.
Nafisah then asked, "What if I could offer you a wife of nobility, beauty, and wealth? Would you be interested?"
He replied affirmatively, but when Nafisah mentioned her friend, the young employee chuckled in amazement.
"How could I marry her? She has turned down the most noble men in the city, much wealthier and more prominent than I, a poor shepherd," he said.
"Don't you worry," Nafisah reassured him. "I'll take care of it."
The young man discussed the matter with his uncles, who were pleased with the good news and began arranging the marriage for their blessed nephew.
Not long after, the wealthy businesswoman married her young employee. This union marked the beginning of one of the most loving, happiest, and sacred marriages in all of human history: that of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and Khadijah, the daughter of Khuwaylid. Their marriage became a cornerstone in Islamic history, not only because of the love and support they shared but also because of the profound impact it had on the early years of Muhammad's (peace be upon him) prophetic mission. Khadijah's (may Allah be pleased with her) unwavering support and belief in her husband's mission provided him with the strength and encouragement needed to carry forth his message.
At the time of their marriage, the Prophet was 25 years old, and Khadijah was 40. Yet, the age difference did not concern him at all. His love for her was profound, and her love for him was equally deep. They were married for 25 years, during which Khadijah bore him six children: two sons and four daughters. Tragically, both sons died at a young age.
The marriage of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid to Muhammad ibn Abdullah (PBUH) was something unique to Qurayshi society. Though it was not uncommon for widows and divorcees to remarry, there was still something very different about the older, wealthier, established woman choosing a young, impoverished merchant as her life partner. Yet despite their outward differences of age and financial status, the two made a power couple unlike any other in Makkah.
In a society that placed significant value on wealth and lineage, Khadijah saw beyond these superficial measures. She valued the prophet's virtues of truthfulness, trustworthiness, and kindness. Her deep admiration for his character and potential eclipsed the societal norms of the time, highlighting a profound and rare understanding between them. In each other's arms, they found solace, companionship, and the courage to embark on a journey that would forever alter the course of history.
Khadijah and prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were both witness to the raging violence of their society. Horrified, they held their daughters tightly as they saw others around them bury infant girls alive; with aching hearts, they watched women being abused, wars declared over petty tribalism, racism and classism used as excuses to enslave and torture those unable to defend themselves.
Though they did whatever they could to fight against the overwhelming oppression around them, they both felt a devastating weight on their consciences. Tears running down his cheeks silently, Muhammad (PBUH) turned to his Lord in anguish, seeking a salve to his broken heart. Entrusting in Khadijah's efficient management of her business, Muhammad began to withdraw from society and seek solitude. Outside of the city's vicious constraints, he ascended to the mountain that would later be known as Jabal Noor (the Mountain of Light), and began to seclude himself in the cave of Hiraa'.
Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) understood exactly what her husband was going through. She herself had spent time with scholarly relatives like Waraqah ibn Nawfal, questioning the bizarre ritual worship of idols, unsatisfied with polytheism and feeling her heart yearning towards Allah alone.
She too was sickened by the crimes committed on a daily basis by her own people; she too felt that there was something deeply wrong with the society in which she lived. Wordlessly, Khadijah packed food, drink, and clothing and pressed them into her husband's hands. She knew how desperately he needed the solitude of Hiraa.
Khadijah (May Allah be pleased with her) was a woman who was so much more than 'just' a wife or a mother. To her, there was no contradiction in running her company and ensuring its success, and in being a supportive wife and involved mother. Instead, the same principles, determination, and values that had made her such a prominent businesswoman were the same ones that guided her through marriage and motherhood.
Caring for her husband did not make her somehow weak or diminutive; financially supporting him did not make him inferior in her eyes, but was a choice she made freely and out of fierce love for the man whom she recognized as unlike any other she had ever met.
Loving Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was the greatest thing that had ever happened to Khadijah– and he felt the same way about her. They supported each other in what was important to them, and they actively encouraged each other to seek out and do what was right. Together, they were the best version of themselves, not just towards each other but to all those around them.
In a partnership of minds and hearts, Khadijah and Prophet Muhammad SAW embodied what it meant to transform love into action... and for those actions to have the power to change the world.
While he was meditating in cave of Hira, the Angel Gabriel came to the Prophet Muhammad and revealed to him the first verses of the Qur'an and declared to him that he was to be a Prophet. Overwhelmed by the magnitude of the encounter, he ran home and sought refuge in the familiar embrace of Khadijah, his sanctuary in times of trial. Trembling with emotion, he implored her, "Zammilooni, zammilooni!"—"Cover me! Cover me!"
She was startled with terror, Khadijah wrapped him in a cloak and held him until his shaking ceased. Desperately he told her what has just transpired, his eyes dark with anxiety over his own sanity. The prophet feared he was losing his mind or being possessed.
Khadijah's steadiness never wavered.
"Do not worry," she said, "For Allah, would never allow harm to befall one as noble as you. Your deeds speak volumes of your character: you honor your kin, your integrity is unwavering, you extend compassion to the needy, you provide strength to the vulnerable, you welcome strangers with open arms, and you rush to aid those in distress."
Her words, though merely human and not divine, were both comforting and reassuring. They were a testament to his character, a reminder of the good that he embodied, and a beacon of hope in his moment of doubt. As the single person who knew Muhammad (PBUH) best, who lived with him during times of both ease and hardship, she spoke only with the utmost honesty.
She then took him to her cousin, Waraqah ibn Nawfal - a scholar well-versed in the Judeo-Christian scripture - Despite his blindness and old age, his mind was as sharp as ever. Listening to Muhammad SAW relate his story in detail, Waraqah nodded in recognition.
"Indeed, this is the same angel who used to visit Musa (peace be upon him)," he confirmed. "Would that I were stronger, and that I would live to see the day your people drive you out."
"They would drive me out?" Muhammad (PBUH) questioned in disbelief. Waraqah nodded again. "Yes. Whomsoever has brought forward a message such as yours in the past was treated with hostility and hardship. Should I live to witness the day that you declare your Prophethood, I will be of those who stands with you and supports you."
Muhammad (PBUH) himself could scarcely believe that he had been visited by the ethereal messenger of Allah; truthfully, he doubted his own sanity. Seeing the uncertainty in his eyes, Khadijah reached out, her hands a sanctuary as they enveloped his. With a gaze that cut through the fog of his uncertainties, she affirmed with unwavering conviction, "By Allah, I bear witness to your truth. You are indeed His chosen Messenger." In a declaration that echoed the purity of faith, she proclaimed, "Laa ilaaha illAllah, Muhammadun RasulAllah," a testament to the oneness of Allah and the prophethood of Muhammad—a phrase that resonates with the essence of belief, uniting the hearts of the faithful across time and space.
It was here, in the sanctuary of trust and love between husband and wife, that the mantle of Prophethood was bestowed upon the noblest of men. The first shahaadah, uttered by one of the most venerable women, marked the inception of an epoch that would reshape the course of history. A new era was set into motion, one that would illuminate the world with its transformative message.
The first few days and months after the initial Revelation were full of wonder and awe for Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her). Eyes sparkling, hearts filled with faith, Khadijah and Muhammad (PBUH) woke up every morning with renewed purpose, a sense of clarity and inner peace. However, they also knew that they could not keep this incredible message of beauty and spiritual revolution to themselves.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) knew that they had a great task ahead of them. Nonetheless, they also knew that they needed to be careful – though simple, the message of Islam was also one that would be extremely difficult for their society to accept.
The logical thing to do, then, was to first approach those who they knew would be most likely to recognize the truth of the message. Even in the spiritual wasteland that was Makkah, there were individuals who stood apart, feeling a natural aversion to idol worship.
Among these individuals were, of course, their own family members, especially their children. Belief in Allah alone, worshipping Him without any partners, was something every pure soul inclined towards. However, the people of Makkah and indeed, all of Arabia, and the world at large had become so spiritually lost that they would react with anger and violence when confronted with this truth. Yet, in the midst of this, there were glimmers of hope. Some people still yearned for the truth, like rare gems in a sea of corruption. The message of monotheism was a call to return to the natural purity of the human spirit, to reconnect with the one true God.
Understandably, those entrenched in their ways reacted strongly, their fear and pride turning into anger. But those who saw the truth were driven by a vision of a better, more spiritually awakened world, willing to endure challenges for the sake of righteousness and spiritual renewal.
The weight of revelation settled upon Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Khadijah. With hearts brimming with both hope and fear, they called their daughters together. Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and even young Fatimah, listened to their father's words. He shared the extraordinary experience – a message from God, a call to worship one true Lord.
There was no hesitation in the daughters' response. Years spent witnessing their father's unwavering integrity, his kindness, and his innate goodness had instilled a deep trust in him. The idol worship that permeated Meccan life had always sat uneasily with them. In this revelation, a truth resonated within their souls. Without a murmur of doubt, they declared their belief in Allah as the one and only God, and in their father, Muhammad, as His Messenger. It was a moment of profound intimacy, a family bound not just by blood, but by a newfound faith. The seeds of Islam, planted in the fertile ground of their love and trust, had begun to take root.
Meanwhile, the great angel Jibreel came to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to teach him: to reveal the Divine Guidance, to provide spiritual comfort, to help him purify himself physically, and to show him how to rise, bow, and prostrate in the most perfect form of worship ever taught to humankind. The first person to hear the words of Allah being recited by His Messenger, with his strength and faith, with his beauty and conviction, was Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her).
The first few months of the Da'wah(the call to Islam) were full of wonder and awe. The Divine Revelation came to Muhammad (PBUH) not only in Hiraa, but in the home of Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) herself: she was the first to hear the Words of Allah on the lips of His Messenger (PBUH), the first to prostrate herself at his side, the first to stand up in prayer behind him at night. Her unwavering faith and strength became a pillar during this overwhelming time.
However, no Prophet or Messenger was sent to remain silent, or to keep his Message a secret from the masses. Though a small and dedicated group of believers had formed, devoted to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), they were still a tiny minority certain friends and family members who were already inclined to the truth, whose intellects had already questioned the poisoned beliefs and moral standards of their society.
Yet the hearts of the Quraysh were harder than rocks that were scattered across the desert in which they lived. In a matter of moments, they turned on the man whom they had adored for forty years, and proceeded to try and destroy him and the message with which he came. Khadijah's life was changed irrevocably: from a noblewoman of Quraysh, from one of its most admired and formidable businesswomen, she was now a social pariah. Her husband was reviled by the elites of society amongst whom she used to mingle so easily; derided as a madman, a soothsayer, or a crazed poet, he was mocked mercilessly.
Khadijah bore the burden of verbal and physical abuse as well, and was subject to the humiliation that her entire society inflicted with a particular vengeance upon her household.
Khadijah's three eldest daughters were married, and the people of Quraysh thought it would be particularly effective to try and destroy their lives as well. Marriages were considered an integral part of social politics, and they gleefully considered the ramifications it would have upon Muhammad's family if they managed to break up his daughters' marriages.
However, their plans backfired. Abu'l 'Aas ibn Rabee', the husband of Prophet Muhammad's eldest daughter Zaynab, refused point-blank to divorce his wife, whom he loved dearly. Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthum, the younger daughters, were both married to sons of Abu Lahab, and were in fact divorced – but to their own relief, as their father- and mother-in-law were particularly venomous towards them.
Of course, Allah had something even better planned for them; shortly after, 'Uthmaan ibn 'Affaan – one of the greatest of Prophet Muhammad's Companions, and one of the most modest, humble, and honest men of Makkah after Prophet Muhammad himself proposed to Ruqayyah (may Allah be pleased with her). Thus, even in a time of trial and difficulty, there was still joy to be found.
To her daughters, to the vulnerable new Muslims, and to her husband, Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) was more than just a mother, a supporter, and a helper – she was a woman whose nobility shone at a time when her society cast her out. She spoke words of comfort and strength, provided a shoulder to lean on, and a heart to find joy in.
Despite it all, despite the agony of having to witness her loved ones publicly mocked and humiliated, despite experiencing her own sudden loss of social status and influence, Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) remained strong. Her faith was unshaken, and each increasingly difficult test merely reinforced her belief in Allah and fortified her character.
But Khadijah wasn't one to back down. She wasn't someone who changed her mind just because things got tough. Once she knew this message was true, deep down in her heart, nothing could shake her faith. It was like a strong tree, weathering every storm. No matter how much the bullies tried to upset her, Khadijah held her head high. She wouldn't give them the victory of seeing her doubt. In fact, every challenge just made her faith stronger.
Khadijah was a woman unlike any other—a fact recognized not only by her husband and those who knew her, but also honored by Allah and the angel Jibreel himself.
Once, as Jibreel visited the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), he paused and conveyed a special message to Muhammad (PBUH), saying, "Khadijah is approaching with food and drink. Convey to her greetings from Allah, the Most Glorious, and convey my greetings to her as well. Give her the glad tidings of a home in Paradise, where she will find tranquility without any noise or hardship." This touching moment illustrated Khadijah's exceptional status and the deep respect and love she held in both earthly and divine realms.
Khadijah's response was as eloquent as it was profound: "Allah Himself is as-Salaam, and peace comes from Him. Salaam to Jibreel, the messenger of Allah. Salaam to you all, listening intently, except for Shaytaan." Her words carried the essence of beauty and wisdom, reflecting her deep spiritual insight and reverence for divine peace.
Khadijah's home in Paradise, free from noise and difficulty, serves as a reminder of her steadfastness and the eternal reward awaiting those who remain true to their faith. May Allah be pleased with her and grant her the highest place in Jannah.
Khadijah was always there to support the Prophet Muhammad SAW, sacrificing all of her wealth to support the cause of Islam. When the Prophet and his family was banished to the hills outside of Mecca, she went there with him, and the three years of hardship and deprivation eventually led to her death. The Prophet (PBUH) was deep grief-stricken, calling that phase of his life, "The Year of Sorrow." After her death, the Prophet would send food and support to Khadijah's friends and relatives, out of love for his first wife.
The influence of Khadija on Prophet's PBUH heart was such that he remembered her even after her and no other woman could replace her in his heart. Khadija's behaviour as a wife was responsible for that, something that still remains a lesson and guidance for a modern-day successful marriage. Their story continues to inspire countless Muslims around the world, demonstrating the power of faith, love, and mutual support in the journey towards fulfilling one's divine purpose.
Once, years after Khadijah died, he came across a necklace that she once wore. When he saw it, he remembered her and began to cry and mourn. His love for her never died, so much so, that his later wife A'isha became jealous of her. Once she asked the Prophet if Khadijah had been the only woman worthy of his love. The Prophet replied:
"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."
Much has been made and said about Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) multiple marriages. There are many who smear the Prophet as a womanizing philanderer, citing his multiple marriages. This is absolute propaganda. As a response to those who malign the Prophet , IF the Prophet were anything of the sort, he would have taken advantage of his youth to do such a thing. But he did not! At a time when it was a common custom to have multiple wives, the Prophet (PBUH) did not marry anyone else while he was with Khadijah.
It was only after Khadijah died, may God be pleased with her, that he married other women. Most of these wives were widows, whom the Prophet married to care after them, or they were the daughters of prominent Arab chieftains, so that the Prophet could form a cohesive Muslim society out of a fiercely tribalistic (and barbaric) Arab culture.
The smears against the Prophet fall flat on their faces once the light of truth shines brightly upon them. In a song about the Prophet and Khadjiah, Muslim rappers Native Deen sing:
"We look for stories of love in places dark and cold - When we have a guiding light for the whole world to behold."
I can find no love story more powerful, more spiritually uplifting, more awe inspiring as that of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Khadijah. A bond based on love that was realised in this world and shall continue in the hereafter as well, insha'Allah!
This story beautifully illustrates that true nobility and worth are not measured by wealth or social standing, but by the character, faith, and integrity one upholds. It reminds us that the most enduring and meaningful relationships are those built on the foundation of mutual respect, shared values, and a commitment to higher principles.
It is a shining example of what an ideal marriage is, and if I ever claim that I love my wife, I must gauge my actions with that of the Prophet (PBUH).
even with all of its amazing and creative talent,Hollywood could not have come up with a story greater than this.....
SubhanaAllah...
One of the greatest love stories of all time...
The end of one of the greatest love stories of all time
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