Khadija bint Khuwaylid: The First Believer

Khadija bint Khuwaylid (555-619 CE)

A Successful Businesswoman

Khadija was a wealthy widow who traded with caravans between Mecca, Syria, and Yemen. When she hired Muhammad (PBUH) to manage her business, she was impressed by his honesty. Her caravans doubled their profits under his management.

Marriage Proposal

Khadija, 40, sent a friend to propose marriage to Muhammad, 25. He accepted. They had six children. While Khadija lived, the Prophet never married another woman.

Support at the First Revelation

When the angel Gabriel first appeared, the Prophet returned home trembling. Khadija comforted him: "By God, God will never humiliate you. You are kind to relatives, truthful, help the needy, host guests, and assist the afflicted."

The First Believer

Khadija was the first person in the world to accept Islam. During the difficult years of the Quraysh boycott (617-619 CE), her wealth sustained the Muslim community.

Her Death and the "Year of Sadness"

Khadija died in 619 CE, the same year as Abu Talib. The Prophet called it "the Year of Sadness." Gabriel revealed that God gave Khadija good news of a palace in Paradise.

Legacy

Khadija is remembered as "the mother of believers." The Prophet always honored her, sending gifts to her friends years after her death. Aisha said: "I never felt jealous of any wife as I did of Khadija, though I never met her" (Bukhari 3818).