Khadijah bint Khuwaylid
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). She belonged to a noble family of the Quraysh tribe in Makkah and was fifteen years older than the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Her first marriage was to Abu Halah ibn Zurarah, a successful merchant of Makkah. He passed away shortly after their marriage, leaving Khadijah with his wealth. Her second marriage was to Atiq ibn ‘A’idh al-Makhzumi, another wealthy merchant, who also passed away after some time, and his wealth came into Khadijah’s possession. Through these marriages, Khadijah became one of the wealthiest women in Arabia.
Khadijah was a highly capable and enterprising woman. After becoming a widow, she established her own trading business. Her method was to send trade goods by camel caravans to the region of Syria, where some goods were sold and others were brought back to be sold in the markets of Makkah. For this purpose, she employed her servants and appointed trusted agents to manage her commercial affairs, including an experienced person to accompany the camel caravans. Upon their return, she would reward the person in charge with one camel for his service.
At that time, Muhammad ibn Abdullah, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), was already known in Makkah as an honest and trustworthy man. According to one narration, at the request of his uncle, Abu Talib, Khadijah entrusted the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) with the responsibility of managing her trade caravan to Syria. When he returned, Khadijah was informed that the caravan had earned more profit than ever before. Pleased with this success, she doubled his reward and gave him two camels.
During these trading journeys, Khadijah’s servant, Maysarah, accompanied the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Maysarah later spoke to Khadijah about the Prophet’s noble character and excellent management. Khadijah herself also had a positive impression of him. As a result, she began to consider him as a potential life partner. According to some narrations, Khadijah sent a marriage proposal to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) through an elderly woman in Makkah. After consulting his uncle, he accepted the proposal, and the marriage took place in the presence of both families. At the time of their marriage, Khadijah was forty years old, while the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was twenty-five.
The marriage of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and Khadijah took place approximately fifteen years before his prophethood. During these fifteen years, Khadijah had the opportunity to observe and study the Prophet’s character closely. She became convinced that Muhammad ibn Abdullah was a perfect human being in every respect. During this period, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was a seeker of truth, as mentioned in the Quran: “Did He not find you wandering, and give you guidance?” (Quran, 93:7)
At that time, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would often retreat to the Cave of Hira, near Makkah, for contemplation and reflection. One day, after returning from the cave, the Prophet appeared visibly shaken. He entered his home and said to his wife Khadijah, “Cover me, cover me!” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 3) This is also referred to in an early chapter of the Quran: “O you who are wrapped up in your mantle, stand up to pray for much of the night.” (Quran, 73:1-2)
Seeing the Prophet’s condition, Khadijah asked him about the reason. He replied that he had experienced something extraordinary in the Cave of Hira that day. He then described the experience of the arrival of the angel Jibril (Gabriel), who brought the first revelation: “Read in the name of your Lord who created.” (Quran, 96:1) At this point, Khadijah reassured him with the well-known words recorded in the books of Seerah:
“No, by Allah, He will never disgrace you. You maintain family ties, help the weak, assist the poor, honour your guests, and support those who suffer from injustice.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 3)
