Khadijah bint Khuwaylid: Beyond “Wife”

On the first thought, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA) is revered by billions of people as a prosperous trader but most prominently, the wife of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Being the wife of the noblest of mankind is no doubt an enviable honour, the highest, but talking about this honour without amplifying the virtues of one of history’s most remarkable women is leaving Muslim girls and women of today’s world with little or nothing to learn from.

In a world where the Muslim mind is getting curious than the cat, thirsty and brimming with demand for tens and tons of answers (especially with regards to Muslim women, their rights and position in the society), this piece is a start of a conversation around the less-talked-about virtues of historic Muslim women. What are there to learn from them beyond motherhood, family and, of course, cooking?

KHADIJAH, independent business magnate

Khadijah was the daughter of Khuwaylid bn Asad bn Abdul Uzza bn Qussay. It is from the Qussay that her lineage meets with that of the Prophet (PBUH). According to several historic sources, she was born in 565 AD and died in 620 AD. She was buried in Jannat al-Mu’alla cemetery, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Khadijah was a very successful merchant during her time. Interestingly, being a woman didn’t stop her from owning caravans larger in size than all the caravans of the other Quraish traders put together. Despite being born and lived in a highly chauvinistic society, Khadijah was highly esteemed for her impeccable personality, virtuous character and honourable descent that she was nicknamed — Tahira (the pure); Sayyida and Jayyida (the wise one); Ameerat — Quraysh ( the princess of Quraysh); and Khadija al- Kubra (Khadija the Great). Some of the titles, don’t they sound like they’re reserved for men alone? Khadijah, a woman, got them. Not only that, she hired the most qualified hardworking men to work for her such that she never travelled with her trade caravans. Her employees do that instead.

KHADIJAH, confident and courageous

Even though she grew up in a society where women were looked down upon and relegated to the background, never to have nor give an opinion in the society (all in pre-Islam Arabia), Khadijah had a voice, a leading one. She was full of courage and confidence. A woman of unlimited capabilities, she couldn’t be shy to go after her desires, as clearly demonstrated in her proposal to the Prophet, after her second marriage. When each of her husbands died, Khadijah overcame her grief and continued to run her caravan business while taking care of the family. Hail the resilience, that’s women power!

Khadijah was a woman of honour, enormous success and prestigious lineage. Someone who knew her worth and the worth of others, including that of the Prophet (SAW) at a very blurry time. “It takes a great deal of bravery to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends.” It took a high level of courage to stand up against everyone and everything she has just for the truth. Khadijah was courageous enough to publicly embrace the Prophet as a Messenger of Allah. Not just that, she was a pillar of support. At some point, it took her encouragement for the Prophet (SAW) to believe in his mission and spread Islam, in which Khadijah invested greatly.

KHADIJAH, “go-getter”

Let me tell you what it means to be a go-getter.

In 595 AD, Khadijah employed her distant cousin, Muhammad (SAW) who was just 25 years old as an agent. The young man got the offer thanks to his good reputation as a trustworthy individual. (Quick lesson: Khadija offered him double her usual commission. The Prophet rewarded that by bringing back twice the profit Khadija had expected from a trip).

Back to go-getter. During the journey, Maysarah, one of Khadijah’s servants who had accompanied Muhammad, returned back to apprise Khadijah of the wonders she saw: “During their return, Muhammad had stopped to rest under a tree that “none but a prophet ever sat beneath”. She also claimed to have seen two angels standing near Muhammad as he slept, protecting him from the sun.” This means only one thing — Muhammad was the prophet the world was expecting. Knowing this, Khadija considered proposing marriage to him.

One more thing…

When Khadijah’s friend, Nafisa, who was entrusted to approach Muhammad, asked if he would consider marrying, Muhammad hesitated for financial reasons. He however agreed to meet Khadijah, being a woman that wouldn’t be a burden. The gist: Women need to be ‘financially stable’ — even when the husband foots all the bills — and ‘supportive’.

Women need to be ‘financially stable’ — even when the husband foots all the bills — and ‘supportive’.

KHADIJAH, kind and generous

Khadija was kindness and generosity incarnate. She fed and clothed the poor, financed relatives and provided marriage properties for poor relations. Bint Khuwaylid played a historic role in the Prophet’s life, providing not only steady financial support to his cause but also emotional boost when the Prophet (SAW) was down with doubts. She was a mental health therapist — even to the greatest man in history. How sweet!

KHADIJAH, loyalist and backbone

When the Prophet (SAW) needed the most help he could get, Khadijah was steadily available. Not just as a wife and believer, but as an influential woman. This is why, when no one else could, she was the one echoing his message. She stood by him till death parted them, raising his morale, showing him the purest form of love, looking after everyone who selflessly devoted themselves to Allah and His Prophet (SAW).

The Prophet (SAW) was reported to have said:

“She believed in me when the whole world refuted and attested to my truth when the whole world accused me of falsehood. She offered me compassion and loyalty with her wealth when everyone else had forsaken me.”

Khadijah was an epitome of wisdom and grace. A role model for all women, for all times. The worth and characters of this noblewoman cannot be estimated. Khadijah was an honourable woman such that the Lord of Heavens and Earth often sends His Salutation to her and give her the glad tidings of Jannah.