Khadija bint Khuwaylid

Khadījah bint Khuwaylid (c. 555 – 619 CE)

Khadījah bint Khuwaylid ibn Asad (Arabic: خديجة بنت خويلد) was the first wife of Muhammad ibn ʿAbd Allāh and the first person to convert to Islam (Esposito, 2023). She is widely revered across all Islamic traditions as a model of faith, moral integrity, and devotion, and is honored with the title Umm al-Muʾminīn (Mother of the Believers) (Britannica, 2023).

In Islamic tradition, Khadījah is regarded as one of the four greatest women of Islam, alongside Mary (Maryam), Asiya, and Fāṭimah bint Muhammad (Islamicity, 2024).

Early life and background

Khadījah was born in Mecca around 555 CE into the Quraysh tribe, specifically the Banu Asad clan (Esposito, 2023). Her father, Khuwaylid ibn Asad, was a respected merchant and leader within Meccan society (Britannica, 2023).

Khadījah was known for her intelligence, integrity, and independence. Prior to her marriage to Muhammad, she had been widowed and was a successful business owner in Mecca (Donner, 2010).

Business career

Khadījah was among the most prominent merchants in Mecca, managing extensive trade caravans that traveled to Syria and Yemen (Britannica, 2023). She employed agents to conduct trade on her behalf, a role that later included Muhammad prior to their marriage.

Her reputation for fairness and ethical conduct earned her the honorific al-Ṭāhirah (“the Pure”) (Islamic Info Center, 2024).

Marriage to Muhammad

Khadījah married Muhammad when he was approximately 25 years old, while she was around 40 years old, though historical sources vary regarding her exact age (Esposito, 2023). Their marriage lasted for approximately 25 years and is described in Islamic sources as one of mutual respect and devotion.

Khadījah bore Muhammad several children, including Fāṭimah bint Muhammad, through whom his lineage continued (Britannica, 2023).

Conversion to Islam

Khadījah was the first person to accept Islam following Muhammad’s initial revelation in the Cave of Hira (Esposito, 2023). She provided emotional, moral, and financial support during the early years of Muhammad’s prophethood, a period marked by persecution and hardship.

Islamic tradition records that Khadījah reassured Muhammad after his first revelation and affirmed his prophetic mission (Islamicity, 2024).

Role in early Islam

Khadījah used her wealth and influence to support the early Muslim community, including assisting the poor and protecting vulnerable converts (Donner, 2010). Her support was instrumental during the early Meccan period of Islam.

Muhammad is reported in Islamic sources to have spoken of Khadījah with deep affection and gratitude, emphasizing her faith and loyalty (Britannica, 2023).

Death

Khadījah died in 619 CE in Mecca. The year of her death is traditionally known as the Year of Sorrow, as it also marked the death of Muhammad’s uncle Abū Ṭālib (Esposito, 2023).

She was buried in the Jannat al-Mu'alla cemetery in Mecca.

Legacy

Khadījah is remembered as a central figure in early Islamic history and a symbol of faith, perseverance, and moral leadership. She is revered across Sunni and Shia traditions alike and occupies a unique position as the first believer in Islam and the lifelong spouse of Muhammad.

Her life is frequently cited as an example of women's leadership, economic independence, and spiritual devotion in Islamic history (Islamicity, 2024).