Khadijah (خديجة)
Etymology
The name Khadijah (Arabic: خديجة) means “premature” or “prematurely born.” It is derived from the old Arabic root letters خ د ج (kha-da-ja), related to several variations implying something new, fresh, or premature. In Turkish, her name is also rendered as “Hatice.”
Overview
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, also known as Khadījah al-Kubrā (خديجة الكبرى), meaning “Khadijah the Great,” holds a paramount position in Islamic history. She was the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad and the first person to convert to Islam, affirming Muhammad’s prophetic mission. Her life stands as a paragon of virtue, wisdom, and loyalty.
Early Life
Born into the esteemed Quraish tribe, Khadijah was the daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad, a prosperous merchant. She inherited her father’s business acumen and became a wealthy and influential trader in Mecca. Prior to her marriage to Muhammad, she was a widow who had been married twice and had borne two sons and a daughter.
Marriage to Muhammad
Khadijah married Muhammad when she was 40 years old, and he was 25. Their union was marked by deep affection and mutual respect. Unlike the polygamous marriages customary at the time, Khadijah remained Muhammad’s only wife until her death, illustrating the profound bond they shared.
Children
Khadijah bore Muhammad six children:
- Sons: al-Qasim and Abdullah (also called at-Tayyib and at-Tahir).
- Daughters: Zainab, Ruqayyah, Fatimah, and Umm Kulthum. Among these, only Fatimah survived the Prophet Muhammad and became an important figure in Islamic history through her marriage to Ali, the fourth caliph, from whom many descendants, known as “Sayyids,” trace their lineage.
Legacy and Death
Khadijah passed away in December 619 CE at the age of 65. Her death deeply impacted Muhammad, marking the end of what is often referred to as the “Year of Sorrow.” She was not only a loving wife but also a strong supporter and counselor in the early, tumultuous years of Islam.
Muhammad retained his deep affection for Khadijah long after her death. Aisha, another wife of Muhammad, recounted her envy of Khadijah, as Muhammad frequently spoke of her and honored her memories by bestowing gifts upon her friends.
Perfect Women in Islamic Tradition
According to a hadith (narrative) of the Prophet Muhammad, Khadijah is regarded as one of the four perfect women in Islam, alongside Fatimah, the Virgin Mary, and Asiyah, the wife of Pharaoh.
Further Reading
To deepen your understanding of Khadijah’s life and her role in Islam, consider exploring the following books:
- “Khadijah: The First Muslim and the Wife of the Prophet Muhammad” by Abdul Rahman al-Sheha.
- “Khadijah: Mother of History’s Greatest Nation” by Muhammad Talib.
- “Men Around the Messenger” by Khalid Muhammad Khaled.
Conclusion and Takeaways
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid is a towering figure in Islamic history, embodying the virtues of faith, loyalty, and support. Her life exemplifies the critical role women have played in the foundation and propagation of Islam. As the first believer in Muhammad’s prophecy, her legacy serves as an enduring inspiration for Muslims around the world.
