Early Life
Born approximately 555 CE into the respected Qurayshi clan of Asad. Her father Khuwaylid was a prominent merchant; her mother Fatima bint Za’ida was also from Quraysh. Orphaned in youth, she came into her own as a successful merchant in a society that usually restricted women’s economic participation.
She had been married twice before Muhammad (SAW) — once to Abu Hala ibn Manabbi and once to ‘Atiq ibn ‘Abid al-Makhzumi, by whom she had children. Both husbands died, leaving her a wealthy widow.
She was known as al-Tahira (the Pure One) by the Quraysh for her moral excellence even before Islam.
The Marriage to Muhammad (SAW)
Khadijah hired Muhammad (SAW) to take a trading caravan to Syria when he was approximately 25 years old. Impressed by his honesty and character (he had already been known as al-Amin — the Trustworthy), and reportedly by the wonders that accompanied him on the journey (a cloud that shaded him, a monk’s testimony to his prophethood), she proposed marriage through her friend Nafisa bint Munya.
The marriage: Approximately 595 CE. She was approximately 40 years old; he was 25. This age difference was remarkable even in its time — Khadijah proposed to him; he accepted. Despite having younger marriage options, he chose her.
The marriage’s quality: The Prophet (SAW) never married another woman while Khadijah was alive — a striking fact given that pre-Islamic Arabia practiced extensive polygamy and the Prophet’s later marriages (after Khadijah’s death) were contracted for various social and political purposes. Their 25-year marriage was monogamous throughout.
The First Muslim
The Prophet (SAW) received the first revelation in the Cave of Hira’ approximately 610 CE. He returned to Khadijah terrified. Her response — wrapping him, calming him, affirming his character, going to Waraqa — was the first human response to prophethood. Her immediate, complete belief made her the first Muslim.
“She believed in me when the people disbelieved. She trusted me when the people called me a liar. She helped me with her wealth when the people deprived me.” (Ahmad) — The Prophet (SAW)‘s summation of her role.
Her Support During the Early Da’wa
Financial support: She converted her considerable wealth entirely to the service of Islam. When the Quraysh imposed a social and economic boycott on the Muslims (617-619 CE), confining them to the Sha’b of Abu Talib without trade or supplies, Khadijah shared in this hardship — depleting her wealth for food.
Emotional support: The early Islamic community was small and persecuted. The Prophet (SAW) had Khadijah as the unwavering believer who never doubted him — her certainty was his foundation.
Jibril’s greeting: The Prophet (SAW) told Khadijah: “Jibril came to me and told me: ‘Give Khadijah greetings of peace from her Lord.’” She said: “Indeed, Allah is peace, and upon Jibril be peace, and upon you be peace.” — Allah and Jibril sending greetings to her is an extraordinary honor.
Her Death and Its Impact
Khadijah died in Ramadan, approximately 619 CE — the same year as Abu Talib. The Prophet (SAW) named that year ‘Am al-Huzn (the Year of Sorrow). Her loss, combined with Abu Talib’s death (which removed his tribal protection), left the Prophet (SAW) at his most vulnerable.
“She died, and I missed her so much that I had hardly any time to eat properly.” — The depth of grief.
Even years after her death, the Prophet (SAW) would remember her: when the sound of a voice similar to hers was heard, he would pause in hope. When her sister Hala came to visit, the Prophet (SAW) recognized her voice and jumped up to greet her. ‘Aisha (RA) once said she never felt jealous of any of the Prophet’s wives except Khadijah — though she had never seen her — because of how often and how tenderly he spoke of her.
Her children: From Khadijah, the Prophet (SAW) had six children: two sons (al-Qasim and ‘Abdullah, both died in infancy) and four daughters (Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatima al-Zahra — who alone had surviving descendants, making all of the Prophet’s descendants through Khadijah). See [[fatima-al-zahra]].
Her Place in Islamic History
“The best of its women is Maryam bint ‘Imran and the best of its women is Khadijah bint Khuwaylid.” (Bukhari, Muslim) — The Prophet (SAW) honored her alongside Maryam as the greatest women ever.
She is one of the four women the Quran and hadith identify as the four greatest women: Maryam, Khadijah, Fatima al-Zahra, and ‘Aisha (RA) — each representing a dimension of female excellence.
See also: Prophet Muhammad, Seerah Mecca, Fatima Al Zahra, Seerah Companions, Ashara Mubashara, Israa Miraj