The Merchant Who Chose the Trustworthy One
Khadijah was a twice-widowed businesswoman of considerable wealth who ran significant trade expeditions to Syria. When she sought a trustworthy agent for her caravans, Khadijah’s companion Nafisa bint Munya reported that Muhammad ibn Abdullah — known as al-Amin (the Trustworthy) — was available. He led her caravan to Syria and returned with more profit than expected. Her admiration led to a marriage proposal, which Muhammad accepted.
She was approximately 40 and he 25 at their marriage, though some traditions give her age as 28. She bore six children; their sons died in infancy, but Fatima — their youngest daughter — survived and became the lineage through which the Prophet’s descendants (the Ahl al-Bayt) continue.
The First Moments of Revelation
When the Angel Jibril appeared to Muhammad in Cave Hira and commanded “Iqra’” (Read), Muhammad returned home shaking and said: “Cover me, cover me!” Khadijah wrapped him and, when he calmed, listened carefully to what happened. Her response was immediate and decisive:
“Never! By Allah, He will never disgrace you. You maintain family ties, you speak the truth, you carry the burdens of others, you provide for the destitute, you honor the guest, and you assist in the vicissitudes which afflict people of rights.” — she enumerated his virtues as the grounds for confidence.
She took him to her cousin Waraqa ibn Nawfal, an elderly Christian scholar who confirmed: “This is the Namus (Jibril) who came to Musa. If I were young and alive when your people drive you out…” — confirming the prophetic nature of the experience before Waraqa’s death shortly after.
Her Death and Its Significance
Khadijah died in 619 CE, the same year as Abu Talib (the Prophet’s uncle and protector). The dual loss — his wife and his protective uncle — hit simultaneously; the Prophet named this year ‘Am al-Huzn (the Year of Grief). The Quran’s earliest revelations came while Khadijah lived, and the Prophet’s position in the community was partly sustained by her status, wealth, and absolute belief.
The Prophet spoke of her with profound tenderness long after her death — to the point that his later wife Aisha said she was jealous of a woman she had never met.
See also: Sahaba, Seerah Mawt Al Nabi, Fatima Al Zahra, Ahl Al Bayt, Al Ahzab, Al Basmala