Mauao Man

The Life of Khadijah: Muhammad’s Greatest Supporter

A Woman of Wealth, Wisdom, and Unwavering Faith

Introduction: More Than Just a Wife

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid is one of the most remarkable figures in early Islamic history. Known as the first wife of Muhammad and the first believer in his message, Khadijah was much more than just a spouse. She was a successful businesswoman, a trusted advisor, and a steadfast supporter of Muhammad during his most difficult years.

Yet her story is often overshadowed by the dramatic events of Muhammad’s life. This post explores Khadijah’s life in full — her background, her marriage to Muhammad, her unwavering faith, and her lasting impact on the early Muslim community.

1. Khadijah’s Early Life: A Woman of Wealth and Honor

1. A Respected Family Background

Khadijah was born around 555 AD into the powerful Quraysh tribe, specifically the Asad clan.
Her father, Khuwaylid ibn Asad, was a wealthy merchant known for his successful trade ventures.
As a member of the Quraysh, Khadijah was part of Mecca’s social and economic elite.

2. An Independent Businesswoman

Khadijah inherited her father’s wealth and became a successful merchant in her own right.
She managed a prosperous trading enterprise, hiring agents to conduct trade on her behalf in Yemen and Syria.
Known for her integrity, she earned the title "Al-Tahira" (The Pure One) due to her honesty and moral character.

3. A Widow with a Reputation for Wisdom

Before marrying Muhammad, Khadijah had been married twice and was widowed.
Despite her wealth and beauty, she chose her partners carefully, valuing character and integrity.
Her wisdom and reputation made her one of the most respected women in Mecca.

2. Meeting Muhammad: A Partnership of Trust

1. A Professional Relationship

Around 595 AD, Khadijah heard of a young merchant known for his honesty — Muhammad, then 25 years old.
She hired Muhammad to manage one of her trade caravans to Syria, accompanied by her trusted servant Maysarah.
Muhammad’s honesty, skill, and successful management of the caravan impressed Khadijah.

2. A Proposal of Marriage

Despite being 15 years older than Muhammad, Khadijah admired his integrity and proposed marriage to him.
Muhammad accepted, and their marriage was a partnership built on mutual respect, trust, and affection.
Islamic tradition describes their marriage as a model of love and loyalty, free from conflict.

3. The Children of Khadijah and Muhammad

Khadijah and Muhammad had six children together:
- Al-Qasim: Their first son, who died young.
- Zaynab: Their eldest daughter.
- Ruqayyah: Married Uthman ibn Affan, who would become the third Caliph.
- Umm Kulthum: Also married Uthman after Ruqayyah’s death.
- Fatimah: Their youngest daughter, who married Ali ibn Abi Talib and became a central figure in Islamic history.
- Abdullah (Tayyib/Tahir): Another son who died young.

3. Khadijah: The First Believer in Muhammad’s Message

1. The First Revelation (610 AD)

When Muhammad returned from the Cave of Hira, terrified after his first encounter with the angel Gabriel, it was Khadijah who comforted him.
She reassured him, saying:

"By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You maintain family ties, support the poor, help the needy, and honor your guests."
Khadijah sought the advice of her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a Christian scholar, who confirmed that Muhammad’s experience was similar to the revelations of past prophets.

2. The First Muslim

Khadijah was the first person to believe in Muhammad’s message, embracing Islam without hesitation.
Her unwavering faith gave Muhammad the confidence to continue his mission, despite the doubts and fears he initially experienced.
She used her wealth to support Muhammad’s early followers, many of whom were poor or persecuted.

4. A Pillar of Support During Persecution

1. Financial Support for the Early Muslims

Khadijah’s wealth allowed Muhammad to focus on his mission without worrying about financial struggles.
She provided food, shelter, and protection for Muhammad and his followers, many of whom were outcasts in Meccan society.

2. The Social Boycott and the Valley of Abu Talib (617–619 AD)

When the Quraysh imposed a social and economic boycott on Muhammad’s clan, the Banu Hashim, Khadijah stood by Muhammad.
Despite her wealth, she chose to suffer alongside Muhammad and his followers in the harsh valley of Abu Talib, where they faced hunger and isolation.
Her health deteriorated during this difficult period.

5. The Year of Sorrow (619 AD): The Death of Khadijah

1. A Devastating Loss for Muhammad

Khadijah died in 619 AD, shortly after the end of the boycott.
Her death left Muhammad devastated — she had been his closest confidant, his greatest supporter, and his dearest companion.
Muhammad is reported to have said:

"She believed in me when no one else did. She accepted Islam when people rejected me. She supported me with her wealth when others deprived me."

2. The End of an Era

The year of Khadijah’s death is known as "The Year of Sorrow" because Muhammad also lost his protective uncle Abu Talib shortly after.
Left without his greatest supporter and his tribal protector, Muhammad’s position in Mecca became increasingly dangerous.

6. Khadijah’s Lasting Legacy

1. The Memory of Khadijah

Even after her death, Khadijah remained in Muhammad’s heart.
He often spoke of her with love and respect, even though he married other women later in life.
Aisha, one of Muhammad’s later wives, is reported to have said:

"I was never jealous of any of the Prophet's wives except Khadijah, even though I never saw her."

2. Khadijah’s Impact on Early Islam

As the first Muslim, Khadijah set an example of faith, courage, and sacrifice.
Her financial support helped sustain the early Muslim community.
Her unwavering belief in Muhammad gave him the confidence to continue his mission, even when faced with severe opposition.

Conclusion: The Woman Who Believed First

Khadijah was not just the wife of Muhammad — she was his greatest ally, his confidant, and the first to believe in his message. Her wealth protected the early Muslim community, her faith inspired Muhammad, and her memory remained alive in his heart until his final days.

In a world where women were often marginalized, Khadijah stood out as a woman of wealth, wisdom, and unwavering faith. Her legacy is a reminder that behind every great leader, there is often someone who believed in them first.

Part 2: Muhammad’s Spiritual Journey and the First Revelation (595–610 AD)
Islam’s Rise: How a Small Sect Became a Global Religion

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About the Author

Mauao Man is a blog created by a New Zealand writer who believes in following the evidence wherever it leads. From history and religion to culture and society, Mauao Man takes a clear, critical, and honest approach — challenging ideas without attacking people. Whether exploring the history of Islam in New Zealand, the complexities of faith, or the contradictions in belief systems, this blog is about asking the hard questions and uncovering the truth.

If you value clarity over comfort and truth over tradition, you’re in the right place.