Hazrat Sayyida Khadijah al-Kubra (may Allah be immensely pleased with her) was a woman of the highest rank, remembered with the titles Umm al-Mu’minin (Mother of the Believers) and al-Tahirah (the Pure One). She was the first noble wife of the Noble Prophet ﷺ, the very first to accept Islam, and the greatest supporter of Islam during its earliest days. Her character, sacrifice, and selflessness form a radiant chapter in Islamic history.
Her Greatness in the Light of Hadith
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ mentioned her virtues and status on various occasions:
A Greeting from Allah
Jibreel (peace be upon him) came to the Noble Prophet ﷺ and said:
“O Messenger of Allah, this is Khadijah coming to you with a vessel containing food or drink. When she comes to you, convey to her greetings of peace from her Lord and from me, and give her glad tidings of a house in Paradise made of pearls (or hollowed pearls), wherein there will be neither noise nor fatigue.”
(Bukhari: 3820, Muslim: 2432)
This hadith reflects the exalted status of Hazrat Khadijah al-Kubra (RA), as Allah Himself sent greetings of peace upon her — something not narrated in this manner for any other companion.
The First to Believe
The greatest honor of Hazrat Sayyida Khadijah (RA) was that she was the first to accept Islam. The Noble Prophet ﷺ said:
“The best of the women of her time was Maryam bint Imran, and the best of the women of her time was Khadijah bint Khuwaylid.”
(Bukhari: 3432, Muslim: 2430)
This blessed hadith establishes that Hazrat Khadijah al-Kubra (RA) was among the most distinguished and exalted of all women.
Prominent Aspects of Her Blessed Life
Noble Character and Purity
Hazrat Khadijah (RA) was known as al-Tahirah because she was always a model of purity, modesty, and dignity. Even during the pre-Islamic era, she was renowned for her truthfulness, integrity, and noble character.
A Successful and Trustworthy Businesswoman
She was a successful merchant whose trade extended from Makkah to Syria. She prioritized honesty in her business dealings. Impressed by the truthfulness and integrity of the Prophet ﷺ, she appointed him to manage her trade caravans and later expressed her desire to marry him.
The Greatest Supporter of the Prophet ﷺ
Hazrat Khadijah (RA) was the one who most strongly supported the Prophet ﷺ in the earliest days of his Prophethood. When the first revelation descended in the Cave of Hira, she comforted him and said:
“Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You uphold family ties, bear the burden of the weak, assist the poor, honor guests, and support those afflicted in the cause of truth.”
(Bukhari: 4953, Muslim: 160)
These words demonstrate her wisdom and her complete trust in the Noble Prophet ﷺ.
She Dedicated All Her Wealth for Islam
During the early days of Islam, Quraysh severely persecuted the Muslims. Hazrat Khadijah (RA) devoted all her wealth for the cause of Islam, greatly assisting the believers. During the boycott in Shi‘b Abi Talib, she spent her entire fortune to support the Muslims.
A Blessed Marital Life and the Prophet’s ﷺ Love
The Noble Prophet ﷺ loved Hazrat Khadijah (RA) deeply and continued to remember her even after her passing. Hazrat Aisha (RA) narrated:
“I did not feel jealous of any of the wives of the Prophet ﷺ as much as I did of Khadijah, although I had never seen her, but the Prophet ﷺ used to mention her frequently.”
(Bukhari: 3818, Muslim: 2435)
Hazrat Khadijah al-Kubra and the Upbringing of Sayyida Fatimah al-Zahra (May Allah Be Pleased with Them)
There exists a special relationship between the lives of Hazrat Khadijah al-Kubra (RA) and Sayyida Fatimah al-Zahra (RA). Hazrat Khadijah (RA) was not only the closest and most loyal wife of the Prophet ﷺ but also an exemplary mother who nurtured a personality as great as Sayyida Fatimah (RA).
Her Role as a Mother
Hazrat Khadijah (RA) was among the most honorable women of Arabia. Her personality embodied noble character, wisdom, patience, forbearance, and steadfastness. These qualities were reflected in the upbringing of her children, especially in the life of Sayyida Fatimah al-Zahra (RA).
A Mother’s Love and Sacrifice
She showered Sayyida Fatimah (RA) with immense love. However, her upbringing was not limited to affection alone; she instilled patience, modesty, religiosity, and simplicity in her daughter.
Foundation of Islamic Teachings
Hazrat Khadijah (RA) nurtured her daughter in a way that she would become part of the Prophet’s ﷺ mission. She taught her love for the Prophet ﷺ, service to religion, sacrifice, and steadfastness in truth.
The Upbringing of Sayyida Fatimah al-Zahra (RA)
Early Life and Hardships
Sayyida Fatimah (RA) grew up during a time when Muslims faced intense opposition. From childhood, she witnessed the persecution of her noble father ﷺ, which cultivated patience, endurance, and resilience within her.
When the disbelievers harmed the Prophet ﷺ, threw filth upon him, or placed the entrails of a camel upon him (as narrated), it was Fatimah (RA) who would rush to support and comfort her father, the Crown of the Sanctuary, Muhammad Mustafa ﷺ.
Simplicity and Contentment
Hazrat Khadijah (RA) had spent her wealth in the path of Islam, and this simplicity was reflected in Fatimah’s life. She lived a simple life, ground grain with her own hands, and performed household tasks herself.
Spirit of Sacrifice for Religion
Sayyida Fatimah (RA) was raised to be ready for every sacrifice in the path of religion. Her marriage to Hazrat Ali (may Allah honor his face) was conducted with utmost simplicity. She renounced worldly luxuries and lived a life of piety and asceticism.
The Bond Between Mother and Daughter
After the passing of Hazrat Khadijah (RA), the Prophet ﷺ gave Sayyida Fatimah (RA) the title “Umm Abiha” (the mother of her father), because she cared for him like her mother did.
The Prophet ﷺ said about Sayyida Fatimah (RA):
“Fatimah is a part of me; whoever angers her has angered me.”
(Bukhari: 3714, Muslim: 2449)
These words prove how profoundly the upbringing of Hazrat Khadijah (RA) was reflected in the character of Sayyida Fatimah (RA).
Conclusion
The life of Hazrat Sayyida Khadijah al-Kubra (RA) teaches us sacrifice, devotion, love, honesty, modesty, purity, and unwavering loyalty to the Noble Prophet ﷺ. Her personality serves as an exemplary model for every Muslim woman.
Because of her immense services and sacrifices, Allah granted her glad tidings of a magnificent palace in Paradise. Her role during the lifetime of the Prophet ﷺ was so influential that he continued to remember her even after her passing.
May Allah grant us the ability to learn from the life of Umm al-Mu’minin Hazrat Khadijah al-Kubra (RA), to follow in her footsteps, and to benefit from the blessings of her and her noble progeny. Ameen.
