Khadijah

Definition

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad and a significant figure in early Islamic history. As a wealthy and respected merchant, she played a crucial role in supporting Muhammad both emotionally and financially, especially during the early years of his prophetic mission. Khadijah's strong character and belief in Muhammad's revelations were instrumental in the establishment of Islam during its formative years.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Khadijah was about 15 years older than Muhammad and had been married twice before marrying him, making her an experienced businesswoman and mother.
2. She was the first person to convert to Islam after Muhammad received his initial revelations, showcasing her unwavering support for him.
3. Khadijah used her wealth to help establish the early Muslim community, providing financial resources to support those who were persecuted for their beliefs.
4. Their marriage lasted for 25 years until her death, and she is remembered as a devoted partner who played a pivotal role in Muhammad's life and mission.
5. Khadijah is often referred to as 'Mother of the Believers,' highlighting her importance in early Islamic history and her lasting legacy within the Muslim community.

Review Questions

• How did Khadijah's support influence Muhammad's early life and the establishment of Islam?
  • Khadijah's unwavering support had a profound impact on Muhammad during the critical early years of his prophetic mission. She believed in his revelations from the start, offering both emotional encouragement and financial stability as he faced opposition. Her contributions helped sustain the nascent Muslim community at a time when followers were being persecuted, thus solidifying Islam's foundation.
• Analyze Khadijah's role as a businesswoman in pre-Islamic Arabia and how it affected her relationship with Muhammad.
  • Khadijah was a successful businesswoman who ran her own trading enterprise, which was uncommon for women in pre-Islamic Arabia. Her independence and financial acumen allowed her to take an active role in choosing her husband, which led to a marriage based on mutual respect and partnership. This dynamic not only strengthened their bond but also provided Muhammad with the resources necessary to pursue his prophetic mission without financial worry.
• Evaluate Khadijah's legacy in Islamic history and how her contributions shaped the perception of women's roles in early Islamic society.
  • Khadijah's legacy is significant as she is celebrated as one of the first converts to Islam and a strong supporter of Muhammad. Her success as a businesswoman challenges traditional gender roles of the time and serves as an inspiration for Muslim women throughout history. By showcasing her intelligence, independence, and unwavering faith, Khadijah helped pave the way for future generations to recognize women's contributions within Islamic society, demonstrating that they can hold influential positions both in family and community dynamics.

Related terms

Prophethood: The role and function of a prophet, specifically regarding their mission to convey divine messages and guidance to people.

Revelation: The process through which Muhammad received messages from God, which later became the basis of the Quran.

Islamic Society: The community of followers of Islam that emerged after Muhammad's revelations, characterized by shared beliefs, practices, and social structures.