Throughout Islamic history, many great personalities helped shape the message of Islam. Among them stands one of the most remarkable and noble women ever known—Sayyidah Khadijah al-Kubra (RA), the beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the first believer in Islam.

Her life is a powerful example of faith, generosity, loyalty, and unwavering support for the Prophet ﷺ during the earliest and most difficult years of Islam.

Sayyidah Khadijah was not only a successful businesswoman and respected leader in Meccan society, but she also became the first person to accept the message of Islam. Her courage, sacrifice, and faith played a crucial role in strengthening the early Muslim community.

For Muslims around the world, her story continues to inspire generations—especially women—about the power of faith, integrity, and devotion.

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Noble Lineage of Sayyidah Khadijah

Sayyidah Khadijah (RA) was born into one of the most respected families of the Quraysh tribe in Makkah.

Her full lineage is:

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid ibn Asad ibn Abd al-Uzza ibn Qusayy ibn Kilab ibn Murrah ibn Ka’b ibn Lu’ayy.

Her lineage meets the lineage of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at Qusayy ibn Kilab, showing their shared noble ancestry.

Important family details include:

• Father: Khuwaylid ibn Asad
• Mother: Fatimah bint Za’idah from the tribe of Banu Amir ibn Lu’ayy
• Kunyah (Honorary Title): Umm Hind

She was widely known in Makkah for her wisdom, noble character, dignity, and generosity.

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Allah Sent His Salam to Khadijah

One of the greatest honors ever granted to Sayyidah Khadijah was that Allah Himself sent greetings of peace to her.

It is narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA):

“Jibreel came to the Prophet ﷺ and said:
‘O Messenger of Allah, Khadijah is coming to you with a vessel of food or drink. When she comes to you, convey to her greetings of peace from her Lord and from me.’”
(Sahih Muslim)

This extraordinary event shows her unique status and honor in Islam.

Very few individuals in history have received such a direct greeting from Allah.

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Among the Greatest Women of Paradise

Sayyidah Khadijah (RA) holds a special place among the greatest women who will enter Paradise.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“The best women of Paradise are: Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Fatimah bint Muhammad, Asiyah the wife of Pharaoh, and Maryam the daughter of Imran.”
(Musnad Ahmad)

These four women represent the highest examples of faith, patience, and devotion to Allah.

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Her Successful Trade and Business

Before her marriage to the Prophet ﷺ, Sayyidah Khadijah was already a wealthy and highly respected merchant in Makkah.

Key aspects of her business success:

• She owned large trade caravans.
• Her trade reached Syria (Sham) and other regions.
• She employed trustworthy individuals to manage her business.

When she heard about the honesty and integrity of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ—who was known as Al-Sadiq and Al-Amin (the truthful and trustworthy)—she invited him to lead one of her trade caravans to Syria.

She promised him a generous share of the profits.

The Prophet ﷺ accepted the offer and traveled to Busra in Syria, accompanied by her servant Maysarah.

During this journey:

• The trade resulted in double profit.
• Maysarah witnessed many remarkable signs of the Prophet’s character and blessings.

These experiences deeply impressed Sayyidah Khadijah.

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Marriage to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

After observing the Prophet’s character and honesty, Sayyidah Khadijah sent a proposal for marriage.

Despite receiving proposals from many leaders of Quraysh, she chose Muhammad ﷺ because of his noble character.

The marriage ceremony took place with the presence of:

• Abu Talib (the Prophet’s uncle)
• Hamzah ibn Abdul Muttalib
• Abu Bakr al-Siddiq
• other respected leaders of Quraysh.

Abu Talib delivered the marriage sermon.

Age at Marriage

• Age of Khadijah (RA): 40 years
• Age of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ: 25 years

The dowry was approximately 12.5 uqiyyah of gold.

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The Prophet Never Married Another Woman During Her Lifetime

Sayyidah Aisha (RA) narrated:

“The Prophet ﷺ did not marry any other woman during the lifetime of Khadijah.”
(Sahih Bukhari)

For 25 years, Khadijah remained the Prophet’s only wife.

This reflects the deep love, respect, and loyalty between them.

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The First Revelation and Her Support

When the first revelation came in Cave Hira, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ experienced an intense and overwhelming moment.

Angel Jibreel told him:

“Read in the name of your Lord who created…”
(Qur’an 96:1–5)

After the experience, the Prophet ﷺ returned home shaken and said:

“Cover me, cover me!”

Sayyidah Khadijah comforted him and reassured him with powerful words:

She said:

• You maintain family ties
• You help the poor
• You honor guests
• You support the weak
• You speak the truth
• You fulfill trusts

She concluded:

“Allah will never disgrace you.”

Her support at that moment became one of the most defining acts of faith in Islamic history.

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The First Person to Accept Islam

According to the majority of scholars, Sayyidah Khadijah was the first person to accept Islam openly.

Different groups accepted Islam after her:

• Among women: Khadijah (RA)
• Among free men: Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (RA)
• Among children: Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA)
• Among freed slaves: Zayd ibn Harithah (RA)
• Among slaves: Bilal ibn Rabah (RA)

Her acceptance of Islam marked the beginning of the Muslim community.

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Her Generosity and Sacrifice

The Prophet ﷺ once said about Khadijah:

“Allah never gave me a better wife than her. She believed in me when people rejected me, she supported me with her wealth when others deprived me, and Allah granted me children through her.”
(Musnad Ahmad)

Her contributions included:

• Financial support for the early Muslim community
• Emotional support during persecution
• Complete loyalty to the Prophet ﷺ

Her wealth was largely spent in the cause of Islam.

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Children of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ Through Khadijah

Almost all the children of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ were born to Sayyidah Khadijah.

Sons

• Qasim
• Abdullah (also known as Tayyib or Tahir)

Daughters

• Zaynab
• Ruqayyah
• Umm Kulthum
• Fatimah al-Zahra

The only son not born to Khadijah was Ibrahim, whose mother was Maria al-Qibtiyyah.

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The Passing of Sayyidah Khadijah

Sayyidah Khadijah (RA) passed away in the 10th year of Prophethood, during the month of Ramadan.

Her death occurred shortly after the passing of Abu Talib, the Prophet’s uncle.

Because of these two great losses, that year became known as:

“The Year of Sorrow (Aam al-Huzn).”

She was buried in Jannat al-Mu’alla cemetery in Makkah.

At that time, funeral prayers had not yet been prescribed.

The Prophet ﷺ himself entered her grave and prayed for her.

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The Prophet’s Love and Remembrance of Khadijah

Even years after her passing, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ frequently mentioned Khadijah with love.

Sayyidah Aisha (RA) reported:

Whenever the Prophet ﷺ slaughtered a sheep, he would say:

“Send some of it to the friends of Khadijah.”

This shows the depth of his lasting loyalty and affection for her.

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Lessons from the Life of Sayyidah Khadijah

The life of Sayyidah Khadijah offers powerful lessons:

1. Faith and Trust in Allah

She believed in the Prophet ﷺ before anyone else.

2. Supporting Truth

She supported the message of Islam during the most difficult period.

3. Generosity

Her wealth was used for the benefit of Islam and the poor.

4. Loyalty in Marriage

Her marriage with the Prophet ﷺ represents the ideal partnership built on love and respect.

5. A Role Model for Women

Her life proves that women can combine faith, leadership, intelligence, and compassion.

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Conclusion

Sayyidah Khadijah al-Kubra (RA) remains one of the greatest women in Islamic history. Her unwavering faith, generosity, and loyalty to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ played a vital role in the early success of Islam.

She was the first believer, the Prophet’s greatest supporter, and one of the most honored women in Paradise.

Her story continues to inspire Muslims around the world to practice faith, patience, and devotion to Allah.

May Allah grant us the ability to follow her noble example and bless our families with the same sincerity, faith, and generosity.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Sayyidah Khadijah al-Kubra (RA)

Who was Sayyidah Khadijah?

Sayyidah Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA) was the first wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the first person to accept Islam.

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Why is Khadijah called Umm al-Mu’minin?

She is called Umm al-Mu’minin (Mother of the Believers) because all the wives of the Prophet ﷺ hold this honored title in Islam.

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Was Khadijah the first Muslim?

Yes, Sayyidah Khadijah was the first person to believe in the message of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

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How old were Khadijah and the Prophet when they married?

Khadijah was 40 years old, and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was 25 years old at the time of their marriage.

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How many children did Khadijah have with the Prophet?

She had six children with the Prophet ﷺ: two sons and four daughters.

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Where is Khadijah buried?

She is buried in Jannat al-Mu’alla cemetery in Makkah.