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Khadija bint Khuwaylid

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Khadija bint Khuwaylid was a very important woman in early Islamic history.

Ancestors Khadija (AS)
Ancestors Khadija (AS)

She lived in Mecca and belonged to a noble group called the Quraysh. Khadija was a highly successful merchant who managed large trade caravans. Her business was so large that some say it equaled all other traders in her tribe combined. She was known for her noble personality and her kindness to others. She often gave food and clothes to the poor. She also helped her relatives with money and marriage costs. Some people even gave her titles like "Khadija the Great."

Khadija's work led her to meet Muhammad. She hired him to manage a trade caravan traveling to Syria. She sent a servant named Maysarah to help him on this trip. When the caravan returned, Maysarah said Muhammad was very honest and skillful. He brought back twice as much profit as Khadija had expected. Because she respected his character, she later proposed marriage to him.

Siyer-i Nebi - Muhammad und Chadidscha () führen die ersten rituelle Waschung -wudhu- durch
Siyer-i Nebi - Muhammad und Chadidscha () führen die ersten rituelle Waschung -wudhu- durch

This marriage brought them together in a shared life. Some sources say she was 40 years old then, while others say she was 28.

Khadija and Muhammad had a family together. They had two sons named Qasim and Abd Allah. They also had four daughters named Zaynab, Ruqayya, Umm Kulthum, and Fatima. Their son Qasim died after his third birthday. Their son Abd Allah also died when he was a child. Khadija also looked after other people in her home. These included Ali ibn Abi Talib and a boy named Zayd ibn Harithah. Zayd had been a slave but chose to stay with the family. This household was a very busy and important place.

Khadija played a huge role when Muhammad received his first revelation. After his experience in a cave, he was very frightened. Khadija was the first person to accept his message of Islam. She comforted him and told him that he was a good man. She continued to support his mission with her heart and her money. When people treated the early Muslims badly, she used her wealth to help. She paid to free slaves and provided food for the community. She even helped the community through a hard trade boycott.

Khadija passed away in November 619. This was during the month of Ramadan. Muhammad was very sad and called this the "Year of Sorrow." She was buried in the al-Mu'alla cemetery in Mecca.

Khadija tomb
Khadija tomb

Today, many Muslims still visit her resting place. She is honored with the title "Mother of the Believers." Many also consider her one of the four great ladies of heaven. She is remembered alongside Mary, the mother of Jesus, and others. Her life remains a major part of Islamic tradition.

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File:Ancestors Khadija (AS).jpg
Ancestors Khadija (AS).jpg
File:Siyer-i Nebi - Muhammad und Chadidscha () führen die ersten rituelle Waschung -wudhu- durch.jpg
Siyer-i Nebi - Muhammad und Chadidscha ()...
File:Khadija tomb.jpg
Khadija tomb.jpg
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