Introduction: The Sanctuary and Peace
They say behind every great man is a woman. In the case of our Prophet (PBUH), Khadija was the entire "Army." She was not just a wife; she was the minister, the advisor, the financier, and the comforter. She was the first human to prostrate to Allah, the first to hear the Quran, and the first to say "You are telling the truth" when the world said "You are lying." Her love was not a fleeting romance; it was a divine "Sustenance" (Rizq) about which the Prophet (PBUH) said: "I was blessed with her love." In this article, we will live with the Leader of the Women of the Worlds, to understand how one woman carried the burden of the Message and steadied the Prophet's heart in the hardest moments of Revelation.
The Story of Marriage (The Honest Merchant & The Noble Lady)
Khadija was an intelligent, wealthy, and noble businesswoman. She hired Muhammad (the young, honest, trustworthy man) to trade with her money in Syria. When he returned with abundant profit, and her servant "Maysara" told her about his noble character and the cloud that shaded him, she saw in him the perfect husband despite her wealth and his poverty, and despite being older than him.
She married him and became the best wife. Her wealth freed him from working in the markets, allowing him time to meditate in the Cave of Hira. She prepared his provisions for his spiritual retreats and never complained of his absence; instead, she protected him and sent servants to check on him. This is the "Wisdom of a Righteous Wife" who understands her husband's mission.
The Immortal Moment (Cover Me! Cover Me!)
On that decisive night, Jibreel (Gabriel) descended for the first time in Hira. The Prophet (PBUH) ran home, his heart trembling with fear. He didn't go to his mother or uncle; he went to his wife. He entered screaming: "Zammiluni! Zammiluni!" (Cover me! Cover me! I fear for myself).
Here, Khadija's greatness shone. She did not scream or panic. She embraced him and spoke words written in gold, which calmed his terror:
"Nay! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You uphold family ties, you help the weak, you give to the destitute, you honor the guest, and you support the truth."
She took him to her cousin "Waraqa bin Nawfal" to confirm his Prophethood. She was the "Psychological Healer" and "Spiritual Anchor" in the most critical moment of human history.
Sacrifice and The Boycott (Lady of the Palaces in the Desert)
When the Prophet announced his call, and Quraysh boycotted the clan of Banu Hashim, trapping them in the valley (Shi'b Abi Talib) for 3 years, Khadija left her palace and comfort to join her husband in the harsh canyon.
She lived through hunger and deprivation, the pampered noble lady, until it was said she ate tree leaves out of hunger. She spent her entire fortune buying food secretly for the Muslims. She emerged from the siege with her health shattered, yet she never reminded anyone of her favors. She saw it as a duty to Allah's religion.
Glad Tidings from the Heavens
One of her miracles is that Angel Jibreel came to the Prophet (PBUH) one day and said: "O Messenger of Allah, Khadija is coming to you with a vessel of seasoned food or drink. When she comes to you, offer her greetings (Salam) from her Lord and from me, and give her glad tidings of a palace in Paradise made of Qasab (hollowed pearls), wherein there will be no noise (Sakhab) and no fatigue (Nasab)."
Allah sends Salam to a woman! What a status! He promised her a house with "no noise and no fatigue" as a reward because she never raised her voice at the Prophet and never caused him fatigue; rather, she removed the fatigue of life from him.
The Year of Sorrow and Eternal Loyalty
Khadija passed away shortly after the boycott ended. The Prophet grieved so deeply that the year was named "The Year of Sorrow."
But her story didn't end with death. The Prophet remained loyal to her for the rest of his life:
- Whenever he slaughtered a sheep, he would say: "Send this to Khadija's friends."
- Ayesha (RA) said: "I was never jealous of any of the Prophet's wives as I was of Khadija, although I never saw her. But the Prophet mentioned her frequently."
- When Khadija's necklace (which she gave to her daughter Zainab) was sent to ransom Zainab's husband, the Prophet wept and felt deep tenderness, remembering Khadija.
Conclusion: The School of Khadija
Khadija is not just history; she is a "School" for every wife and every believer. She taught us that a woman can be the solid pillar upon which a great man leans. She wasn't behind him; she was beside him, sacrificing wealth, comfort, and life. May Allah be pleased with the Great Mother of Believers.