Her name and lineage
The first wife of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was Khadijah, although she was commonly known as Tahirah. Her pedigree ran as follows: Khadijah, daughter of Khuwailid, son of Saad, son of Abdul Uzza, son of Qusaye; at this stage, her pedigree joins that of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Her father Khuwailid was a distinguished noble of his tribe. Hazrat Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha)’s mother was Fatimah, daughter of Zaidah, who resided in Makkah when Hazrat Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha) was born.
Her youth
As she reached the age of maturity, she became known as ‘Tahirah’ (The purified) because of her good conduct. She was married to Abu Hala, son of Bannash Tamimi. In the famous Battle of Al-Fujjar, both her father and her husband were killed.
Her Business
After the death of her husband and father, Hazrat Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha)’s only means of income was through business. There was no-one who could supervise her in her business. An occasion arose when Abu Talib (Radi’Allah Anhu), the uncle of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) advised him to see Khadijah who was sending her merchandise to Syria. He agreed and joined the caravan, resulting in much profits earned on this trade mission which were manifold than on earlier occasions.
Marriage to the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)
When the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) returned from Syria, Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha) sent a marriage proposal to him (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) through her friend Nafeesa. This was accepted by the Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and a wedding date was fixed. On the day, Abu Talib, Hamzah and other nobles of the Quraysh came to the house of Hazrat Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha). Abu Talib read out the sermon of the Nikah, and her dower money was fixed at 500 golden dirhams. At the time, the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was 25 years old and Hazrat Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha) was 40 years of age.
Embracing Islam
When the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) was 40 years old, he proclaimed Islam under Divine Command. He extended the offer to Hazrat Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha) to embrace Islam which she accepted without hesitation thus becoming the first person to accept Islam. Not only was she the first person to accept Islam, but she was also the most devoted and active supporter to the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam).
Her Death
After marrying the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam), Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha) lived for 25 years. She died on the 11th of Ramadhan in the year 10AH. She was 64 years old at the time. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) himself descended to place her in the lateral ditch for her eternal peace. Her grave is in Hajoon.
Her virtues and High Status
Hazrat Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha) was a sacred lady who gave up idol worship long before the declaration of Prophethood by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam). Once the Prophet said, “By God, I shall never worship Laat and Uzza.” Hazrat Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha) hastily retorted, “Let Laat be away and let Uzza be away; do not even make a mention of them.”
Ibn-e-Hisham has said, “She was a true minister and a sincere advisor to the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) in his arduous mission of spreading Islam. In spite of her high social status and wealth, she personally attended to the personal needs of the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and served him devotedly.
Hazrat Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha) was deeply loved by the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) and never thought of a second marriage during her lifetime. After her sad demise, he (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) frequently mentioned her noble qualities and sent presents and meat to her friends. Once Hazrat Hala (sister of Hazrat Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha)) came to see the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam), her voice resembled that of Hazrat Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha). On hearing her call, he (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said, ‘Must be Hala’. He (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) made a great mention of Hazrat Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha), Hazrat Aisha (Radi’Allah Anha) was also present and felt envious of Hazrat Khadijah (Radi’Allah Anha). She retorted, “You do often mention an old lady who is no more alive and God has already given you better wives”. To this the Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) corrected Hazrat Aisha (Radi’Allah Anha) saying, “No. Never have I had a better wife. Khadijah certified my mission and embraced Islam when people at large falsified my mission. She helped and supported me when I had no helper and supporter against the pagans. I also do remember her as the mother of my children.”