Khadijah was the daughter of Khuwaylid Ibn Asad Ibn 'Abd al-'Uzza Ibn Qusay al-Qarashi al-Asadi, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (S), and the mother of his children. She was born in the year 68 BD (15 years before the 'year of the elephant'). Her mother was Fatimah, the daughter of Za'idah Ibn al-Asamm, and her grandmother was Halah the daughter of 'Abd-Manaf. Therefore, she was of the descendants of 'Abd-Manaf.

In the pre-Islamic era (known as the Era of Ignorance), her name was 'Tahirah and her nickname was Umm Hind, because she had a son by the name of Hind.1 It is written in most history books that she had married Abu Halah Ibn Zurarah al-Tamimi and then after him 'Atiq Ibn 'A'idh al-Makhzumi before her marriage with the Messenger of God (S).2

Khadijah was a merchant who was both honorable and wealthy. She hired men to do commerce with her money. The Prophet's uncles wanted to help him to get married. So, they went to Khadijah and asked her to put some money in Muhammad's possession for him to do some business. In this way he would then be able to afford to get married.

Since Khadijah became aware of his good characteristics, she sent him to Damascus for trade. During this trip Maysarah (Khadijah's servant) was a witness to the Prophet's miracles and generosity. He also heard from a priest that Muhammad (S) is a Prophet. On his return, Maysarah reported to Khadijah about all that he had heard. Khadijah's interest in Muhammad (S) increased; and, finally, she suggested that they be married.3

Khadijah said to Muhammad (S), "Because of your family ties with me, your nobility, honor, high morals, truthfulness, and trustworthiness among your people, I am in favor of marrying you." So, Khadijah at the age of 40 and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S) at the age of 25 were married. Her dowry was set at 13 oka, which she herself agreed to pay, and they were married. Khadijah ('a) was the first person to accept Islam. She was a continual support of her husband, the Messenger of God (S), in spirit and with her wealth in the way of the religion of God.

There are various reports as to the children of Khadijah and the Prophet (S). Ibn 'Abd al-Barr has written, "Most of the genealogists have given the opinion that they had four daughters and two sons. Some, such as Ibn Ishaq, have mentioned four daughters and four sons."4

Shaykh al-Saduq has related based on his documents from Abu Basir from Imam al-Sadiq ('a) as saying, "Qasim, Tahir (who is also known as Abdullah), Umm Kulthum, Ruqayyah, Zaynab, and Fatimah were born to the Prophet (S) from Khadijah ('a)."5

Al-Kulayni reports that all of these children were born before the beginning of Muhammad's prophethood, except for Fatimah ('a).6

'Ali Ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz al-Jurjani7 says, "The Messenger of God's children included: Qasim, Zaynab, Umm Kulthum, Fatimah, Ruqayyah, and 'Abdullah. Al-Tayyib and al-Tahir were the nicknames for 'Abdullah. This speech is the truth, and the others are in error."

Therefore, what is closer to being correct is this that their children were: Qasim, Zaynab, Umm Kulthum, Fatimah, Ruqayyah, and 'Abdullah, who was born after the advent of Islam and was called al-Tayyib or al-Tahir. The boys died in infanthood, but the girls survived and all accepted Islam. They all migrated to al-Madinah after the Messenger of God (S).8

Those who have reported the number of children of the Messenger of God (S) to be eight thought that al-Tayyib and al-Tahir were the names of other children of the Prophet (S).

Her Merits

Khadijah ('a) was born into a family of honor, leadership, and greatness. She was raised with good manners, thoughtfulness, wisdom, and chastity to such an extent that her tribe called her Tahirah. Ibn Sa'd gives two reports based on two sources that, "Khadijah was the first person to become Muslim."9

Ibn 'Abd al­Barr says, based on his documents, from Qutadah that, "The first person to believe in God and His Messenger was Khadijah." Ibn 'Abd al-Barr reports based on his documents from the father of Abi Rafi' that, "The Prophet (S) prayed on a Monday, the day he was raised to Prophethood; and Khadijah prayed at the end of that day."10

Al- Saduq reports based on his documents from Imam al-Sadiq ('a) that he said, "The Messenger of God (S) married 15 women; and, Khadijah, the daughter of Khuwaylid, was the best of them.11

Khadijah ('a) was the first wife of the Prophet (S). Because of her personality, characteristics, perfection, greatness, and in homage to her, the Messenger of God (S) married no one else throughout the time that she was alive.12

The Prophet (S) loved Khadijah, respected her, praised her, knew her to be the best woman in the world, reminded of her greatness and position, and consulted with her in decisions.

Khadijah was a patient, forbearing, persevering, respectable believer. She endured all of the sufferings in the way of God and His Messenger (S). With all of the wealth and comfort that she possessed she accepted living three years in a valley of Makkah during the economic blockade imposed on the Muslims for the pleasure of God and the Prophet (S). She spent all of her wealth to save the Muslims and support Islam.

The Quraysh used all their strength against the Messenger of God (S) to stop him from inviting to Islam. They undertook to bother and trouble the Prophet (S) and the Muslims. He suffered from these difficulties and troubles. But there was someone beside him to reduce his burden and sadness, share in his sorrow, bring him comfort, and continually help him. It was only Khadijah, his faithful and precious wife, who was the helper and partner of the Messenger of God (S). It is enough to her tribute that she was the mother of Fatimah al-Zahra' ('a).

Al-Majlisi has said about Khadijah's fondness and affection for 'Ali ('a), '"Ali was born after the marriage of the Prophet (S) with Khadijah ('a). The Messenger of God (S) spoke with Khadijah ('a) about friendship and affection for 'Ali ('a). Khadijah ('a) had a great liking for 'Ali ('a) and sent clothes, ornaments, and the necessaries for him by way of her servants. People said, 'This ('Ali) is the brother of Muhammad, the dearest person to him, and the light of Khadijah's eyes. Well-being has come to him from every direction.' Khadijah's mercy and kindness flowed towards the house of Abu Talib every day, morning and night.''13

Another of the merits of Khadijah ('a) was her accepting the leadership of 'Ali and his descendants. Even though it was not compulsory to accept this leadership at that time, she openly acknowledged it. Mahallati quotes from al­Majlisi saying, "One day the Messenger of God (S) called for Khadijah, sat her beside himself, and said, 'This is the angel Gabriel. He says there are conditions to Islam: first, declaring the unity of the Almighty God, second, avowing to the prophethood of the Prophets, third, attesting to the existence of a Resurrection Day and following the doctrines, principles, and laws of this religion, and fourth, obeying the religious authorities and each of the pure Imams (who are the children of the Prophet) and loathing for their enemies. Khadijah witnessed to all of these.14

The merits and characteristics of this honorable woman are much more than we are able to say or write. Therefore, it is better to get help from the words of the Messenger of God (S).

'Ikrimah has quoted Ibn 'Abbas as saying, "The Messenger of God (S) drew four lines on the ground and said, 'Do you know what these lines are?'

They said, 'God and His Messenger know better.'

He said, 'The best women in Heaven are four: Khadijah Bint Khuwaylid, Fatimah Bint Muhammad, Maryam Bint 'Imran, and Asiyah Bint Muzahim (the wife of Pharaoh).15

Ibn al-Athir based on his documents quotes Anas from the Messenger of God (S) as saying, "Maryam, Asiyah, Khadijah, and Fatimah are the best women of the worlds." Shi'ah and Sunnis have related similar traditions with similar wording by different ways.16 For example, "Khadijah, Fatimah, Maryam, and Asiyah are the four best women of heaven", "Maryam, Asiyah, Khadijah, and Fatimah are the best women of the worlds", "The four foremost women of heaven are: Khadijah, Fatimah, Maryam, and Asiyah", and "The top women of the worlds are: Fatimah, Khadijah, Maryam, and Asiyah."

The Prophet (S) said, "Gabriel came to me and said, 'This is Khadijah who is near to you. Send salutations to her from me and God. Give her glad tidings of a house made of jewels in heaven. There is no clamor or difficulty in that house."'

Khadijah's goodness and position are so high with the Messenger of God (S) that even 'A'ishah cannot avoid remembering her and says, "The Messenger of God (S) never went out of the house without bringing to mind and praising Khadijah. One day he recalled her. I was jealous and said, 'Was she anything besides an old woman? God has given better than her to you.'

The Prophet became angered and said, 'No, I swear to God that he has not given better than her to me. She believed in me when people rejected me. She endorsed me when people rebuffed me. She helped me with her wealth, and from among my wives God only gave me children through her."

'A'ishah said, "I was never as jealous of any of the other wives of the Prophet (S) as I was of Khadijah, even though I had never seen her. This is because the Prophet (S) remembered her very frequently. He would even send portions of a slaughtered lamb for Khadijah's friends."17

She passed away after returning from the valley and the period of severe economic blockade. This was the same year in which Abu Talib passed away. It was the month of Ramadan, the tenth year after the beginning of Prophethood, and three years before migration to al-Madinah. Khadijah departed the world at the age of 65, leaving the Prophet (S) alone.

There are varying reports as to the year of Khadijah's death. Some, such as Qutadah, have reported the third year before migration. Others, such as Abu­'Ubaydah Mu'mmar Ibn al-Muthanna, have said the fifth year. The fourth year has also been mentioned by others. However, Qutadah's opinion can be considered to be more correct because, everyone has said that her death was several days after the death of Abu Talib. And, they have all reported his death to be three years before migration. Al-Tabarani (from several sources), al­Majlisi, and al-Zarkali have all reported that Khadijah passed away three years before the Prophet's (S) migration to al-Madinah.18

Umm Ayman, the Prophet's servant, bathed Khadijah's body for burial, and the Messenger of God (S) buried her in al-Hujun. He himself placed her body in the grave (praying over a dead body at the time of burial was not yet compulsory at that time).19

Khadijah's passing was a great tragedy for the Messenger of God (S), because it had other tragedies accompanying it. The Prophet (S) was patient through all of these in seeking the pleasure of God. This year was called 'Am al-Ahzan (the year of sadness).

The followers of other religions and branches of religion, in different periods, have all referred to her in a good way.

Ibn 'Abd al-Barr and Ibn al-Athir have introduced Khadijah ('a) as one of the companions of the Messenger of God (S). Ibn al-Athir has written, "She was average among the women of Quraysh as far as her family and lineage, but she was the most noble and wealthy among them."20

Ibn Ishaq21 has written, "Khadijah was a righteous minister for Islam. The Messenger of God (S) found comfort in being with her."22

Shaykh Mahallati said, "Khadijah has numerous merits over Maryam and Asiyah. Virtues such as knowledge, worship, understanding, patience, fortitude, raising her children, managing her house, spending her wealth, and caring for her husband. The opportunities which Khadijah had, those two (Maryam and Asiyah) didn't have. 'The great Khadijah was the first woman to confirm the Prophet (S) in his prophethood. She was the first woman to pray the group prayer with the Messenger of God (S) in Makkah. She was the first woman who expressed her faith openly before the pagan Meccans. She was the first woman who repelled the enemies from the Messenger of God (S). She is the first woman who gave all of her wealth to the Messenger of God (S). And, she is the first woman in Islam who reached completion in her faith.23

Mamqani lists her among the women transmitters of traditions and has written, "Khadijah spent her wealth for the progress of Islam. She suffered all the hardships in the way of God. She had a very high degree of piety and trustworthiness.24

Ayatullah Khu'i has said, "The glory, high dignity, position, bestowal of wealth for Islam, and servitude to the Prophet (S) of Khadijah are so obvious that there is no need to mention it."25

In al-Bukhari's book on Rijal, Khadijah has been listed as one of the women transmitters of traditions.26

Mamqani has written, "In the books from various sects and the writers of bibliographies it is said, 'Khadijah ('a) was married to Abu Halah Ibn Zurarah (or Hind Ibn Nabbash al-Tamimi), and after that to Abu Halah 'Atiq before her marriage to the Messenger of God (S). From among the wives of the Messenger of God (S) only 'A'ishah was previously unmarried. Although, Abu Qasim al­Kufi27 and Ahmad al-Buladhari28 have said that Khadijah had never married before her marriage with the Messenger of God (S) and had no other husband besides the Messenger of God (S).

There remained no one from among the nobles of Quraysh who hadn't asked for Khadijah's hand in marriage. However, Khadijah accepted none of them. When she married the Prophet (S) the women of Quraysh pouted with and avoided her, because she hadn't accepted the nobles of Quraysh, but she accepted Muhammad who was an orphan and poor.29

However, there being no one who hadn't asked for Khadijah's hand in marriage and been rejected is no proof that she hadn't previously been married. And, there is no problem in her having married Hind Ibn Nabbash and Abi Halah (and they were among the nobles of Quraysh) and from these marriages and their deaths she acquired her wealth. No strong reason may be found in these words for either case. However, what is more commonly believed is that Muhammad (S) was not her first husband, and God knows better.

She has related traditions from the Messenger of God (S). And, Ibn 'Abbas, Isma'il Ibn Ab'i-Hakim the manumitted servant of al-Zubayr, and 'Abdullah Ibn al-Harith have related traditions from her.

Ibn 'Abd al-Barr, Ibn al-Athir, and al-Majlisi have related a tradition based on their documents from Isma'il Ibn Abi Hakim the manumitted servant of al­Zubayr from Khadijah ('a) that she said to the Prophet (S), "O my cousin, can you inform me when your companion Gabriel comes?" When Gabriel came, the Prophet (S) told Khadijah ('a), "Gabriel is here." Khadijah said, "Cousin stand up and sit to my left side." The Messenger of God (S) arose and sat to the left side of Khadijah. Khadijah said, "Do you see him?" The Prophet (S) said, "Yes." Khadijah said, "Stand up and sit to my right side." He changed his place. Khadijah said, "Do you see him?" He said, "Yes." Khadijah said, "Sit on my lap," and he did so. Khadijah asked, "Do you see him?" He said, "No." Khadijah said, "Cousin be firm and glad tidings to you, because I swear to God that he is an angel and not Satan."30

Al-Majlisi said, "Al-Daraqtuni based on his documents has related from Ibn 'Abbas from Khadijah as saying, 'I heard the Messenger of God (S) say, 'God has bestowed nine facets upon 'Ali. Three of these facets are in this world, and three in the hereafter. About the other three, two I have no qualms about, but I have apprehensions about one.'

Khadijah said, 'May my father and mother be sacrificed for you. What are those nine? Tell me.'

The Prophet (S) said, 'The three about this world are: carrying out my religion, fulfilling my promise, and covering my unpleasant elements. The three about the hereafter are: lying in wait the day my intercession is opened, standing beside my Pool (al-Kawthar), and guiding my nation to heaven. Those two about which I have no qualms are: my nation will not stray after guidance, and that I will not die until I have seen what I have been promised. And, the one about which I am apprehensive, is what the Quraysh will do after me."'31

Al-Tabarani based on his documents relates from 'Abdullah Ibn al-Harith that Khadijah had said, "I asked the Messenger of God (S). 'What is the position of the children I have from you?'

He answered, 'Heaven,' I asked, 'Without doing anything?'

He answered, 'God knows what they have done.'

I asked, 'What is the position of the children I had before you?'

He answered, 'In hellfire.' I asked, 'Without having done anything?'

He answered, 'God knows what they had done."32

• 1. Al-Kamil fi'l-Tarikh, vol. 2, p. 175; al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, vol. 8, p. 15; Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 16, p. 12, al-Durr al-Manthur fi Tabaqat Rabbat al-Khudur, p. 180.
• 2. Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, vol. 8, p. 14, Tarikh al-Tabari, vol. 2, p. 81; al-Isti’ab, vol. 4, p. 1817; Usd al-Ghabah, vol. 5, p. 434.
• 3. For more information about the Prophet's asking for Lady Khadijah's hand in marriage and Khuwaylad's (the father of Khadijah) answer, refer to history books or the book Rayahin al-Shari'ah, vol. 2 or Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 16.
• 4. Al-Isti’ab, vol. 4, p. 1819; Al-Kamil fi'l-Tarikh, vol. 2, p. 175.
• 5. Al-Khisal vol. 2, p. 404.
• 6. Al-Kafi, vol. 1, p. 439
• 7. 'Ali Ibn 'Abd al-'Aziz al-Hasan Ibn 'Ali Ibn Isma’il, renown as Abu al-Hasan (290 - 362 or 366 or 392 A.H.) was a Shafa'i jurisprudent. He was also a talented poet and author. He wrote many books including, Tafsir al-Qur’an, Tahdhib al-Tarikh, and others. [Al-A'lam by al-Zarkali, Lughat Nama].
• 8. Usd al-Ghabah, vol. 5, p. 434; Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 22, p. 151-152; Tanqih al-Maqal; vol. 3, p. 77, Chapter, Women.
• 9. Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, vol. 8, p. 17; al-Isti'ab, vol. 4, p. 1821, and vol. 4, p. 1820.
• 10. Al-Isti'ab; vol. 2, p. 419, no. 13.
• 11. Al-Khisal, vol. 2, p. 419, chapter nine. It should be noted that the Messenger of God (S) was not married to these 15 women at the same time.
• 12. Tarikh al-Tabari; vol. 2, p. 81.
• 13. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 35, p. 43.
• 14. Rayahin al-Shari'ah, vol. 2, p. 209.
• 15. Usd al-Ghabah, vol. 5, p. 437; al-Isti'ab, vol. 4, p. 1821.
• 16. Usd al-Ghabah, vol. 5, p. 437; Al-Isti’ab, vol. 4, p. 1822; al-Khisal, p. 206 the fourth chapter; al-Mu'jam al-Kabir, vol. 23, p. 8-11, 15.
• 17. Al-Isti'ab, vo. 4, p. 1823 - 1824; Usd al-Ghabah, vol. 5, p. 438; al-Mu'jam al-Kabir, vol. 23, p. 12-13.
• 18. Al-Mu'jam al-Kabir, vol. 22, p. 451 - 452; al-'Alam by al-Zarkali, vol. 2, p. 302; Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 16, p. 3
• 19. Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, vol. 8, p. 18.
• 20. Al-Isti’ab, vol. 4, p. 1817; Usd al-Ghabah, vol. 5, p. 435.
• 21. Abu Bakr or Abu 'Abdullah Muhammad was one of the descendants of Yasar. (Yasar was taken to al-Madinah as a slave in the year 12 A.H.) Ibn Ishaq was born in al­Madinah and passed away in the year 150 or 151 A.H. His most important work was the book al-Maghazi which was written in explanation of the battles of the Prophet (S). Other Islamic historians like al-Tabari and Ibn Hisham have quoted from this book. (Lughat Nama Dihkhuda).
• 22. Usd al-Ghabah, vol. 5, p. 439.
• 23. Rayahin al-Shari'ah, vol. 2, p. 203 and 208.
• 24. Tanqih al-Maqal, vol. 3, p. 77, Chapter, Women.
• 25. Mu'jam Rijal al-Hadith, vol. 23, p. 189.
• 26. Rijal Sahih al-Bukhari, vol. 2, p. 835.
• 27. 'Ali Ibn al-Kufi al-'Alawi, or Abu al-Qasim, was a jurisprudent, orator, sage, Imamiyyah exegete on the Qur'an, and knowledgeable in religious principles. He passed away in the city of Karami in Fasa. He was the author of many books including, Kitab fi'l-Fiqh 'ala Tartib Kitab al-Muzani, Tafsir al-Qur'an, Ma'rifat Wujuh al­Hikmah, and others. [Mu'jam al-Mu'allifin, vol. 7, p. 24].
• 28. Ahmad Ibn Yahya Ibn Jabir Ibn Dawud al-Baghdadi al-Buladhari was a poet, historian, and literary man from Baghdad. He was originally from Iran and later moved to an Arab country. He wrote various books including, Kitab al-Buldan al-Kabir, al­Tarikh fi Ansab al-Ashraf wa-Akhbarihim, and others. [Mu'jam al-Mu'allafin, vol. 2, p. 219].
• 29. Tanqih al-Maqal, vol. 3, p. 77, Chapter, Women.
• 30. Usd al-Ghabah, vol. 5, p. 437; Al-Isti’ab, vol. 4, p.1820; Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 16, p. 11.
• 31. Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 28, p. 83.
• 32. Al-Mu'jam al-Kabir, vol. 23, p. 16.