Khadija bint Khuwaylid

Khadija bint Khuwaylid _{(c. 555 – November 619 CE)} was the first wife and the first follower of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Khadija was the daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad, a notable of the Quraysh tribe in Makkah and a successful merchant.

Khadija is often referred to by Muslims as The Mother of Believers. In Islam, she is an important female figure as one of the four 'ladies of heaven', alongside Asiya, Maryam, and her daughter Fatimah. Muhammad was monogamously married to her for 25 years.

Khadija’s mother, Fatima bint Za'idah, who died in 575, was a member of the Amir ibn Luayy clan of the Quraysh and a third cousin of Muhammad's mother.

Khadija’s father, Khuwaylid ibn Asad, was a merchant and leader. According to some accounts, he died c. 585 in the Sacrilegious War, but according to others, he was still alive when Khadija married Muhammad in 595. Khuwaylid also had a sister named Ume Habib binte Asad.

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was not only the first follower of Islam but also one of the greatest spiritual and social supporters of Prophet Muhammad. At a time when the community of Mecca viewed the new message with skepticism and many were hostile toward the Prophet, her unwavering faith in Islam and in the Prophet demonstrated to others that this new religion was rooted in truth and value. Her steadfast support during the early days of the Prophet’s mission played a crucial role in strengthening the foundations of Islam and boosting the Prophet's confidence.

Khadijah also stands as a remarkable example of the power and independence of women in Islamic history. In a society where women were often overshadowed by men, Khadijah, as a successful and independent merchant, used her wealth and resources to support the Prophet and the spread of Islam. Her role has been celebrated and honored throughout Islamic history as a model of a pioneering and devout Muslim woman.

Moreover, Khadijah had a profound impact on her family and future generations of Islam. Her children, especially Fatimah Zahra, benefited from her as a loving and devout mother. Khadijah's role in raising her children and imparting Islamic values to future generations was a key factor in the continuation and spread of Islam after the Prophet’s passing. Khadijah’s strong faith, courage, and unwavering support of the Prophet make her one of the most important and influential women in Islamic history.