Umm-ul-Mu’mineen Sayyidah Khadijah al-Kubra رضي الله عنها
Overview
Umm-ul-Mu’mineen Sayyidah Khadijah al-Kubra May Allah be pleased with her occupies a unique and unparalleled place in Islamic history. As the first believer, devoted wife of the Holy Prophet ﷺ and one of the greatest women of Paradise, her sacrifices, loyalty and unwavering support for Islam played a fundamental role in the success of the prophetic mission. Her life remains an everlasting example of faith, generosity, dignity and devotion. She was born in the blessed city of Mecca into the noble tribe of Quraysh and was renowned throughout Makkah for her nobility, wisdom and honor from an early age. She is known as Khadijah al-Kubra and At-Tahirah meaning The Pure One. She is among the four greatest women of the world and one of the greatest women ever created by Allah.
Full Name
Hazrat Khadijah bint Khuwaylid ibn Asad al-Qurashiyyah May Allah be pleased with her.
Titles
Umm-ul-Mu’mineen meaning Mother of the Believers. Khadijah al-Kubra. Tahirah meaning The Pure One. Sayyidat-u-Nisa al-Quraysh. Mother of the Believers.
Lineage
She belonged to the noble tribe of Quraysh. Her lineage meets that of the Holy Prophet ﷺ at Qusayy ibn Kilab. She was renowned throughout Makkah for nobility, wisdom and honor.
Date of Birth
Approximately 555 CE, about 15 years before the Year of the Elephant.
Birthplace
Mecca.
Titles Before Islam
She was known as At-Tahirah meaning The Pure One. She was respected as one of the most honorable and noble women of Arabia. She was renowned for truthfulness, integrity and generosity.
Business and Trade
She was one of the most successful merchants of Makkah. She conducted trade caravans to Syria and other regions. She employed trustworthy agents for her business affairs. The honesty and noble character of the Holy Prophet ﷺ greatly impressed her.
Marriage to the Holy Prophet ﷺ
She married the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when he was 25 years old. She was the first and most beloved wife of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ during the early years of Islam. Their blessed marriage was a model of love, loyalty and mutual respect.
Children
Allah blessed them with Sayyiduna Qasim May Allah be pleased with him, Sayyiduna Abdullah May Allah be pleased with him, Sayyidah Zaynab May Allah be pleased with her, Sayyidah Ruqayyah May Allah be pleased with her, Sayyidah Umm Kulthum May Allah be pleased with her and Sayyidah Fatimah al-Zahra May Allah be pleased with her.
Acceptance of Islam
She was the first person to accept Islam. She was the first believer in the Prophethood of Muhammad ﷺ. She immediately affirmed and supported the Messenger of Allah ﷺ after the first revelation.
Services to Islam
She dedicated her wealth, resources and influence to support Islam. She comforted and encouraged the Holy Prophet ﷺ during the most difficult periods. She endured persecution, hardships and the boycott of Banu Hashim. She played a vital role in the establishment of the early Muslim community.
Virtues Mentioned in Hadith
Jibril عليه السلام conveyed Allah’s greetings and glad tidings of a palace in Paradise for her. The Holy Prophet ﷺ repeatedly praised her loyalty and sacrifices. She is among the four greatest women of the world.
Special Distinctions
She was the first wife of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. She was the first Muslim in Islamic history. She was the mother of Sayyidah Fatimah al-Zahra May Allah be pleased with her. She is one of the greatest women ever created by Allah.
Year of Sorrow Aam-ul-Huzn
Her passing away deeply saddened the Holy Prophet ﷺ. The year of her Wisaal became known as the Year of Sorrow.
Wisaal Passing Away
10 Ramadan 10 Nabawi corresponding to approximately 619 CE.
Place of Wisaal
Mecca.
Mazaar Sharif
Jannat-ul-Mu’alla, Mecca.
Legacy
Umm-ul-Mu’mineen Sayyidah Khadijah al-Kubra May Allah be pleased with her occupies a unique and unparalleled place in Islamic history. As the first believer, devoted wife of the Holy Prophet ﷺ and one of the greatest women of Paradise, her sacrifices, loyalty and unwavering support for Islam played a fundamental role in the success of the prophetic mission. Her life remains an everlasting example of faith, generosity, dignity and devotion.

