The Sacred Union of the Prophet (ص) and Sayyida Khadija (ع)
A Love Blessed by Allah
Lady Khadija (ع): The Noble and Divinely Chosen Companion
Khadija bint Khuwaylid (عليها السلام) was not only the wealthiest and most respected merchant in Mecca but also a woman of unparalleled wisdom, piety, and foresight. Known as Tahira (the Pure One) and Umm al-Mu’mineen (Mother of the Believers), she had rejected numerous marriage proposals, as Allah had reserved her for the greatest of His creations—Prophet Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم).
When she heard of a young man known as Al-Amin (the Trustworthy), she entrusted him with her trade caravan to Syria. His success in business was secondary to what truly distinguished him—his moral perfection, sincerity, and divine aura. Recognizing his extraordinary nature, Khadija (ع) sent her proposal through her confidante, Nafeesa, demonstrating her spiritual insight in choosing the one destined for prophethood.
A Marriage Ordained by Divine Will
Despite their age difference (Khadija being 40 and the Prophet 25), their union was not merely a worldly bond but a sacred covenant blessed by Allah. Their marriage was built on mutual love, unwavering loyalty, and shared devotion to truth.
When the Prophet (ص) received the first revelation in Cave Hira, he returned home trembling, fearing the weight of his mission. It was Khadija (ع) who immediately recognized the truth, assuring him:
"By Allah! Allah would never disgrace you! You uphold kinship, speak the truth, bear others’ burdens, give to the poor, honor guests, and support justice."
She then took him to her learned cousin, Waraqah ibn Nawfal, who confirmed:
"This is the Namus (divine revelation) sent to Musa (ع) and ‘Isa (ع). You are the Prophet of this Ummah."
Lady Khadija (ع): The First Believer and Greatest Supporter
From a Shia perspective, Lady Khadija (ع) holds a unique status:
She was the first person to believe in Islam, even before Imam Ali (ع).
She sacrificed her entire wealth to support the early Muslim community under persecution.
She was the mother of the Prophet’s only surviving lineage through their daughter, Sayyida Fatima al-Zahra (عليها السلام), the mother of the Imams.
The Prophet (ص) said:
"The best of women in Paradise are: Khadija bint Khuwaylid, Fatima bint Muhammad, Maryam bint ‘Imran, and Asiya bint Muzahim." (Bihar al-Anwar)
The Prophet’s Eternal Love for Lady Khadija (ع)
Even after her passing, the Prophet (ص) never ceased to honor her memory. When Aisha (رضي الله عنها) once asked if Khadija had been the only worthy woman in his life, he replied with deep emotion:
"She believed in me when others denied me. She supported me with her wealth when others deprived me. And Allah granted me children only through her."
Jibril (ع) once came to the Prophet (ص) and said:
"O Messenger of Allah, Khadija is coming to you with a vessel of food. When she reaches you, convey to her the greetings of her Lord and give her the glad tidings of a palace in Paradise, where there shall be neither noise nor hardship." (Al-Kafi)
Lessons from Their Sacred Bond
Divine Selection: Their marriage was not coincidental but preordained by Allah, as Khadija (ع) was chosen to be the mother of the Ahlul Bayt (ع).
True Loyalty: Khadija’s (ع) unwavering support mirrors the devotion of Sayyida Fatima (ع) and the Imams (ع) in upholding Islam.
Spiritual Insight: Her immediate recognition of the Prophet’s mission reflects the divinely granted knowledge of the Ahlul Bayt (ع).
May Allah’s blessings be upon the Prophet (ص) and his pure family, and may we strive to emulate the love, faith, and sacrifice of Khadija (عليها السلام).