Sayyida Khadija (sa): Inspiration, Power, and Love 

Sayyida Khadija (sa) was the first wife of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (saww), and remains to this day one of the most inspiring and powerful figures of Islamic history.  

Known faithfully as Umm Al-Mumineen, the Mother of the Believers, Lady Khadija was the first woman to convert to Islam and remained until her death one of the most loyal and supportive partners of the Prophet. 

Sayyida Khadija (sa): Early Life and Marriage 

Said to be born 15 years before Am al-Fil (555 AD) in Mecca, Sayyida Khadija’s parents were Khuwaylid ibn Asad ibn Abd al-Uzza and Fatima bint Za’ida.  

While her life before marriage to Prophet Muhammad (saww) is relatively unknown in comparison to many other Islamic figures, it is documented that Lady Khadija was a wealthy and well-known merchant. She had others employed under her, and reportedly was highly successful in her business profits.  

According to Ibn Sayyid al-Nas, “She was an honourable and wise lady, and God granted her with this blessing. She was middle class in lineage, but she was a very successful and noble lady.” 

Her marriage to Prophet Muhammad (saww) would be the start of an incredible partnership and family that continues to inspire and lead the Muslim community to this day. 

Lady Khadija (sa) became acquainted with the Prophet through business at first, where it is reported that she noted and became familiar with Prophet Muhammad (saww) and his honesty and ethics – eventually entrusting him with her wealth. 

After the Prophet’s commercial business trip to Syria, and hearing about his trustworthiness and exemplary moral standing, it is reported that Lady Khadija proposed marriage to Prophet Muhammad (saww). 

Lady Khadija was the first wife of the Prophet – who cared for and loved her until her death, never remarrying during her lifetime.  

Powerful Influence on the Message of Islam 

Lady Khadija’s influence on the spread of Islam is deeply profound – both in her support for Prophet Muhammad (saww) as well as her financial aid to help keep the message alive.   

As the Quran mentions, “Allah found you [Prophet Muhammad] needy and made you prosperous” [93:8]. In addition, Prophet Muhammad is reported to have stated: “No money was profitable for me the way the wealth of Khadija was” [Majlisī, Biḥār al-anwār, vol. 19, p. 63].  

Lady Khadija’s wealth went to the poor and vulnerable, to the orphans of their community, to paying off debtor’s debts, and to so many other causes that were deeply intwined within the teachings of Islam. 

The Prophet is reported to have stated in describing Lady Khadija: “Allah did not grant me better than her; she accepted me when people rejected me; she shared her wealth with me when other people deprived me; and Allah has provided children for me from her, while He didn’t provide children for me from other than her” [Al-Shaykh al-Mufid, al-Ifsah, p. 217]. 

According to most sources, Lady Khadija passed away in 4 BH, or 619 AD. It is reported that Prophet Muhammad first enshrouded her with his own cloak, and then with another cloak from Paradise itself. He then buried her in Al-Ma’lat Cemetery, overlooking Mount Al-Hajun. 

Legacy and Ahlul Bayt 

Sayyida Khadija’s generosity and devotion to both Islam and her husband, Prophet Muhammad (saww), has left its impact on our Muslim community today – we continue to honour, remember, and respect her legacy and life. 

Lady Khadija and Prophet Muhammad’s daughter, Lady Fatima, would go on to represent the best qualities of both her parents – and would lead the beginning of the holy household of Ahlul Bayt. Lady Khadija, in raising her daughter Lady Fatima, not only kept the message of Islam alive through her support and wealth but through her noble child as well.  

Here at The Zahra Trust, we continue to strive in the legacy of Sayyida Khadija through charitable acts of caring for those most vulnerable – to learn more about what we do and how you can personally contribute, click here.