The Story Of Khadijah {RA} – A Summary and Book Review

Khadija’s Early Life

Khadija was a noble lady born to the Quraish tribe. She was a wise and Well-Respected woman in Makkah. She was related to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by a great-Grandfather Qusayy ibn Kilab. Khadija (RA) grew up around the Kabah as her Grand-Father, Asad Ibn Abdul Uzza owned a house there. It is said it was so close that the shadow of the Kabah would fall on their house when it was a very sunny day. They had a tree on their property that’s branches would touch the people doing Tawaf. Though the property was bought and made part of the sacred house and the tree was cut down later by Umar (RA). Khadija was married twice, but both husbands passed away, leaving her a widow. As the Custom, Khadija inherited the wealth of both her husband’s leaving her one of the wealthiest woman in Makkah. She took over the business and became a trader herself.

Khadija Hires the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Once Abu Talib overheard someone talking about how Khadija (RA) was looking for someone to lead a new caravan out to Syria. “I wonder who She’ll hire, she pays really well.” Abu Talib took this as an opportunity and rushed to his Nephew. “My means are few and soon you will have to stand on your own feet. You will need a job. Why Not approach Khadija?” “Yes, that is a good idea. I will do as you wish uncle.” Was his reply. As soon as Khadija heard this, she immediately hired him. Therefore Muhammad (SAW) found himself in charge of the next voyage out to Syria.

The Syrian Venture

Muhammad (SAW), 25 at the time wanted to prove himself a hard-working man. He had once been to Syria with his Uncle, but that was when he was just 12. As he was leading for his first time, Khadija (RA) sent her servant Maysarah to accompany him. After days of traveling, the caravan arrived in Syria. Muhammad (SAW) was patient and sold everything for the best he could. He then went into the market himself and thoughtfully bought what would sell well in Makkah. When they arrived back in Makkah, he took the goods straight to Khadija. She was astounded to see the merchandise and profit. It was double her average income!

Marriage Proposal

Once a friend of Khadija, Nafisa came to visit. They spoke about some things and eventually the topic of the trade came up. Khadija explained how he was an honest and trustworthy man, and how she was happy she hired him. A sudden thought struck Nafisa. “You are a widow and you both are well fit for each other. Why not get married?” Khadija eventually agreed. Nafisa became the go-between and went straight to the Prophet to ask him. He was delighted to hear the news and asked his uncle who was pleased to hear the news as well. The Marriage was accepted and arranged. They stayed in Abu Talib’s house for a while and eventually moved into a different house.

Life with Khadija

Since the Marriage they were never lived alone. There Was Umm Ayman the old maid of Amina. There was Zayd ibn Haritha who was gifted by Khadija to the Prophet to help with his work. Although, the Prophet immediately freed him and kept him as a son. And later on, Zubayr ibn Awwam, after his father passed away. The Prophet and Khadija had 6 children together, Zainab Kulthum, Ruqqayah and Fatima were the girls and Qasim and Abdullah were the boys who unfortunately passed away when they were still babies.

Khadija and the first revelations of the Quran

As time passed the Prophet began to ponder about matters. He thought about what being could have created everything. He would travel up to the cave of Hira and stay there for months. Khadija would send her little daughters to give food and water to their father, so he wouldn’t be hungry or thirsty. Once the Angel Jibril came and commanded him to Read. Read in the name of your Lord who created you……Muhammad became confused and was left frightened. He ran home and was comforted by Khadija. Later, Khadija brought him to her cousin Waraqah, who said: “You are a Prophet sent to the people. If I am here when you receive prophethood, I promise I will help you.”

The First Muslims

The First person after the Prophet to believe was Khadijah. She accepted the religion and began to learn. Once Ali, Muhammad (SAW)’s cousin came to visit as he usually did ever so often. He came in to see the Prophet and Khadija praying. He became curious and asked what it was they were doing. They explained and asked if he would like to join. He said he would like to think about it first. The next day he returned and became the 2^nd believer after Khadija. At the time, there were only Fajr and Isha prayers that both contained 2 rakah each.

Call to Islam

Dawah started from relatives, but after a while Allah commanded them to preach in public to everyone. Muhammad (SAW) understood that this was going to be a whole new chapter. They began to preach. Muhammad (SAW) left his business and began spreading the message. Khadija directed all her wealth towards Islam. She would host gatherings so she could talk to people in groups. Some people liked what they were saying and joined their small group while others opposed the message. The Quraish especially displeased and began spreading rumors. Although, it began attracting people to want to see what the religion was actually about and why everybody was talking about it so much.

Boycott

The tribe of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which was Banu Hashim was put under a social boycott, because the of Islam. The Muslims were forced to flee and stay out in the desert. Although Khadija (RA) was not part of this tribe she chose to stay with the Prophet (SAW). The Muslims were forced to eat the leaves of trees and boil leather chunks and chew on them to control their hunger. The reason they survived the Boycott was because every year for 4 months they were allowed to go into Makkah and collect the food and things they needed to survive the remaining year.

End of Boycott

One night Khadija’s nephew, Hakim ibn Hizam, was taking some food for her. Abu Jahl saw this and asked where he was taking the food. Hakim truthfully answered. This made Abu Jahl became furious and said: “It is forbidden to take food for the people of Banu Hashim.” At that moment, a man named Abul Bakhtari saw this and said, “Why do you stop him? What harm will come if he takes some food for his aunt?” This little incident engaged much discussion, causing people to question and think over the situation of the boycott.

The year of Sorrow

The Muslims were able to return to Makkah eventually. Many of them were in bad shape and sick. Most of their houses had holes in them and weeds and plants growing on to them. There businesses were demolished and most had very few to no wealth. Shortly after returning Abu Talib passed away. Khadija was very weak herself, always caring for others more than herself and also died, a short while after the death of the Uncle. Muhammad (SAW) became saddened and named this year: The Year of Sorrow…

Book Review

What is the book called?
The story of Khadija (RA) The First Muslim and the wife of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW)

Who is the book author?
Saniyasnain Khan

Do You Recommend this book?
Yes. It is very clear and tells the story as if you are there. Khadijah (RA) was a very important figure in Islam, especially for Muslim girls and women. She is a great role model for us and we should read about her life and her personality as a wife, a mother, a friend, and above all as a Muslimah. She took her submission and responsibilities to Allah very seriously and dedicated her life to serving the cause of Islam!

Would you want to read more books related to this one?
Of Course, I enjoy reading books from this author.

How is this author?
Great! He relates his stories very uniquely.

Have you read any of their other books? Yes. Many in Fact!