Name :Khadija
bint-e-Khawailad(SA)
Title : Umm-ul-Momineen
Agnomen: Tahira
Father : Khawailad bin Asad
Mother : Fatemah bint-e-Zaedeh
Birth : Makkah
Death : 10th Ramazan 3 years before Hijrah at the age of 64 years. Buried : in
Makkah
Birth and Geneology
Hazrat Khadija(SA) was the first wife of the Holy Prophet(pbuh&hf). She was born
in Makka. Her father's name was Khuwaylid bin Asad and he was a wealthy trader.
The Geneology of both Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) and Hazrat Khadija(SA) was the
same reaching upto Qusayy.
Early Life
Her mother and father both died within 10 years of each other. Their wealth was
divided amongst the children but it was Hazrat khadija(SA) who took over the
family business and expanded it. With the profit she made she helped the poor,
widows, orphans, sick and the disabled people of Makka.
She had a cousin called Waraqa bin Naufal who was very learned man and who was
not an idol worshipper. Both Waraqa and Hazrat Khadija were monothiests and
believed in one Allah.
First contact with Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf)
Because of her excellent Akhlaq the Arabs (who at that time used to look down
upon women) called her Tahira - the pure one. She was also known as the
'Princess of Makkah' because of her wealth. A lot of Arab nobles and princess
wanted to marry her but she refused all of them.
In 595 AD, Hazrat Khadija was looking for someone to be in charge of her caravan
to Syria. Hazrat Abu Talib(AS) suggested the Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) to her.
She had heard of his trustworthiness and agreed to employ him although he did
not have much trading experience. To help him she sent her slave Maysara.
The trading caravan was a great success and when Hazrat Khadija(SA) heard of the
Prophet's skills and excellent conduct, she became his admirer.
Marriage with Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf)
Soon it was arranged for Hazrat Khadija(SA) to be married to the Prophet
Mohammad(pbuh&hf). At that time, Prophet Mohammad(pbuh&hf) was aged 25 and
Hazrat Khadija(SA) was 40 years of age.