Khadijah bint Khuwaylid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Khadijah
"Mother of the Believers" |
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| Born |
Khadījah bint Khuwaylid"
555 or 567 CE |
| Died | 11 Ramadan BH 3 in the ancient (intercalated) Arabic calendar 22 November 619 CE Mecca
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| Resting place | Jannat al-Mu'alla, Mecca |
| Other names | Khadījah al-Kubra |
| Spouse(s) | 'Atiq ibn 'A'idh Al-Makhzumi Abu Hala Malak ibn Nabash Muhammad |
| Parent(s) | Khuwaylid ibn Asad Fatimah bint Za'idah |
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (born around 555 or 567 CE – died 22 November 619 CE) was a very important woman in early Islamic history. She was the first wife of the Islamic prophet Muhammad and the very first person to follow his teachings. Khadijah was the daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad, a respected leader of the Quraysh tribe in Mecca. She was also a successful businesswoman.
Muslims often call her "Mother of the Believers," a special title given to Muhammad's wives. She is considered one of the most important women in Islam, along with her daughter, Fatimah.
Contents
Khadijah's Early Life and Family
Khadijah's father, Khuwaylid ibn Asad, was a merchant and a leader. Some stories say he died around 585 CE. Other stories say he was still alive when Khadijah married Muhammad in 595 CE. Khadijah's mother was Fatimah bint Za'idah. She passed away around 575 CE.
Khadijah became a very successful merchant. People said that her trade caravans were as big as all the other traders' caravans in Mecca combined! She was known for being kind and generous. She often fed and clothed people who were poor. She also helped her family members financially.
Marriage to Muhammad
Khadijah was a wise woman. She asked a friend named Nafisa to speak to Muhammad. She wanted to know if he would consider marrying. Muhammad was a bit unsure because he didn't have much money. Nafisa then asked if he would marry a woman who could support herself. Muhammad agreed to meet Khadijah.
After their meeting, they both spoke to their uncles. Everyone agreed to the marriage. Muhammad's uncles went with him to formally ask for Khadijah's hand. Khadijah's uncle accepted the proposal, and they were married. At the time, Muhammad was 25 years old, and Khadijah was 40.
They were married for 25 years, and Muhammad did not marry anyone else during this time. After Khadijah passed away, Muhammad took other wives.
Khadijah and Muhammad's Children
Khadijah and Muhammad had several children together. The exact number is sometimes debated, but it is generally agreed they had six to eight children:
- Qasim ibn Muhammad (died young in 605 CE)
- Abd-Allah ibn Muhammad (died in childhood in 615 CE)
- Zainab bint Muhammad
- Ruqayyah bint Muhammad
- Umm Kulthum bint Muhammad
- Fatimah (who married 'Ali bin Abi Talib)
Khadijah's Support for Muhammad
Khadijah was a huge support for Muhammad's mission as a prophet. She always helped him in his work. She believed in his message and stood up against anyone who opposed him. Her encouragement helped Muhammad believe in his mission and spread the message of Islam.
Khadijah also used her wealth to help the mission. When people who did not believe in Islam bothered the early Muslims, she used her money to feed the Muslim community.
Khadijah's Death
Khadijah died in the month of Ramadan in the year 620 CE. Muhammad later called this year "the Year of Sorrow". This was because his uncle and protector, Abu Talib, also died around the same time. Khadijah was about 65 years old when she passed away. She was buried in the Jannat al-Mu'alla cemetery in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
After Khadijah's death, Muhammad faced many challenges. People who were against his message persecuted him. Some people who had followed him earlier even turned away. Hostile tribes made fun of him and threw stones at him. Because of these difficulties, Muhammad later moved from Mecca to Yathrib, which is now known as Medina.
Images for kids
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Ancestors of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid.
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A picture of Khadijah from an old book, Promptuarii iconum insigniorum (1553).
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See also
In Spanish: Jadiya para niños
