The Life of Khadija

Nicholas Millers
HIST-134 Ancient World History
4/19/15

Khadija, most known for her marriage to Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah, was
believed to be born near the year 556 CE, though the exact date seems to be uncertain among
other sources; she died in the year 623 CE. She was born in a well to-do family in the Quraysh
tribe, in which her father, Khuwaylid bin Asad, was a very wealthy businessman and leader.
Khadijas father died in 585 CE, and this was the point at which Khadija was orphaned.
Fortunately, she had learned her business skills from her father and she was able to manage her
familys wealth. Khadijas early circumstances proved to impact many of the events that
happened later in her life.i
Before her marriage to Muhammad, she was married two other times. First to Abu
Halah, with whom she bore Hind, at-Tahir, and Halah. Abu Halah later passed away, leaving
Khadija widowed. Despite this, she later remarried to Ateeq ibn `Aaith. By Ateeq ibn `Aaith,
Khadija is believed to have borne Zainab, Ruqayya, and Ummu Kulthoom; however, some
historians claim these children were through Muhammad.ii
Khadijas relations with Muhammad began when she hired him for her caravan trading
business. Khadija relied on employing people who she could trust, and Muhammad was well
known for being trustworthy and he was well respected. Consequently, Abu Talib, who is a
relative of Khadija and is Muhammads uncle suggested that she employ him. Muhammad was
hired and he was accompanied by Maysarah, who was one of Khadijas talented servants.
Maysarah was responsible for assisting Muhammad during his trading and would keep him
accountable. During his trip there were signs that Muhammad was a prophet. When he returned,
Khadija was very impressed and interested in the signs Muhammad had experienced. Coupled
with the good report from Maysarah, Muhammad started to appear as a man suitable for

marriage. Eventually through seeing his performance, Khadija proposed to Muhammad and they
married.ii
When they married, Muhammad was about 25 years old and Khadija was about 40 years
old.iii During their marriage, Muhammad would retreat to cave of Hira in Jabal al-Noor to be
isolated, and once had encountered the arch-angel Gabriel who spoke the word of Allah. This
greatly disturbed Muhammad and caused him to have a lot of confusion, but it ultimately began
his life as a prophet and it is what began the religion of Islam.ii Khadija became the first to have
faith in the words of Muhammad.iv Throughout their marriage, Khadija was very supportive of
Muhammad even though many were persecuting him.
Khadijas legacy come mostly from her marriage with Muhammad. For the Muslims, she
is a model of good behavior since she was always assisted Muhammad and was always
supportive of him, and also because she used her wealth to give to those in need. Now, she is
considered a Mother of the Believers.v

Bibliography
Al-Jibouri, Yasin T. Khadijah, Daughter of Khuwaylid, Wife of Prophet Muhammad. n.d. 19
April 2015. <http://www.al-islam.org/articles/khadijah-daughter-khuwaylid-wifeprophet-muhammad-yasin-t-al-jibouri>.
This is the most reliable source. It contains in depth history of Khadija as well as varying
claims by other historians. This source is helpful since it provides many details not found
in other places.
Leatham, Jeremy, et. al. "Khadijah." Faithology.com. Faithology, 11 March 2013. Web. 19 April
2015. <http://www.faithology.com/biographies/khadijah>.
This source contains the history of Khadija. It is not too summarized, yet it doesn't
contain all of the details and surrounding history. It seems to be consistent with the other
sources consulted. This source is helpful since it provides a lot of information and
presents it very concisely.
Islam's Women Jewels of Islam. Khadijah bint Khuwaylid. n.d. 19 April 2015.
<http://www.islamswomen.com/articles/khadijah_bint_khuwaylid.php>.
Seems to be the least reliable biography, yet still decently reliable. It contains more
traditional interpretations instead of solely historical interpretations. This source is
helpful because it confirms other sources and provides some details that were left out of
the more reliable sources.
The Editors of Encyclopdia Britannica. Khadjah Wife of Muhammad. 4 February 2015. 19
April 2015. <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/316024/Khadijah>.
This source is a very brief summary of Khadijas life. It seems to be accurate, but
doesnt consider the how there are varying claims by other historians. This source is
helpful as it is much easier to digest and helps confirm the other sources.

(Al-Jibouri) & (Islam's Women Jewels of Islam). The paragraph gathered information from both of these sources.
(Al-Jibouri) The whole paragraph gathered information from this source.
iii
(The Editors of Encyclopdia Britannica)
iv
(Islam's Women Jewels of Islam)
v
(Faithology LLC) The whole paragraph gathered information from this source.
ii