When we speak of the beginning of Islam, our minds often go to the cave of Hira, the trembling voice of the Prophet (SAW), the weight of revelation, and the descent of Jibraeel (AS). But just as sacred is the home he rushed to, the arms that comforted him, and the heart that believed in him before anyone else. 

That heart belonged to Khadijah bint Khuwaylid. 

Long before Islam was revealed, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was known as Tahirah or, “the pure one.” In a time when women had few rights and little voice, she commanded respect in the marketplace of Makkah. She was a business magnate, a wise leader, and someone whose reputation reached far beyond her tribe. 

But her strength was never loud. She didn’t need to dominate a room. Her quiet dignity, honesty, and compassion gave her more influence than wealth ever could. 

And then, she met Muhammad ibn Abdullah. A man whose integrity spoke louder than his words. When she entrusted him with her caravan, she was so impressed by his character that she did something few women dared to do in her society, and that was to propose marriage to a man, as a woman. 

15 years into their marriage, the Prophet (SAW) one day came to her and he looked visibly shaken. He had just received revelation for the first time. The mountain, the angel, the message, it was all overwhelming for him! But it was Khadijah bint Khuwaylid who held him close and reassured him, “By Allah, He will never disgrace you. You uphold ties of kinship, you carry the burden of the weak, you support the poor, you honor the guest, and you assist those who are afflicted with calamities.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

She did not demand evidence, she didn’t question his sanity, she simply believed in him and stood beside him, thereby setting the example of how important it is to support your spouse through all trials and tribulations. 

That moment marked the birth of a faith, and she was the very first believer. The very first Muslim. The first to submit not just with words, but with her entire being. 

However, her belief came at a cost. She gave away her fortune to protect the early Muslim community. She endured the brutal boycott with the Prophet (SAW) in the valley of Abu Talib, his uncle, where food and water were scarce. She patiently bore the whispers, the mockery, and the threats. 

But she never wavered from her faith. Not once. 

Her wealth, her status, and her comfort, all of it became fuel for a cause greater than herself. 

In the 10th year of prophethood, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid returned to her Lord. The Prophet (SAW) was devastated. That year came to be known as Aam al-Huzn, The Year of Sorrow. He had lost his wife, his best friend, and his anchor. Years after, the Prophet (SAW) still never forgot her. 

He would continue to send food to her friends, speak of her with tears in his eyes, and turn away from those who criticized her. His love for her wasn’t bound by life or death. 

In a famous hadith, one day, the wife of the Prophet (SAW) Ayesha bint Abu Bakr asked him if Khadijah was the only woman worthy of his love. The Prophet (SAW) then responded, “She believed in me when no one else did; she accepted Islam when people rejected me; and she helped and comforted me when there was no one else to lend me a helping hand.” 

Perhaps the most remarkable testament to her rank is the one sent by Allah (SWT) Himself. One day, the angel Jibraeel (as) came to the Prophet (SAW) and said, “Give Khadijah greetings of peace from her Lord and from me. And give her glad tidings of a house in Paradise made of pearls, where there will be no noise or fatigue.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)

No other woman in Islamic history has received such an honor. Imagine how great a personality you must be to receive salaam from the Lord of the Universe Himself! 

While Khadijah bint Khuwaylid left behind no lengthy sermons, public addresses, and books, her actions were enough to write volumes within the Islamic faith. She taught us that belief isn’t just reciting the Shahada, it also requires a great deal of sacrifice when needed, and immense generosity. She teaches us that love isn’t just words, but it must also be followed up with actions. And above all else, effective leadership doesn’t always have to be loud, but it can be rooted in silent courage as well. 

We live in a world that often measures success by visibility, and she reminds us that some of the most powerful changes can also happen in the background where only Allah (SWT) can see. It can happen in the home, in the heart, and in the silent sacrifices that no one sees but Allah (SWT). 

For our Muslim Ummah, and our youth specifically, here are some major takeaways you can implement within your life to live according to the values of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid:

• Choose a spouse for his integrity, and not just his status. In a world that chases charm, be the one who chooses someone who is on the path of haq.
• Invest your money towards your faith even if it’s a small amount. Don’t just make as much money as possible and then spend it on luxuries rather, invest it in something that can benefit your akhirah, the akhirah of your parents, and the akhirah of your deceased loved ones. 
• Have faith even when it feels like the world is against you, and even if you are alone. 
• Try to be a calm and supportive presence for someone going through calamities. 
• Always put Allah (SWT)’s pleasure and His opinion at the forefront of all of your decision making. 

Every time you feel small for doing unseen work, remember her. Every time you wonder if your quiet efforts have meaning, remember her. And every time you struggle to hold onto belief when others doubt you, remember her.