✍| by Faeze Aghamohammady:
The Passing of Lady Khadijah (PBUH): A Great Loss
The passing of Lady Khadijah (PBUH), the great woman and the first supporter of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), marked the darkest days that the Prophet described as the Year of Sorrow. This noble lady was not only a devoted wife and a compassionate companion, but also played a significant role during one of the most critical periods in human history, contributing to the formation of the Islamic community. Today, reflecting on her personality, actions, and status leads us to a deeper understanding of the role of women in the history of Islamic civilization:
A Noble and Influential Woman
Lady Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, one of the wealthiest and most noble women of the Quraysh tribe, lived in an era when the social position of women was largely overshadowed by tribal structures.
Nevertheless, through her economic activities, she provided a magnificent model of women’s participation in business and social spheres. Her marriage to the Prophet (PBUH) was also far beyond the ordinary bonds of the Quraysh society.
Lady Khadijah’s wealth and fame would have been sufficient for her to marry among the prominent and wealthy people of Mecca, but her true value and criteria were something else. She esteemed the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) for his genuine thoughts and human values, and regardless of the tribal and ignorant structures of Quraysh, she stood by him, shoulder to shoulder.
Unwavering Support for the Prophet (PBUH)
She endured all hardships, never feared tribal isolation, and used her wealth and resources to support the path of the Prophet. She did all of this sincerely and selflessly. This action not only showed human compassion, but also a clear sign of her perspective on equality and justice in society.
One of the key turning points in the life of Lady Khadijah (PBUH) was her role in supporting the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) mission. When many rejected the Prophet for his call to monotheism and justice, this lady of Islam supported him with all her emotional, financial, and spiritual resources.
- Her wealth was spent on fulfilling the needs of the early Muslims.
- Her house became a sanctuary for guiding people.
This supportive role reshaped the concept of women’s participation in historical and religious transformations. She demonstrated that the presence of women in significant arenas could not only guide society to spiritual and intellectual advancement but also contribute materially.
In this context, the character of Lady Khadijah (PBUH) holds valuable lessons. She left behind a legacy that allows a multi-dimensional analysis of the role of women in early Islam:
Economic Power of Women
Lady Khadijah (PBUH) lived in a society where most economic activities were dominated by men, yet through her entrepreneurship, management, and economic acumen, she became one of the most successful women of her time.
In an era when women were bound by personal and individual matters and the wealthy engaged in ostentation, Lady Khadijah chose self-reliance. She was able to use her wealth for noble and humanitarian goals without falling victim to the common dependencies of her society.
Women’s Role in Social and Religious Transformations
The active and effective presence of Lady Khadijah (PBUH) in supporting the Prophet (PBUH) signifies that women have always had the potential to bring about fundamental changes in pivotal moments of history.
Efforts Toward Gender Justice
The life of Lady Khadijah (PBUH) serves as a model for achieving gender justice, where she, without any hesitation, played complementary and effective roles alongside men in building a better society. These roles were in line with collaboration and synergy between women and men towards achieving religious and social goals.
In a time when limiting stereotypes about women’s roles in society still exist, revisiting the life of Lady Khadijah (PBUH) can be a great source of inspiration. Despite all the obstacles and challenges, she presented a complete example of a Muslim woman with courage, wisdom, and love.
Lady Khadijah (PBUH) was not only highly influential in economic and social realms but, alongside the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), displayed devotion and selflessness.
In today’s world, reflecting on her legacy and life provides an opportunity to better understand the true values of Islam regarding women’s status and create a foundation for more active participation of women in all areas of society.
Lady Khadijah (PBUH) is clearly one of the best examples of the third model of a Muslim woman—one that emphasizes independence, efficiency, and responsibility, illuminating the future path of women in the Islamic world.