Khadija: The First Muslim and the Wife of the Prophet Muhammad

by Reşit Haylamaz, Denis Oran (Narrator)

Exploring the birth period of Islam, this biography focuses on one of the most prominent and respected Muslim women in history, Khadija, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad. Addressing both her devotion and her leadership roles in Mecca, this book shines light on a figure who is an inspiration to women, both Muslim and non-Muslim alike.

Genres: Islam, Religion, Nonfiction, Biography, History

Audible Audio

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[Fuzaila · Rating 4 out of 5]

The amazingly true story of Khadija r.a, albeit could have been written a bit more persuasively.

[Zamzam · Rating 3 out of 5]

I learnt quite a few new points on her life but still think there is plenty more about her life and character which i would like to know about. If anyone knows any other books, please recommend.

[May · Rating 2 out of 5]

Khadija was born in 555 CE. and was the daughter of Khuwaylid, who was amongst the most honored man of the Qurayshi tribe. Khadija married Muhammad (pbuh) in 595 CE. At this time, Muhammad (pbuh) wasn't a prophet yet. Khadija was an international business women and was married two times before the marriage with Muhammad (pbuh). Just as the Makkans called Muhammad ‘Sadiq' and ‘Ameen,' they called Khadija 'Tahira,' which means “the pure one.”

Khadija was the first wife of the prophet (pbuh) and is truly an example for every one of us. She devoted and sacrificed everything she had for the prophet (pbuh) until poverty and hunger touched her. Yet she kept motivating and encouraging Muhammad (pbuh) in the difficult times he was facing. How many (wealthy) people would do that? It's easy to say that we would do that, but when it comes to the truth, there are only a very few. Therefore Khadija is called one of the most perfect of all women ever since the first creation.

Haylamaz covered the life of Khadija to a very large extend. For me it was disappointing, but one couldn't expect much more of 143 pages. It is easy and quick to read if you are interested in the main events that occurred in the life of Khadija while married to Muhammad (pbuh).

[berkan berghahn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and informative book about the life of Khadija, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the one he ﷺ never forgot. The only wife he ﷺ had until she departed. This book perfectly conveyed how much she had supported him and how much her loss has affected him. A beautiful love. Enjoyable for both Muslims and non-Muslims. I believe that every Muslim needs to read about not only the Prophet ﷺ but also the people he ﷺ loved.

[Tahir Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This work is part of a series entitled ‘Leading Companions of the Prophet’ and what better way to begin than with the first Muslim to embrace Islam and the rock in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wasallam), Khadija bint Khuwaylid.

The book has been written by Reṣit Haylamaz and translated from the original Turkish by Hulya Cosar. It is the story of one of the most remarkable women to step foot on the earth. As you would expect it is interwoven in to the life of the Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wasallam). It begins by detailing the life of Khadija prior to her marriage to the Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wasallam). I don’t think a lot of information is generally available regarding this period hence the scarce details are understandable. It does however offer enough to contextualise the environment and her beginnings with her noble family. It makes mention of her previous marriages and offspring as well as her reputation as one leading an upright life, known for her dignity and elegance even in the Age of Ignorance (jāhiliyyāh).

The introduction of the Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wasallam) in to the life of Khadija is preceded by signs indicating his radiance. What follows is a story about the perfect love they had for each other and a model for all spouses. Khadija is a woman to be admired, an international business woman, sophisticated and pure. She was known as “Tahira” meaning “pure and clean”, and amongst the locals she was called “Sayidda”, meaning “a great lady” and as the saying goes behind every great man there is a great woman. She was unparalleled in her support for the Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wasallam). Even before she proposed marriage to him she investigated his life to such an extent that when the ceremony took place, Khadija invited the wet-nurse of the Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wasallam), Halima as-Sadiya, to the wedding.

The perfect wife, the Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wasallam) would find her a source for relieving his anxiety and always found her reassuring him of his excellent nature and mission. It was an immaculate partnership. Khadija was affluent but she sacrificed all her wealth for God in support of the religion and her husband, the Messenger of God. It was a union exemplifying the quintessence of love. After Khadija died, the Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wasallam) never forgot her and always remembered her. ‘A’isha bint Abu Bakr, whom the Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wasallam) married years after Khadija stated that “...He mentions her often and holds her in such high regard that whenever he slaughters a sheep and divides it into pieces, he still sends Khadija’s friends their portion.” She was the apple of his eye and the Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wasallam) remembered her fondly, saying, “Was there any like her?” continuing, “I swear by God that He has not given me anyone as beneficent as she. When people denied me, she believed in me; she affirmed me when people labelled me a liar; when people deprived me she supported me from her property; and God gave me children through her.”

The book is simply written and is easy to follow. The chapters are short and the story moves along at a good pace. It is not loaded with information regarding Khadija but there is enough here that you will have familiarity with her life, her struggle, her loyalty, her support and her love. The book begins with a useful family tree depicting her roots as well as those of the Prophet Muhammad (ṣallā Allāhu ʿalayhi wasallam). The references are selective so not every bit of information is followed by the source (not given in the footnotes but found in the notes section at the end) but there are enough references given to glean the sources of the important information. The conclusion of this work is followed by a short chronology of major events in the life of Khadija, a very useful reference tool and overview of the information contained in this work. It also contains some fascinating pictures (black and white) such as an aerial view of Khadija’s house which was rediscovered during the Haram extensions in 1989 but hideously covered over so as to obliterate any trace. There are not many books on the life of this remarkable woman and I would recommend purchasing this for a glimpse in to one of the four greatest women of the world, the other three being Fatima the daughter of Muhammad, Maryam the mother of Jesus (ʿalayhi as-salām) and Asiya the wife of Pharaoh. The life of Khadija bint Khuwaylid is inspirational and she is a role model for the world, may God grant her peace and abundant blessings.

[Rhein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bacanya udah lama, tapi baru nulis review sekarang. Intinya begini, apakah faktor utama Nabi Muhammad Saw bisa sukses menyebarkan Islam? privilege.

Suka nih sama kisah yang ditulis sama penulis (bukan) dari Indonesia, jadi membuka cakrawala kisah Rasul dari sudut pandang lain. Buku ini fokus menceritakan Khadijah r.a yang tentu saja ada kisah Rasul terakhir umat Islam. Nabi memang yatim piatu, tapi gimana pun keluarganya (alm orangtua, paman, kolega orang tuanya) itu para pemuka di Makkah sana. Makanya kenal sama keluarga Khadijah yang sudah tentu mereka ini bukan rakjel. Nabi memang penggembala kambing waktu kecil, tapi itu ternak punya beliau semua dari warisan (harga ternak kan mahal yah). Nabi menikah dengan Khadijah, which was wanita pengusaha kaya raya dengan networking mendunia. Mungkin kalau diibaratkan zaman sekarang ya nikah sama janda-nya Jeff Bezos. Namanya juga Nabi, tentu kepemilikan harta-tahta-wanita dimanfaatkan untuk kemashlahatan umat, penyebaran agama.

Kalau dipikir-pikir, cerita nabi-rasul di Indonesia pas saya kecil tuh kayaknya terlalu disedih-sedihkan. Padahal kalau pakai nalar, misal kisah Nabi Musa dibuang, yatim, dan hampir terbunuh aja toh tumbuh bersama Raja. Meski akhirnya menjadi pihak oposisi Fir’aun, tetep aja networkingnya tuh kalangan kerjaan. Ibarat oposisinya Trump lah. Makanya, masih bisa menyebarkan ajaran Tuhan.

Yes, privilege.

[Sheyemah Sera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I choose to discover Khadija. And I really love reading about her. This book made it simple and relate able.

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

খাদিজা (রদ্বীআল্লাহু 'আনহা), তাঁর নাম প্রায় সব মুসলিমই জানেন। কিন্তু তাঁকে ঠিক কয়জন সত্যিকার অর্থে চেনেন?
তিনি ছিলেন তাহিরা (পবিত্র)।

তিনি ছিলেন প্রথম ইসলাম গ্রহণকারী। তিনি ছিলেন সেই মানুষটা যিনি সুখে-দুখে, সবসময় রাসূল সল্লাল্লাহু 'আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম এর পাশে ছিলেন।
তিনি ছিলেন সেই নারী যার অঢেল ধন-সম্পদ থাকার পরেও নিকাহ করেছিলেন এক নিঃস্ব যুবককে তাঁর অনন্য সাধারণ চরিত্রের পরিচয় পেয়ে।

তিনি ছিলেন এমন একজন যাকে স্বয়ং আল্লাহ সুবহানু ওয়া তা'আলা এবং জিবরীল ('আলাইহিস সালাম) সালাম পাঠিয়েছিলেন। শুধু তাই না, এই দুনিয়াতে থাকাকালেই তিনি সুসংবাদ পান এক মণিমুক্তো খচিত প্রাসাদের যেখানে আর কোন দুঃখ-কষ্ট তাঁকে স্পর্শ করবে না।

তিনি ছিলেন এমন একজন যাঁর সম্পর্কে রাসূলুল্লাহ (সাল্লাল্লাহু 'আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম) বলেছিলেন,
“তাঁর মতো আর কে হতে পারবে? আল্লাহ তার চেয়ে উত্তম নারী আমাকে দান করেননি। মানুষ যখন আমাকে মানতে অস্বীকার করেছে, সে তখন আমার প্রতি ঈমান এনেছে। মানুষ যখন আমাকে মিথ্যাবাদী বলেছে সে আমাকে সত্যবাদী বলেছে। মানুষ যখন আমাকে বঞ্চিত করেছে, তখন সে তার সম্পদে আমাকে অংশীদার করেছে। আল্লাহ তার মাধ্যমে আমাকে সন্তান দান করেছেন।”

আপনি অনেক অনেক রোমান্টিক বই, উপন্যাস পড়ে থাকবেন যার বেশিরভাগই লেখকের কল্পনাপ্রসূত। কিন্তু খাদিজা (র.) আর রাসূলুল্লাহ (সাল্লাল্লাহু 'আলাইহি ওয়া সাল্লাম)- এর মধ্যে যে পারস্পরিক বন্ধুত্ব, ভালোবাসা, স্নেহ, মমতার এক অনন্য নিদর্শন আপনি দেখতে পাবেন তা আপনার কল্পনাকেও হার মানাবে। বইটিতে প্রিয় খাদিজা (র.)- এর বংশপরিচয় থেকে শুরু করে পৃথিবী ছেড়ে চলে যাওয়া পর্যন্ত তাঁর অপূর্ব জীবনাদর্শ অংকিত হয়েছে। লেখক খুব সহজ সরল ভাষায় এমন চমৎকার ভঙ্গিতে বইটি রচনা করেছেন যে বইটি পড়তে পড়তে কখন যে আপনার চোখ ভিজে উঠবে আপনি টেরই পাবেন না।
আর অনুবাদের মান ও চমৎকার হয়েছে, মাশাআল্লাহ। :)

[جبرئیل · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short, flowing writing style (has its drawbacks).

The book does gives you some bits and pieces of some history and characters that you may not know before, for example:
- the first 2 husbands of Khadija r.a,
- her son Hind(who also grew up under the presence of Prophet after her marriage to Muhammad), Hala and a daughter also named Hind.
- that she inherited most of her fortune from her first husband, which she later run as business through employees.
- grand children of Prophet other than Hasan Husayn. Umama bint Abu Al Aas for example.


The writing style of book, although tried to make easy-flowing/novelistic, is amateur, highly repetitive and includes quotes and events not referenced(hence raising doubts about their authenticity). Maybe we can give benefit of doubt to these flaws, due to lack of much information on this character from the times of Prophet.

[Kamal Osman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short well-written exploration of Khadija, her family and their virtues, mainly focused on her time from meeting the Prophetﷺ up until her death. I personally would have preferred a more focused view on Khadija her self and expected more time to be spent on her upbringing and life before the meeting Mohammedﷺ than we were given.

[Anfel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐

"God and His Prophet accorded the ‘firsts’ their due rights and
recognition.
And when it comes to the first of the first, it was undoubtedly
Khadija. She was the first love, first wife, first apple of his eye—and the
First to believe after the visitation at the Mount of Light. She was the
First to take ablutions as Gabriel had taught the Prophet, and the first to
perform the daily prayers with the Prophet, for he went straight to her
after learning these rituals from the Archangel."

“That is Khadija coming, bearing food and drink. When she comes to
you, tell her that her Lord greets her, and convey my greeting, too, to
her. At the same time, give her good tidings that she will be granted a
castle made of pearls in Heaven, where there is neither disturbance nor
fatigue.”

“Mary, mother of Jesus, is the best of the women of
the heavens, and the worthiest woman of the earth (still alive) is Khadija,
daughter of Khuwaylid.”


"She held the honor of many ‘firsts’ in her life, and she maintained this
title even as she departed from the world and all that was in it, by being
the first martyr from the Prophet’s family."

[Siti Nur · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Behind a great man is a great woman"

This saying is what really comes up to my mind once I finished reading this book. As a great and noble man Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, is Allah SWT bestowed him great wives. Khadija RA, the first wife of the Prophet, peace be upon him, the first muslim, the first companion who sacrificed her all in God's way.

She set an exemplary standard of being a good wife; a wife who can be the reliance and source of comfort and support for her husband that Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, has a very special place in his heart for her that even Allah SWT and angel Jibril sent her greetings and good tidings for her that she has secured a castle decorated with pearls in the heaven.
Masha Allah.

The only thing that holds me to give this book five stars is the book's writing style.

[A · Rating 2 out of 5]

This novelization of Khadija’s story is told in the style of the author’s own perspective. I would hesitate to label it as a biography as the writing is often punctuated by assumptions and inferences without adequate citation and much of its content lacks relevant historical context.

In many cases, the events are narrated without personification and readers are left with neither an engaging character novel nor a scholarly text.

That said, this book contains a detailed look into the events of Khadijah’s life and provides a compelling background to the events leading up to the prophethood. Further exploration is encouraged.

[Nasria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is written in prose, like a story which is really good because it allows you to imagine what Khadija RA might have been feeling when certain events were happening.
It's short but it has lots of interesting detail I didn't know, with references.
It was great at describing her character- as a loyal, comforting, dedicated wife to the messenger SAW, who sacrificed a lot for God's cause.
Very inspirational.

[Asmah Sattar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book with the intention of becoming more like Khadijah (RA)... after finishing it, I realize I don’t think I can even come close... her devotion and her resilience is so amazing. If I become even an ounce like her, it would be a blessing out of this world.

[Shaheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Subject great but writing left a lot to be desired.

[voulpit · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's well written but maybe I was expecting a more academic read (stripped of emotional religious elements). Sayda Khadija is the first lady of Islam, a top female character in this religion. It is interesting to reflect upon the relationship and dynamics between her and prophet Muhammad, unusual even for our days. At the same time, to observe the conditions in 7th century Arabia: the reality of wars, marriages (only) between relatives, etc. Not the least, it's important to note that the house of the Prophet was always full with people; and good to find more information about his less popularized offspring.

[Uzma · Rating 5 out of 5]

90 pages worth of history on someone I’ve always looked up to; is more than I’ve ever read.

The most I read earlier was from Martin Lings’ amazing biography of the Prophet. Her character and strength are of proportions that hearing a few things about her are enough but I loved every detail the author shared about her business, her dreams and the events that led to her marriage with the Prophet, her side of the family and how it all made who she was.

Recently reminded of her in an unexpected setting - it was comforting to know that her guidance and protection is around.

[Amirah Maliki · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book tells us the life of Khadija r.a in a flowing story. I find the narrative managed to bring us to really appreciate and feel the arduous moments and how heavy it was to do such and such. I cried reading few pages. She truly is exemplary for every woman. High achieving in the times when women were not valued for these values and willing to sacrifice every single thing in Allah's way, believing in the final abode.

It however is very brief and tells only the big events.

[Anisah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love love Mother Khadija and I love this book.
I love how the author write about Khadija as it is, did not romanticise it (which will eventually lose the whole point) and just let us learn and judge what kind of woman Khadija was.
I just read Khadija's story as a part of Sirah Nabawiyah and I think this is the first time I gain a full life story of Khadija as a person, a woman and a beloved mother.
I really love this book and highly recommend it to all Muslimah :D

[Farah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book only covers the major events that happened in Khadija's life and it also describes how the Prophet Muhammad SAW loved her so much that he talked about her dignity, modesty and much more values of her a lot to his Companions even after her death.

There are also some pictures inserted in this book such as Khadija's veil she wore on her wedding and her box that might be used to store her valuable things or whatsoever, her place of maqam and much more.

Overall, this book is very simple and easy for me to read. It makes me want to know much more of Khadija's life after reading it.

[Lilya · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very brief book. Encompasses a brief overview of her background, family and general history. I was expecting a more in depth description of her character and Anecdotes of her relationship with The prophet (pbuh), which was a disappointment. In general this books was good for what it was, but a let down for what I thought it was.

[basicallysheema · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️
i learnt quite a few important points in her life,but i would have liked a more in-depth book on khadijas character and morals more so,than the events.
I do think there’s more persuasive and heart touching,emotional books out there about khadija however this book is good if you want to know the main ‘events’ which happened in her life.

[Suheera · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me fall in love with Islamic books. I got to know so many events of Hazrat Khadija R.A ’s life but I think this book could have been more detailed, but how detailed can a >200 pages book be. Anyway, I didn't feel bored while reading this book which is very usual for me as I get bored really easily.
it's worth reading. do give it a read.

[Ezzati Manan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short but interesting memoir, made me realize how little I know of her life. Her strength, patience and love for God and the Prophet SAW is something to be admired and aspired. Hopefully I’ll pick up some more reads after this one :)

[Hoor Temuri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The length that Khadija RA waited for Muhammad (pbuh) is so beautiful. Her spirit is captured so beautifully. Many use her as an example of Muslim feminism, but her less emphasized strength lies in the safety, emotional intimacy, and belief she had for our prophet. Highly recommend this short but wonderful read. Also available on audible :)

[Saba Aftab · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is such a lovely and interesting narrative of her life. You want to keep turning the pages. I have learnt a lot about Umm al-Muminin Khadijah from this book, facts which I didn’t know or heard before.

[Sophie Whatmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely rendition of the life of Khadija and her allegiance to the Prophet PBOH. Narrated in a lovely easy to read format, a romance of old. Very nice.

[Sheikh Shahidur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a little deviated from the topic!

[Abidah · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wouldn't recommend it at all - too much novelish and facts are not referenced. A disappoitment!