Biography of the Beloved Wife of the Prophet Khadija bint Khuwailid

 

Biography of the Beloved Wife of the Prophet Khadija bint Khuwailid

From Ibnu Abbas ra, said: that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "The women in heaven after Maryam are Fatimah bint Muhammad, Siti Khadijah bint Khuwailid, and Siti Asiah the wife of Pharaoh." (HR Ahmad)

The Prophet SAW said: "O Khadijah, this is the angel Jibreel who has come and told me to convey the greetings of Allah SWT to you, and to give you the good news of a house made of wood, there is no noise and sense of achievement in it." (HR Bukhari-Muslim)

"The best woman (heaven) is Siti Maryam bint 'Imran, and the best woman (earth) is Siti Khadijah bint Khuwailid." (Al-Hadith)

Birth and Family Background

Mecca, the year 68 Before Hijra or coinciding with the year 555 AD is a special year for the family of Khuwailid bin Asad. Because in that year a beautiful baby girl was born in the midst of the family of Khuwailid bin Asad. For the people of the Quraysh at that time, having a daughter was a disgrace. Many of them bury their daughters alive, even before the baby feels the air of the world. But not so with Khuwailid bin Asad. The presence of a baby girl in the midst of her family was greeted with joy. Khuwailid bin Asad named his daughter Siti Khadijah. The baby's full name is Siti Khadijah bint Khuwailid bin Asad bin Abdul Uzza bin Qushai bin Kilab al Qurasyiyah al Asadiyah.

Growing up in the midst of a respected and wealthy family, did not make Siti Khadijah an arrogant person. Precisely the privilege that is in him makes him humble. The nickname Ath-Thahirah was pinned to her as an appreciation that Siti Khadijah was a figure who was able to maintain her chastity.

In 575 AD, Siti Khadijah's mother died. 10 years later, his father died. Being an orphan along with an abundance of inheritance for some people can make themselves complacent and extravagant. But not so with Siti Khadijah. Precisely the death of her parents made her grow into an independent woman. Siti Khadijah continues her family tradition as a trader. Siti Khadijah's cold hands made her family business grow rapidly.

Previous Marriages with the Prophet

Beautiful, rich, and from a prominent family made Siti Khadijah a flower in Mecca. Many nobles and wealthy merchants scrambled to ask for her hand. But the one who was able to win the tight competition was Abu Halah bin Zurarah at-Tamimi. The couple has two children, namely Halah and Hindun. Unfortunately, the marriage did not last long. Abu Halah died leaving behind many children and wealth for Siti Khadijah.

Bearing the title of a young and rich widow in a city like Mecca is certainly not an easy thing to do for a Siti Khadijah. However, her intelligence and cleverness in socializing and taking advantage of opportunities, makes Siti Khadijah a bright career woman in the future.

It turns out that no matter how tough Siti Khadijah is, she is still a woman who needs the protection of a man. Especially with the business that is growing rapidly, Siti Khidijah feels it is time to start a household again. Among the many proposals that came to her, Siti Khadijah decided to accept the proposal of Atiq bin 'Aid Al-Makhzumi. However, again Allah tested Siti Khadijah's mental strength. Her second husband also died.

Marriage with the Prophet

Back in solitude makes Siti Khadijah forged into a strong woman. Many proposals actually come to him. But Siti Khadijah refused all the proposals gently. Siti Khadijah chose to concentrate on business and taking care of her children.

One day, Siti Khadijah heard news about a young man who was smart, intelligent, and very trusted. He is Muhammad bin Abdullah. The young man became a byword for the people of Mecca because of his honesty. No wonder the nickname Al-Amin was pinned on the young man. Intrigued by the young man, Siti Khadijah sent her assistant, Maisarah to come to Muhammad bin Abdullah offering a job, namely bringing Siti Khadijah's merchandise to the land of Sham. Muhammad accepted the offer.

Before the departure of the trade caravan to the land of Sham, Siti Khadijah told Maisarah to report everything that Muhammad bin Abdullah had done in Sham. Maisarah agreed. And the trading party belonging to Siti Khadijah left with Muhammad bin Abdullah as the person in charge.

After some time, the group returned to Mecca successfully. Muhammad bin Abdullah was able to increase the sale of Siti Khadijah's merchandise to the point of making a large profit. Arriving in Mecca, Maisarah who was assigned by Siti Khadijah to observe Muhammad's behavior, came to meet Siti Khadijah. This is the result of Maisarah's observations: Muhammad bin Abdullah proved to be a person with great character, noble character, and honesty. He never lied in selling things. When the stuff is good, he says it's good. If the quality of the goods sold is not good, then he tells the truth so that the customer feels satisfied. During the journey of departure and return to Mecca, Muhammad bin Abdullah really took care of his morals. He always lowered his gaze.

Hearing Maisarah's report, Siti Khadijah became more and more attracted to the personality of Muhammad bin Abdullah. Siti Khadijah has more hopes for Muhammad bin Abdullah. Through the intermediary of Nafisah binti Muniyah, Siti Khadijah expressed her desire to get to know Muhammad bin Abdullah more closely. Nafisah binti Muniyah understands what Siti Khadijah means. Nafisah bint Muniyah then came to Muhammad bin Abdullah and there was a conversation between them.

"Why aren't you married, Muhammad?" investigate Nafisah bint Muniyah.

"I can't afford to get married yet." Muhammad bin 'Abdullah replied.

"If anyone meets the criteria as your wife, are you willing?" Nafisah bint Muniyah's fishing rod.

"Who is that woman?" asked Muhammad bin 'Abdullah.

Kontan Nafisah bint Muniyah replied: "Siti Khadijah bint Khuwailid."

"I'm ready if he's ready." Answered Muhammad bin 'Abdullah.

Not waiting long, Nafisah binti Muniyah came to Siti Khadijah to tell her the good news.

Likewise with Muhammad bin 'Abdullah. He immediately met his uncle, Abu Talib to convey his intention to propose to Siti Khadijah. Hearing the expression of his nephew, Abu Talib agreed. Abu Talib, Hamzah, and the rest of the family then went to Amr bin Asad's residence as Siti Khadijah's uncle and guardian to propose to Siti Khadijah.

With a dowry of 20 young camels, Muhammad bin 'Abdullah married Siti Khadijah bint Khuwailid. The guardian of Siti Khadijah was represented by her uncle named Amr bin Asad, while on the side of Muhammad bin Abdullah by Abu Talib and Hamzah. The large age difference (about 15 years), as well as the wide economic gap between the two of them did not prevent Muhammad bin 'Abdullah and Siti Khadijah from building a blessed household.

Allah Azza wa Jalla blessed this perfect couple with six children, namely: Qosim (that's why the Prophet was also often called by the people of Makkah as Abu Qasim), 'Abdullah, Zainab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kultsum, and Siti Fatimah. Both sons died in infancy.

Before the Apostolate

Mecca before Islam was full of ignorance. Various crimes and heinous acts became the habit of the people. Drunkenness, killing their daughters, inter-tribal wars, worshiping idols became the trend of the time. This made the Messenger of Allah, who at that time had not been appointed as a Messenger, become worried and confused. He often went to Hira cave for ikhtila' or solitude. He performed ikhtila' in the cave for several nights, sometimes up to ten nights. Then he went back to his family to get provisions and then returned to the cave of Hira to perform uzlah. Thus the situation continued until Allah SWT sent down the first revelation through the angel Gabriel.

Siti Khadijah shows her credibility as a model wife. She fully supports anything done by her husband, the Prophet. When the Prophet had a tendency to beruzlah and berichtila' in the cave of Hira, Siti Khadijah supported her by preparing and preparing supplies for the Prophet. Until one day the Messenger of Allah returned from the cave of Hira with a trembling body. The Messenger of Allah immediately went to Siti Khadijah and said, "cover me. Cover me!”

Siti Khadijah then enveloped the Prophet. When the Messenger of Allah began to calm down, he said, "O Khadija, do you know what happened to me earlier?"

Then the Messenger of God told what happened in the cave of Hira, where at that time Allah SWT sent the angel Gabriel to deliver the first revelation. Angel Jibreel met the Prophet and embraced him while saying, "Read..."

"I can not read .." replied the Prophet.

Then the angel Gabriel hugged him back and said, "Read..."

"I can't read." The Prophet replied again.

For the third time the angel Jibreel hugged the Messenger of Allah and said, "Recite with (mentioning) the name of your Lord Who created. He created man from a clot of blood. Read, and your Lord is Most Merciful. The one who teaches (man) through the medium of the pen. He teaches people what they do not know.”

"Really I worry about myself (from the disturbance of the jinn)." The Prophet said to end the story.

“No! Be happy. By Allah, indeed Allah will not make you disappointed. You are a person who likes to connect family ties, always help people in need, respect guests, and defend those who stand on the truth." Siti Khadijah consoled and calmed her husband.

When Siti Khadijah heard the incident experienced by the Messenger of Allah in Hira cave, Siti Khadijah remembered her cousin named Waraqah bin Naufal bin Asad bin 'Abdul Uzza bin Qushai. Waraqah bin Naufal was old and lost his sight. He was a Christian and could write in Hebrew. He even wrote parts of the Gospel in Hebrew. Siti Khadijah's intention arose to bring her husband, the Messenger of Allah, to meet Waraqah bin Naufal.

"Oh my niece, what brought you here?" asked Waraqah bin Naufal to Siti Khadijah.

"O my uncle, listen to what your nephew (the Messenger of Allah) will tell you." Answer Siti Khadijah.

Then the Prophet narrated the incident he experienced in the cave of Hira.

"That was an angel that God once sent to Moses. Oh, how happy I was when I was young and mighty. How happy I would be if I was still alive when you were driven out by your people." Said Waraqah bin Naufal after hearing his nephew's story.

"Are they going to kick me out?" Rasulullah asked.

"Yes, there is no one who brings like what you carry except being opposed and fought by his people. If one day I was still alive and experienced the day you will face, I will surely help you as hard as I can."

Not long after the arrival of the Messenger of Allah, Waraqah bin Naufal died.

According to a valid history, namely from Baihaqi. That after that incident, revelation was temporarily suspended for six months. About the second coming of Jibril, Baihaqi narrated a narration from Jabir bin Abdillah, he said: "I heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) talk about the cessation of revelation. He said to me: “While I was walking, suddenly I heard a voice from the sky. When I lifted my head, it was an angel who came to me in the cave of Hira'“, I saw that he was sitting on a chair between heaven and earth. I immediately went home to my wife and I said to her, "Cover me, cover me .... cover me ....!"

In connection with that, God then said: "O people who are covered with blankets. Wake up and give warning. And glorify your Lord. And clean your clothes. And leave sins. And do not give (with the intention) of getting a lot (in return). And to (fulfill the command of) your Lord, be patient. (QS Al Muddatsir 1-7)

Since then revelation began to be sent down continuously.

The First Poeple and Woman in Islam

Ahmad and Thabrani narrated from Masruq from Siti Aisyah ra: "Almost the Messenger of Allah never left the house without mentioning Siti Khadijah and praising her. One day, the Messenger of Allah mentioned it and I became jealous. Then I (Siti Aisyah) said to the Messenger of Allah: "Isn't he just an old man and Allah SWT has replaced someone better than him for your brother?"

Hearing this, the Messenger of Allah was angry and then said: "By Allah! Allah never replaces someone better than him. He believed when people disbelieved, he justified me when people denied me, he defended me with his wealth when people hindered me, and Allah gave me children from him, while I was not blessed with children from my other wives. Subhan Allah!

That is Siti Khadijah!

From this narration, we know that Siti Khadijah was the first to believe and believe in what the Prophet brought without any doubt. Not because it was her husband who delivered the treatise, but she received the treatise solely because of her faith in Allah SWT.

Before Death

After the second revelation, the Prophet began to preach the message of Islam. The da'wah he did in the first three years was da'wah syriyyah or da'wah secretly. After that another revelation came down from Allah SWT calling on the Prophet SAW to preach openly.

It was a heavy obstacle that the Prophet faced when he preached Islam to the Quraysh openly. There are very few Meccan people who believe in what the Prophet SAW brought. And that's mostly from the bottom. While the nobles of Mecca strongly opposed the Messenger's treatise. They tried various ways to block the preaching of the Messenger of Allah and his companions. From torture, deportation, boycott, and murder.

As a wife who believes in her husband's apostleship, Siti Khadijah has sacrificed everything she has to support the mission of the Prophet. When the Prophet was troubled because of the opposition of his people, Siti Khadijah appeared as a calming heart and encouraging spirit. When the Prophet needed funds for Islamic da'wah, without a doubt Siti Khadijah gave all of her wealth to be spent in the way of Allah SWT.

When the polytheists of Quraish carried out a boycott of the Bani Hashim and Banu Muttalib, Siti Khadijah was willing to leave her house to join the Prophet and the Companions in the Shi'ib (settlement) of the Bani Muttalib. The boycott lasted from the seventh prophetic year to the tenth prophetic year. The Muslims and the infidels from the Bani Hashim and the Bani Muttalib (they were also boycotted because of purely tribal fanaticism!) were surrounded by the Shi'ib Bani Muttalib. They are not allowed to trade and socialize with other tribes.

An increasingly old age, a body that is no longer as strong as when she was young, coupled with the boycott of the Quraysh infidels, made Siti Khadijah's condition even weaker. But that does not make his faith less. Instead, it made Siti Khadijah even more convinced of the truth of the treatise brought by the Prophet.

Towards the age of 65, or three years before the Prophet's migration, Siti Khadijah closed her eyes before her Lord. The death of Siti Khadijah made the Prophet sad. Has gone his true companion in life to meet Rabb. The Prophet called the year of Siti Khadijah's death as "the year of sorrow".

 

Conclusion

The Messenger of Allah said: "Women are married for four reasons: because of their wealth, because of their position, because of their beauty, and because of their religion. So choose the religious one so that your hands will be blessed.” (HR Muslim)

No body is perfect! But Siti Khadijah is an exception. She had a lot of wealth before marrying the Prophet. He also comes from a respectable family. Her beauty was recognized by all the people of Mecca. And religion? Historical facts say that Siti Khadijah was the first to express her Islam in front of the Prophet. Even his Islam is flawless. Siti Khadijah gave everything she had for the success of Islam. Starting from property, love, and life.

Hopefully we can follow in the footsteps of Siti Khadijah even though it may not be comparable in quality to her. Amen.