The Greatest Love Story: The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) & Khadijah (R.A)

We have heard or read many love stories. Some of them put a huge smile on our faces and some of them made us cry. What is so special about love stories that people like them so much? It is because we love to witness the beautiful union of two souls. We love to hear stories of love with two beings who stand for each other against any odds. Some common idioms we hear:

Love is something that keeps us going.

Love is like a ray of sunshine.

Nothing else matters if you have your love by your side.

Alhumdulillah Love is the most beautiful feeling in the world, knowing there is a person who makes so much difference in your life and makes it worth living.

Allah Subhana wa Ta'la says in the Quran:

"And among His signs is that He created for you mates from among yourselves, that ye may dwell in tranquility with them and He has put love and mercy between your (hearts). Verily in that are signs for those who reflect.” [Ar Room 30:21]

You may have heard a lot of great love stories but the most pure and greatest love story ever recorded in the history of mankind was the first love story of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Khadijah (R.A) was his first love whom he loved dearly. He didn't marry any other woman during her lifetime and used to frequently visit her grave even after she left this world. He carried on her memories in his heart and never let it go. Many instances of this were found on several occasions.

But how did this beautiful love story begin?

Th Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was a young man who was helping his uncle in his trade business. It all started when he had to travel for the trade to Syria. He led the caravan. Word soon got out that there is a young man who deals with honest and fair means and is known as "Sadiq" and "Amin". Impressed by his qualities Khadija (R.A) offered him to join her trade business. He (PBUH) accepted the offer. 

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was a well known personality of Quraish. She had a strong personality and single handedly managed the trade business of her late father. Due to her strength and strong image she spread the business in many parts of Arab. She was considered one of the successful business women of that time. The society which was dominated by men, she carved a path for herself among them and left her mark. Though Khadijah (R.A)  married twice and was a widow there were still many prospects wanting to marry her.

The Prophet's (PBUH) character attracted Khadijah (RA)

What attracted our Mother Khadijah (RA) was the impeccable moral character of Muhammad (PBUH). And she needed an honest partner in running her business so she offered him to join hands with her. When he first went on his business trip she asked her servant to go and check. The servant came back and gave her the report that he had never met such a gentle, honest, righteous man before. 

Amazed by his report she sent her  Best friend, Nafisa who asked him, "why are you not married, yet?"

"For lack of means," he answered.

"What if I could offer you a wife of nobility, beauty, and wealth? Would you be interested?" she told him.

He replied in the affirmative, but when she mentioned her friend, the young employee chuckled in amazement.

"How could I marry her? she has turned down the most noble men in the city, much wealthier and prominent than me, a poor shepherd," he said.

"Don't you worry," the Nafisa replied, "I'll take care of it". 

Age Didn’t Matter to Khadijah(RA)

 And after some time Khadijah (R.A) married her young employee Muhammad (PBUH). The age difference was quite visible but it didn't stop them. It was the beginning of the most beautiful love story.

Khadijah (His Wife) was the First Believer and Supporter in Islam

It was Khadijah (R.A) who believed in him when nobody did. It was she who comforted him in the most trying times. Her presence was a great solace for him. When Quraish turned their back on him, she gave him all her wealth to support him. Together they raised a family of six, which included four daughters. When the Prophet (PBUH) and his family were banished to the hills outside of Makkah, she went there with him.

After three years of hardship and deprivation eventually led to her death. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) mourned her deeply, and even after her death, the Prophet would send food and support to Khadijah's friends and relatives, out of love for her.

Their love was so great that even his other wives sometimes felt envious of it. Once Ayesha (R.A) asked why he loved her so deeply. The Prophet replies:

"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" (Al-Bukhari). 

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was so grief stricken after her demise that he called that year of his life "The year of sorrow". He never forgot her. 

While her legacy continues to live until today, as a symbol for leading Muslim women figures, the love story between her and the prophet remains to be one-of-a-kind.