Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA) Part II

Sometimes the most significant moments in history begin with the smallest interactions.

Like when a young shepherd's shyness about collecting his wages would set in motion events that would change the world forever.

The story begins when the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and another young man were hired by Khadijah's (RA) older sister to tend her herd of camels.

After they finished grazing, the other young man suggested they go back to collect their wages.

The Prophet ﷺ, in his characteristic modesty, said, "Why don't you go on my behalf, because I am too shy to go."

When the young man went to Khadijah's (RA) sister's home, where Khadijah (RA) happened to be present, she asked about the Prophet ﷺ.

The young man explained that he was too shy to come and ask for the wages himself.

Khadijah's (RA) sister remarked, "I have not seen any man who is more shy, honorable, noble, and chaste in his interactions than Muhammad."

This was the first time Khadijah (RA) heard of the Prophet ﷺ, and it was in this positive manner that something special entered her heart.

Khadijah (RA), despite being the wealthiest woman in Makkah, faced a unique challenge: as a woman, she couldn't personally oversee her trade caravans.

She had to rely on business partners through a system called mudarabah, where profits were shared based on percentages.

But time and again, she found herself cheated by dishonest merchants who would steal, lie, and manipulate the accounts.

Despite her brilliant business acumen, she never received the full value of her investments.

When she heard about this young man's exceptional character, she saw an opportunity.

Even though Muhammad ﷺ had never personally conducted a trade journey before, she recognized something more valuable than experience: absolute honesty.

It's a beautiful lesson in human nature, when someone demonstrates decency and elegance in their interactions, it often reflects their entire character.

So Khadijah (RA), through her servant, extended an offer to the Prophet ﷺ.

Instead of immediately accepting, the Prophet ﷺ went to his uncle Abu Talib for advice.

This simple act of respect and consultation speaks volumes about his character.

Abu Talib's response was equally telling: "O my nephew, she is well known to be the richest woman. Allah has blessed you with this opportunity. Do not say no to her."

Khadijah (RA), in her wisdom, offered the Prophet ﷺ an unprecedented 50% of the profits, a clear incentive for excellence.

And what happened next was nothing short of miraculous.

The Prophet ﷺ's caravan returned with triple the usual profits.

But that wasn't the only miracle. Maysara, Khadijah's (RA) servant who accompanied the journey, reported extraordinary signs: clouds providing constant shade for the Prophet ﷺ, trees extending their branches to shelter him, and his refusal to swear by any idols.

This success deepened Khadijah's (RA) admiration for the Prophet ﷺ, and through her friend Nafisa, she initiated what would become one of history's most significant marriages.

When Nafisa asked the Prophet ﷺ why he wasn't married, his response was heartbreakingly humble: "Who would marry me? I am an orphan and I am poor."

But when Nafisa mentioned Khadijah's (RA) interest, his question revealed his character: "Why would she want me?"

Khadijah (RA) had turned down proposals from some of Makkah's most powerful men, Abu Jahal, Abu Sufyan, and Uqbah bin Abi Muit, despite their wealth and status.

She had been unmarried for over a decade, not because she couldn't find a suitor, but because she was waiting for someone whose character matched her standards.

As she later told the Prophet ﷺ, "The reason why I desired you is because of your noble character and your truthful tongue."

Their marriage was truly a union of equals in character: Tahira (the Pure One) married Al-Amin (the Trustworthy One).

At 40, Khadijah (RA) married the 25-year-old Prophet ﷺ, and their union would prove transformative.

Not only did it free the Prophet ﷺ to play a more significant role in society, but it also gave him access to Makkah's elite circles, connections that would prove crucial for his future mission.

In their first five years of marriage, they were blessed with six children: Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Um Kulthum, Fatima, Al-Qassim, and Abdullah.

What makes this story particularly profound is that Khadijah's (RA) choice to marry the Prophet ﷺ was, in essence, acting on revelation before it came.

She recognized his character and truthfulness before he was chosen as a prophet, demonstrating an intuitive understanding of what truly matters in a spouse.

This marriage wasn't just a personal union, it was a divine arrangement that would set the stage for the greatest mission in human history.

Stay tuned for the next part, where we'll explore how Khadijah (RA) became the first believer and perhaps the most important person in the Prophet's ﷺ mission.