When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ descended from the Cave of Hira on the first night of revelation — trembling, uncertain, asking to be covered — he went to Sayyidatuna Khadija al-Kubra رضي الله عنها. She was the first human being to hear the news that would change the world. She was the first to believe. She was the one who said, in the most celebrated act of spousal support in the entire Sirah: “By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your relatives, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously, and assist those struck by calamity.” These words, preserved in Sahih al-Bukhari, are among the most cited in the Islamic tradition.
Her Titles
Sayyidatuna Khadija رضي الله عنها carries several titles. She is al-Kubra — the Great — distinguishing her from others of the same name. She is Ummuna — Our Mother — as one of the Mothers of the Believers. She is al-Tahirah — the Pure One — a title given to her by the Makkans before Islam in recognition of her character. And in the estimation of scholars who have written about the women of the Prophetic household ﷺ, she is among the very greatest.
The Love That Outlived Her
Sayyidatuna Khadija رضي الله عنها died during the years of persecution in Makkah. He would speak of her with unmistakable love.
“She Believed in Me When No One Else Did”
She considered me truthful when others denied me. She supported me with her wealth when others withheld from me. And Allah gave me children through her, not through others.” This statement — recorded in Musnad Ahmad and classical biographical sources — is the Prophet’s own definition of what her love for him meant: belief, support, and sacrifice, maintained through the most difficult years of his prophetic mission.
Her Place in the Ahl al-Bayt
Sayyidatuna Khadija رضي الله عنها is the mother of Sayyidah Fatima al-Zahra عليها السلام — making her the maternal grandmother of Sayyiduna al-Hasan and Sayyiduna al-Husayn رضي الله عنهما. The prophetic lineage that continues to this day passes through her. To love the Ahl al-Bayt is inseparable from loving the woman who made the prophetic family possible.
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Why is Sayyidatuna Khadija called the first believer?
Because she was the first human being to accept Islam — the first to hear the Prophet’s ﷺ account of revelation and say, without hesitation: I believe you. This occurred on the very first night of revelation when the Prophet ﷺ returned from the Cave of Hira. Her immediate belief is preserved in Sahih al-Bukhari.
Why did the Prophet ﷺ continue to honour Sayyidatuna Khadija after her death?
Because her support during the most difficult years of his mission — her belief, her financial sacrifice, her constant presence — left a debt of love and gratitude he honoured for the rest of his life. He told Sayyidatuna Aisha رضي الله عنها directly: “She believed in me when no one else did.”
What is the relationship between Sayyidatuna Khadija and Sayyidah Fatima?
Sayyidatuna Khadija رضي الله عنها is the mother of Sayyidah Fatima al-Zahra عليها السلام — and through Fatima, the grandmother of Sayyiduna al-Hasan and Sayyiduna al-Husayn رضي الله عنهما. The entire prophetic lineage that continues today passes through her.