Misconception and misinformation are omnipresent, so is about the conceptions in Islam. To many, Islam is a scary religion that leaves Muslim women oppressed and uneducated. I don’t think we should disparage the traditionalist. They are merely responding on what they know. I believe the more true knowledge people have about the dignified women in Islam, the more fascinated they would be because of universal beauty of its way of life.
Islam permits Muslim women to own property, do business and be anything they wish to be in the service of society as long as they comply to the obligation of not displaying themselves like that of the times of ignorance.
I am giving a brief reflection of the significant work done by Khadija bint Khuwaylid (may Allah be pleased with her) who has influenced the course of history.
Khadija (رضي الله عنها) was truly a magnanimous, humble and noble lady. The first and most beloved wife of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), was the first to accept after it had been revealed to him by Jibreel (Angel Gabriel). She is also known to us as Mother of Believers (Umm Al-Mu’mineen).
Khadijah (رضي الله عنها) was one of the greatest women of the world and her rank is as high as the great Mary (Maryam), the mother of Prophet Jesus/Isa (peace be upon him).
Prophet Mohammad (ﷺ) said about her:
Four greatest women of the world are – Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, Faima bint Mohammad, Mary bint Emran and Asiya bint Muzahir (the wife of Phoroah).
Khadijat (رضي الله عنها) combined in her person all the attributes which add to perfection. The contribution of this blessed lady to Islam is unforgettable. She took the charge of the family business after the death of her father Khuwaylid. Her wisdom rapidly expanded the business. The magnanimous lady always helped the poor, the widows, the orphans, the sick and the disabled. If there were any poor girls, Khadija (رضي الله عنها) married them off and gave them dowry from the wealth she owed.
When she was married to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), she brought with her all that she has produced by her own intelligence, prudence and foresightedness.
After marriage, Khadija’s (رضي الله عنها) primary focus was to be the best companion of her husband. Khadija (رضي الله عنه) with great love and devotion rested full authority of her wealth on Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and to ease the difficulty and release the pressure if he felt any.
When Islam came under mounting pressure from its enemies, Khadija (رضي الله عنها) sacrificed all her comforts. She always preferred to standby her husband during the trying moments of his life and his clan and to share the hardships of life with them. She was brought up in the midst of luxury, yet she never complained about the life of struggles and sacrifices in the way of Islam.
Khadija (رضي الله عنها) has collected more “first” in the history of Islam than anyone else. She was the first wife of the last messenger of Allah. She was the first women believer of Islam. She was the first mortal to declare that the Creator is only One and that Muhammad (ﷺ) was His messenger.
Khadija (رضي الله عنها) had great value in the eyes of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Her death on 10th Ramadan of the 10th year of proclamation of Islam was a great blow to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his mission. She has given 28 years of her life and all that she possessed to prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) to spend in the cause of Islam.
