A Friend in Need is a Friend Indeed - Khadeejah (radiyallahu anha)


An intelligent woman, a sincere philanthropist, a pious soul, a patient human, a devoted wife, a caring spouse, a loyal partner, a loving mother, an expert homemaker . . . The Ideal Woman and a dream for many . . . This was Sayyidah Khadeejah Al-Kubraa (radiyallahu anha).

Indeed, this superwoman had supported Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) when he had no worldly resources; trusted and believed in him when most had denied him; encouraged and understood him when he took up the call with trembling steps; withstood persecution, insults, threats and torture and was a lifelong helpmate of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) till her last breath at the age of sixty five.

Her remarkable and outstanding personality was manifested on the occasion when her husband was crowned with Nubuwwah (prophethood). Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was in the solitude of the cave when he suddenly received the first revelation. He was taken aback and terrified. Why wouldn’t he be terrified? This was his first awe-inspiring encounter with revelation which had come from the Lord of the Worlds through the greatest angel Jibreel (alaihis salaam).

This event was one of the greatest, not only in the life of Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam), but in the history of mankind. Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) stood up trembling, heading home to seek rest and solace in the tender care of none other than Sayyidah Khadeejah (radiyallahu anha). This great woman, the best friend that she was, calmly comforted Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) giving him the strength he needed.

She addressed him thus, “You will never be disgraced by Allah Ta’ala. Your inner life is true and pure. Your outer life is kind and gentle. You are good to your family and ever hospitable to your guests. You don’t hurt anyone and you help everyone. In short you are an asset to society in its entirety.”

Sayyidah Khadeejah (radiyallahu anha) spared no effort in consoling Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) at this greatest moment, which is perhaps the greatest of her deeds. She then takes Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) to her cousin Waraqah bin Naufal, who consoles Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) and affirms what Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) was already certain of . . .