The Cherished Memory

Khadija, in addition to being first among the forerunners of the faith, was unfailingly loyal, until her dying day. How could such loyalty be forgotten? Years later, Aisha—another model of loyalty—spoke of how Khadija’s memory was always cherished by her husband:

“Even though I never met her, I have not been so jealous of the Prophet’s affections toward any other woman as I am of Khadija. He mentions her often and holds her in such high regard that whenever he slaughters a sheep and divides it into pieces, he still sends Khadija’s friends their portion.”46

This was because he loved whom she loved, and those who love never forget their loved ones. He would not falter in his respect toward her relatives; he would give them the cushion he was sitting on, and when asked why, he would say, “I also love the ones she loved.”47

One one occasion God’s Messenger heard that Hala bint Khuwaylid, Khadija’s sister, was at the door of the house, asking to come in. Her voice and the manner in which she asked to enter was so much like Khadija’s that he was very moved and stood up quickly, saying enthusiastically, “By God, it is Hala, daughter of Khuwaylid!”

Aisha, upon witnessing this excitement, became jealous and interfered, questioning why such attention should be given to someone who had died years ago. This was her way of saying that God had bestowed more virtues on herself than on his first wife, and that she found this type of affection excessive. Perhaps this was not coincidence, and God wanted her to hear of Khadija’s virtues from the Prophet’s mouth. He implied that he was not happy with what he had heard, saying, “Was there any other like her?” and continued, “I swear by God that He has not given me anyone as beneficent as she. When people denied me, she believed in me; she affirmed me when people labeled me a liar; when people deprived me, she supported me from her property; and God gave me children through her.” He wanted Aisha to understand that her reaction was not appropriate and that he would not allow anyone to tarnish her memory by speaking ill of her.

His intentions were clear and Aisha immediately asked for forgiveness, promising that she would not say anything negative about Khadija ever again.48 48 Tabarani, Mu’jam al-Kabir, 23/11; Dhahabi, Siyar al-A’lam an-Nubala, 2/112.