Undying Loyalty

Khadija had left such an impression on her husband, and had such a lasting place in his heart that he visited her old friends sometimes and try to keep the memories of her alive. There was no one that could fill her place; God’s Messenger stayed alone for three years after her passing, and despite the extraordinary hardships of that time, did not consider remarriage till much later when the new community was established in Medina.

When many years had passed, the time came of Mecca’s conquest. After all the eventful years, including the Emigration and the battles of Badr, Uhud, The Trench, and Hudaybiya, Mecca, which had turned out the believers and left them to their death in Shib Abi Talib, was ready to surrender. Finally, the believers’ cries again echoed in the valleys of Mecca, but this time, instead of wailing, there was be joyful music, for they were strong and had been granted victory at last. Where a small persecuted band of Muslims had been exiled from their homes and city, now an army of ten thousand had left Medina and was coming towards Mecca, where the good tidings of its conquest was inevitable.

As he approached Mecca, Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, was returning to Khadija’s resting place. On his way into the city, he went to the cemetery in Hajun to the grave of his loyal wife, the one who would never fade from his memory. His life was an example for all, and in his actions toward Khadija, he was the epitome of loyalty. He stood by her grave and God knows what memories passed before his eyes and what prayers he uttered. Perhaps her dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to God’s way came alive again for him. He prayed for her for hours.

Later, he returned to the tents that the army had erected in Abtah, and he entered Mecca with his Companions from all sides.

Her legacy—her children—were parting one after another from him. Qasim, who had still been an infant; Abdullah, who also died as a baby; and their daughters, Zaynab, Umm Kulthum, and Ruqayya had all left this world to be reunited with their mother in the Hereafter.

In these last days, of all his children with Khadija only Fatima remained in the world. She was a source of consolation for the Prophet. Yet, she too would not live very much longer; six months after her father’s death, unable to bear the absence of her beloved parents, she would be reunited with them in the other world.

Conclusion

Thus was the exemplary life of Khadija. Her place in the eyes of God and of the Prophet is obvious. But as we have seen, this value was earned and not merely handed to her. It is obvious that one cannot reach such an eminent achievement without overcoming many obstacles and whatever tests destiny may bring.

People gain merit through the sacrifices they make. They also show their true colors in the patience they display in the face of hardships, their courage, and their determination to move on without faltering. Every difficult time in history has also produced its heroes. Khadija was one of the heroes of the first days of Islam. She lived a legendary life, and this legend is told by God Himself, and His most beloved servant, the Last Prophet.

And how could it be otherwise? She was the first comforter and helper the Last Prophet would run to whenever he was in need. She was not only at the forefront when it came to devotion and sacrifice, but also exemplified the peak of virtue and nobility of spirit. There was no one that could match her generosity and beneficence. How many wealthy people are there today who have given all their wealth for the sake of God and His Prophet until they, themselves, were in need of dry bread and suffering from starvation? It is easy to claim that we would do this, but when it comes to the moment of truth, the real heroes who can withstand such conditions—who will sacrifice everything—are few and far between.

Undoubtedly, considering what we have seen of her life, we may ask, “Has there ever been anyone above Khadija? Has the world ever seen the like of her?” History proves that the answer is undeniably no.

Thus, those who admire her should strive to live a life like hers. Indeed, there is no better way to secure the blessing of God and His Prophet and to be remembered after we have gone into the next world.