Her Background
Hazrat Khadeeja bint Khuwaylid ibn Asad al-Qurashiyya (RA) was born approximately 555 CE in Makkah, Arabia. She belonged to the noble Quraysh tribe — the most respected tribe in Arabia. Her father, Khuwaylid ibn Asad, was a successful merchant and community leader.
Her Business Empire
After the death of her father and first two husbands, Hazrat Khadeeja (RA) took control of the family trading business. She became one of the wealthiest people in Makkah — not just among women, but among all Arabs.
Her Business Model:
- She owned large trading caravans
- She hired men to trade on her behalf for a commission
- Her caravans travelled to Syria, Yemen, and across Arabia
- She had a reputation for honesty, intelligence, and fairness
- Business leaders, merchants and nobles sought her partnerships
Her Character in Business
The Arabs called her:
- “Tahira” — The Pure One (even before Islam)
- “Sayyidat Quraysh” — The Queen of Quraysh
- She was known for: honesty, generosity, intelligence, excellent character
How She Met the Prophet ﷺ
Hazrat Khadeeja (RA) heard of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ reputation for honesty and trustworthiness. She hired him to lead her trade caravan to Syria. Her employee Maysara accompanied him and reported back — not only had Muhammad ﷺ been completely honest and trustworthy, but he had doubled her profits through wise trading decisions.
Impressed by his character, Hazrat Khadeeja (RA) proposed marriage to him. She was 40 years old, he was 25. He accepted.
Her Support of Islam
When the first revelation came and the Prophet ﷺ returned home trembling, Hazrat Khadeeja (RA):
- Wrapped him in her arms
- Reassured him with the famous words: “By Allah, He will never disgrace you. You maintain family ties, you bear the burdens of others, you earn for the poor, you serve your guests generously, and you help those afflicted by calamities.”
- She was the FIRST person to accept Islam
- She used her entire wealth to support the early Muslim community
- During the Boycott of Muslims, she spent all her money feeding the believers
Lessons for Muslim Women Entrepreneurs
- Excellence in business — Be the best at what you do
- Ethical trading — Honesty builds lasting reputation
- Smart partnerships — Choose partners based on character
- Reinvest wisely — Grow your business through wise decisions
- Balance faith and business — Your business should support your Deen
