Islam began in the 7th century CE in Mecca, in what is now Saudi Arabia. The founder of Islam was the Prophet Muhammad. Initially, Muhammad preached his message secretly to family members and close friends. The first person to accept his message was his wife Khadija. She became the first woman to accept Islam.
When did Khadija accept Islam?
Khadija accepted Islam in 610 CE, as soon as Muhammad received his first revelation from God and was tasked with spreading the message of Islam. Muhammad was meditating in the Cave of Hira when he was visited by the angel Jibreel, who recited to him the first verses of the Quran. Muhammad ran home to Khadija and told her what had happened. Khadija immediately believed him and became the first person to accept Islam.
Who was Khadija?
Khadija bint Khuwaylid was a wealthy merchant in Mecca. She hired Muhammad to manage her caravan trade when he was 25 years old. Although 15 years older than him, Khadija was impressed by Muhammad’s honesty and character. She sent a friend to propose marriage to Muhammad, and he accepted.
Khadija and Muhammad had a happy, monogamous marriage for 25 years. She bore him six children, including two sons who died in infancy.
As a wealthy businesswoman, Khadija was well-respected in Meccan society. She used her wealth and influence to support Muhammad and the early Muslim community.
Why was Khadija the first to accept Islam?
There are several reasons why Khadija was immediately open to Muhammad’s message:
- As his wife, she knew his character best and believed he was speaking the truth.
- She had witnessed strange incidents throughout their marriage indicating he was destined for prophethood.
- As an independent, intelligent woman she could evaluate the message herself.
- She was aware of the beliefs of other monotheistic faiths and was dissatisfied with idolatry.
- She instantly recognized the beauty and wisdom of the Quranic verses.
Khadija assured Muhammad that he was not going insane or possessed. She became the first believer in Islam and supported Muhammad’s mission until her death.
How did Khadija support Muhammad after accepting Islam?
Khadija supported Muhammad in many impactful ways after accepting Islam:
- She comforted him during times of doubt and anxiety.
- She affirmed that he was truly a prophet sent by God.
- She was the first person to pray with Muhammad, establishing key Islamic rituals.
- She used her wealth to free Muhammad to spread his message full-time.
- She hosted secret meetings for early Muslims at her home.
- She participated in the boycott against Muslims, willingly suffering for her faith.
| Year | Age | Key Events |
|---|---|---|
| 595 CE | 40 years | Married Muhammad |
| 610 CE | 45 years | Became first Muslim |
| 619 CE | 54 years | Supported Muslims in exile in Abyssinia |
| 620 CE | 65 years | Died in Mecca |
This table summarizes key events in Khadija’s life after accepting Islam.
How long did Khadija live after accepting Islam?
Khadija lived for 10 years after becoming Muslim. She died in 620 CE at the age of 65. She spent her last years supporting Muhammad and enduring persecution alongside the Muslim community in Mecca.
Khadija was unable to witness Islam spreading across Arabia and beyond. However, her unwavering faith and support in the earliest days of Muhammad’s mission ensured the survival of Islam during its most vulnerable period.
How is Khadija remembered by Muslims today?
Khadija is honored with the title “Mother of the Believers”. She is remembered for:
- Being the first to accept Islam.
- Loving, trusting and supporting Muhammad.
- Sacrificing her wealth for the sake of Allah.
- Enduring persecution patiently.
- Protecting and comforting Muhammad when others doubted him.
- Being a role model of faith and devotion for Muslim women.
Muslims often share the story of Khadija accepting Islam to demonstrate the importance of supporting those who speak the truth. She is considered an integral part of the early Muslim community.
Who was the second person to accept Islam?
The second person to accept Islam was Ali ibn Abi Talib. He was the young cousin of Muhammad who lived in his household. When Muhammad gathered his family members to warn them of God’s punishment, Ali immediately testified to Muhammad’s prophethood. He was 10 years old at the time.
Ali grew up to become one of the greatest warriors and scholars of Islam. He married Muhammad’s daughter Fatima. After Muhammad’s death, Ali ruled as the fourth caliph.
Other early Muslims
After Khadija and Ali, the early believers in Islam included:
- Zayd ibn Harithah: adopted son of Muhammad
- Abu Bakr: close friend of Muhammad
- Bilal: former African slave freed by Abu Bakr
- Sumayyah: first martyr of Islam, killed for believing
- Ammar: son of Sumayyah, tortured for converting
- Sawdah: first woman Muhammad married after Khadija died
These early Muslims along with the Prophet’s daughters Ruqayyah and Fatima formed the foundation of the first Islamic community in Mecca. Their faith was tested through brutal persecution at the hands of the pagan Quraysh tribe.
Conclusion
Khadija bint Khuwaylid has the distinction of being the first person in history to accept Islam. As the first believer, she played a monumental role in supporting Muhammad’s prophethood and the establishment of Islam. Khadija’s love and devotion to the Prophet has made her a towering spiritual figure for Muslims. Though she faced intense oppression in defense of her faith, she persevered and gave her wealth to the cause of Islam. Her steadfastness has inspired generations of Muslim women.