In Memory of Hadrat Khadija (S.A)

Imam Ali (A.S) used to talk in memory of Hadrat Khadija (S.A) on various occasions. He once referred to the Prophet (PBUH) defending Khadija: “One day the Prophet (PBUH) cried in memory of Khadija while he was among his wives. …”‌ The Prophet also frequently said: Khadija was the first woman to believe in me.

Last Piece of Property

Hadrat Khadija’s wealth was used from the early beginning to help progress of Islam. The last piece of her property was spent by Imam Ali (A.S) during migration to Medina. The Prophet (PBUH) stayed for three days and nights in the Cave of Thowr. Imam Ali brought him food and drink at night. There, the Prophet (PBUH) addressed Imam Ali (A.S) and said: “I have many things with me in trust. Go to the top of Abtah Hill in Mecca and announce loud day and night that ‘he who has something in trust with Muhammad, he is asked to take it back. O, Ali, from now on you will not face a bothering incident when you come to me. Give back the things we have in trust openly to the people. O Ali, I assigned you as caretaker of my daughter Fatima and beseeched God to protect you both. Buy camels, food and drink for you, for Fatima and for everyone accompanying you. Leave the city after returning the things in trust immediately.”‌

Abu Obayda (grandson of Ammar Yasser) said: “This was quoted by Abi Rafe’s son. I asked him how much wealth was with the Prophet that could buy two camels for his trip and food and drink for the migrants. He replied: The Prophet (PBUH) said no wealth raised greater benefits for me than Khadija’s wealth.”‌ According to his father, the last piece of Khadija’s property was spent on buying food and drink for the needy Muslims migrating to Medina. The majority of the Muslims moved to Medina with her wealth and the last caravan was the one headed by Imam Ali (A.S).

Paying Allegiance to Ali (A.S)

The most astonishing scene in the life of Khadija (S.A) relates to accepting Imam Ali (A.S) as the Imam or leader of the Muslims at a time she was not bound to, because it had to be religiously necessary upon the death of the Prophet (PBUH). She had already heard about Imamate of Ali from her daughter at birth. Therefore, she knew about the merit and rank of the Commander of the Faithful.

Allameh Majlesi writes: “One day the Prophet (PBUH) sent for Khadija and told her: This is Gabriel (Jibril) who says there are conditions to embrace Islam: First, confessing to oneness of God; second, confessing to prophetic mission of the messengers; third, confession to the Day of Resurrection and observing the rules of Islamic Law; and fourth, obeying the prophets and Imams [Ali] and their offspring and taking distance from their enemies.”‌ Khadija confessed all and acted upon his orders. In the case of Imam Ali (A.S), the Prophet said: “Ali is your guide and the guide of all believers and their Imam after my death.”‌

When the Prophet (PBUH) received firm promise of Khadija, he taught them essentials of the religion, religious obligations and religiously forbidden things.

He then put his hand on Ali’s head and Khadija put her hand on Muhammad’s hand and proved her loyalty to Islamic leadership after the Prophet (PBUH).

Imam Ali’s Viewpoint about Khadija’s Faith

Shia and Sunni Muslims believe in Imam Ali (A.S) equally because Shia Muslims believe in him for infallibility of Imam and Sunni Muslims accept him as the close companion of the Prophet (PBUH) and say the companions are just. Imam Ali (A.S) once said: “I heard the Voice and witnessed the Light for seven years and the Prophet was silent because he had no permission for open invitation and publicity of Islam.”‌ In another tradition Imam Ali (A.S) says he used to perform his prayers with the Prophet (PBUH) seven years before the other companions.”‌

In another tradition, Imam Ali (A.S) talked about Khadija’s faith as such: There was no house with Islam in it except the house of the Prophet… I could see the light of revelation and prophetic mission and feel the smell of prophethood in that house.”‌

At any rate, Ali (A.S) and Khadija (S.A) established the first Muslim society with the Prophet (PBUH) and performed their prayers in hidden in early days of Islam.

At a time no one except these three had embraced Islam, Khadija and Ali rushed to help Muhammad and performed their prayers not only in the house but also in the Cave of Hara, by Masjid al-Haram and Kaba. They showed building up of the first Muslim society to the travelers and residents. These communications continued until the most dangerous stage of prophetic mission.

* Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi