Virtues of Khadija (Part 5)

9- Mutual Love and Affection

Khadija’s love and affection to Muhammad was not unilateral. It was bilateral. This reality was mentioned in the marriage ceremony by Abu Talib: “Khadija and Muhammad love each other.”‌

As such Khadija had become interested in Muhammad upon her deep insight, the Prophet (PBUH) too, had found her deserving to be his wife. She was a widow reportedly 15 years older than the Prophet (PBUH) but Muhammad (PBUH) found her more deserving than any other woman, married her and respected her throughout her life.

A Key Point

The late Motahari has referred to a key point about Khadija’s property and Ali’s sword. It is important to know because when it is said that Islam made progress by Khadija’s wealth and Ali’s sword it might be thought that Islam spread through the use of wealth and force.

Motahhari says: “What kind of religion can make progress by the use of force? Is there any reference in the Holy Qur’an referring to the progress of Islam with the use of force? Has Ali said anywhere that Islam progressed with the use of force? There is no doubt that Khadija’s wealth helped progress of Islam, but her wealth was not spent on tempting the infidels to embrace Islam. There is no such proof throughout the history of Islam. When the Prophet and his followers were suffering hardships and economic problems, Hadrat Khadija offered her wealth to support the poor and to save the lives of hungry Muslims. Ali’s sword served Islam when the enemies were ready to use their swords to uproot Islam.”‌

* Translated by: Sadroddin Musawi