She was the best of womankind in her lifetime. She was the daughter of Khuwailid Ibn Asad Ibn ‘Abdu-l-Uzza Ibn Qusayy Ibn Kilab. She was from the tribe of Quraish and of Bani Asad and was called the chaste woman. She was born in a house of glory and leadership fifteen years the Year of the Elephant and brought up in an honorable house. She was a rational and venerable woman. She was famous for her strictness, reason, and decency. Because of this, whe was respected and desired by the elite of her tribe.

            She got married to Abu Halah Ibn Zararah of Tamimi-tribe and gave birth to Halah and Hind. After the death of Abu Halah, she married ‘Ateeq Ibn ‘A’iz Ibn ‘Abdullah who was from the tribe of Bani Makhzum. They stayed together for a period of time before separation.

            Then, she refused many proposals and marriage made by venerable men. She devoted her life for her children and towards managing her trade. She was wealthy and used to hire men to manage her trade as partners.

            Being informed of the Prophet Muhammad’s truthfulness, integrity and good manners before his Messengership, she entrusted him to run her trade accompanied by her slave Maysarah in ash-Sham (Syria) and promised to pay to him more than others. The Prophet agreed and travelled with Khadija’s slave. He achieved great gains by Allah’s willing. Khadija was quite pleased with his achievements. But what pleased and gained her admiration even more was Muhammad himself.

            She started to think of him and found herself attracted to Muhammad emotionally. She had never felt such emotion before. But she started to wonder. Would he accept her proposal since she was forty years and he was only twenty-five? How could she face those whom she refused of the masters of Quraish before?

            Meanwhile, her friend, Nafisa Bint Munabbih, entered and started to talk with her until she made her disclose what perplexed her. Then she comforted her and reminded her of his good character, lineage, wealth and grace over all those venerable men who sought to marry her.

            No sooner did Nafisa leave Khadija than she (Nafisa) went to Muhammad. She intuitively asked him, “Why did you not marry, Muhammad?” He answered, “I cannot afford marriage.” She smiled and said, “If there is anyone who could be eligible would you agree?” He asked, “Who is she?” She said instantly, “Khadija Bint Khuwailid.” He said, “I would agree if she did.”

            Nafisa instantly went to Khadija to tell her the good news. On the other hand, Muhammad told his uncles about his wish to marry Khadija. Then. Abu Talib, Hamza and others went to Khadija’s uncle, Amr Ibn Asad and betrothed his niece and offered him the dowry.

…to be continued.