She meant the world to him
Today’s Khutbah at the Islamic Institute of Toronto was truly inspirational. It took an angle related to Al -Isra wal Miraaj that was unconventional – most Khateebs would have either focused on the miraculous nature of the Journey, and/or the implications of the prophetic journey to Bait Al Maqdis.
But Shaikh Abdool Hamid spoke about Khadija (RA). In a quiet but firm tone., at times tearful – he elucidated the high status of Khadija and the extraordinary relationship she had with Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ﷺ
More importantly he zoomed in on one aspect of that relationship – Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) ﷺ love for Khadijah and his frequent mention of her, even after her death.
There were times when Ayesha (RA) questioned him about his frequent mention of Khadijah (RA). Instead of deflecting or dismissing her inquiry, our beloved prophet faced the question head on with integrity, sincerity and clarity.
She meant the world to him.
She believed in him when others rejected him; she supported him when others turned away from him and she bore his children and provided him a stable life, supporting him with her wealth and wisdom, when the society around him was collapsing from inequality, injustice and immorality.
Our Mother of the Believers was recognized by Jibreel; indeed Jibreel offered his salutations from himself and from Allah to Khadijah through the Prophet. She was promised a house in paradise where there is no noise nor fatigue and there is peace.
One of the clear signs of the prophetic love for Khadijah was that even after her passing, he would sometime s slaughter a lamb and divide the meat into small parcels and distribute it to the friends of Khadijah. What a testament of his love for her!
Another clear signal from the prophet himself was when Ayesha mentioned to him in one their conversations that Allah had replaced her with something better. To this he replied with clarity that no, Allah has not replaced her with something better, making it clear that Khadija’s position did not decrease in his sight, despite his later marriages.
It was after Khadija’s death during the Year of Sorrow. and his sadness at her passing, that Allah the Exalted elevated His messenger to the heavens in a journey that was as miraculous in nature as the revelation itself. A gift to the Messenger of Mercy to console his heart and to reignite the passion for his mission.
Khadijah was incomparable in terms of her support for the beloved prophet. As believers, especially for men it would be prudent to reflect on the tenderness that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) ﷺ displayed for Khadijah, even in moments when it was not materially to his advantage. His heart was alive with the memory of his beloved, and nothing would betray the love that it held.
May Allah grant us the love like the love of the prophet for Khadijah; and may he grant our spouses the grace and quiet endurance that Khadijah displayed.