Women and Islam

By Nina Kazmi - Guest Writer

The role of women in Islam is even more misunderstood than Islam in the West generally. Religion itself is only seen through the patriarchal lens as women are systematically erased, their leadership diminished, and their names forgotten. To commemorate women’s history month this year, I am privileged to receive the opportunity to highlight a woman to whom Islam owes a debt of gratitude, for her steadfast faith, ceaseless support, and unwavering sacrifice.

Khadija bint Khuwayled (SA) was a towering figure in the history of womankind that demonstrated to humanity what a woman is capable of. Khadija was the daughter of Khuwayled bin Asad bin Abdul Uzza bin Qusayy, a successful merchant of the Bani Hashim clan. She was born in Makka (Mecca) in 6th century CE, in a time known in Islamic history as the jahiliyyah or the ‘age of ignorance.’ This was a time when the Arabs lived without any recognisable law and order. ‘Arabs were notorious for their arrogance, conceit, vanity, and male chauvinism.’ Idolatry reigned supreme; drunkenness, gambling, and fighting were common practices. Craft and power were most prized by the Arabs: he who had the cunning and the strength to outdo another did so without any repercussion, especially if he had the backing of his clan. Daughters were abhorrent to the Arabs, as they represented the future division of their wealth, requiring a dowry to be paid to their husband in marriage. Consequently, daughters were often buried alive upon their birth. Those that survived held little to no power or consequence in Arab society.

It is in this time that Bibi Khadija (SA) rose to power both financially and socially, while exemplifying unparalleled virtue, modesty, and honesty. While Makkan society had forgotten the monotheistic teachings of the Prophet Abraham and Ismael, Bibi Khadija held firm faith in one God. After the death of her father circa 585 CE, she ‘took charge of her father’s business and rapidly expanded it.’ It is said that she held the ‘golden touch,’ and by her ‘judicious selection of agents’ and by making the decision to buy and sell at the right time, she was able to make ‘fantastic profits’ and quickly ‘became the richest merchant in Makka.’ At the time when owning one camel would be the equivalent of a luxury vehicle today, Bibi Khadija owned caravans and her cargo alone ‘was equal’ to ‘all other merchants’ in Makka put together. Bibi Khadija became known as the ‘princess of Makka’ and was given the title ‘Tahira’ or ‘the pure one,’ for the ‘immaculacy of her reputation’ as a lady of highly distinguished character and personage.

Naturally, Bibi Khadija (SA) was highly sought after by the richest and most powerful men of Arabia, however it was Muhammad bin Abdullah bin Abdul Muttalib, the last and greatest prophet of Islam, who was destined to be her husband. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) started as an agent in Bibi Khadija’s business and through the demonstration of his upright behaviour, ‘proficiency, savvy,’ and professionalism, rose to become a manager of all her business affairs. Bibi Khadija was interested in marrying for wealth or prestige, she wanted to marry a man of principle and quality. She was already aware of Muhammad’s (PBUH) reputation in Makkan society as ‘Sadiq - honest’ and ‘Amin - trustworthy,’ she was further impressed by his kindness, rectitude, and integrity in all his business dealings conducting her affairs. After learning about these virtues of her agent, Bibi Khadija (SA) sent a proposal of marriage to Muhammad (PBUH) recognising in him the only man worthy of her.

It is accounted that no woman in Arabia brought a larger dowry into her marriage than Bibi Khadija (SA) but unlike other women, her entire dowry - comprised of real estate, pasture lands, herds of camels, flocks of goats and sheep, precious metals, stones, and masses of gold and silver coins - were entirely products of her own efforts. ‘She had produced it by her own diligence, industry, prudence, and foresight.’ Bibi Khadija was a consummate administrator and a genius in business organisation. Once married, she applied her skills in helping her husband spread his holy message and devoted her wealth and resources to the service of God (Allah SBW).

Bibi Khadija’s (SA) life is one of excellence in every pursuit and avenue of life. In times of ignorance and conceit, she always demonstrated upright behaviour. In a society that was sunk in debauchery and deceit, she rose to prominence as an astute businesswoman through hard work, honest intelligence, and integrity. She was a model for Makkan society and continues to be one for all humanity today. She hewed her own path in a world that constantly beckoned towards the status quo of power and privilege; she chose to use her talents and resourcefulness for the betterment of others. Islam owes a great debt to Bibi Khadija (SA), without whose resources and faithfulness it would not have survived its infancy.