The Illustrious Sahaabah The Illustrious Sahaabah of Rasulullah (sallallahu alaihi wasallam)
Allah Ta‘ala decided that the purest of women, Hazrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), be chosen for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in marriage. She was given the title of “At-Taahirah” (the Purest of Women) in the pre-Islamic era. This was due to her being free from the evil customs and habits of which prevailed in the days of Jaahiliyyah. (Sharhuz Zurqaani 4/363)
The Ulama mention that Hazrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was not merely given the title Taahirah by chance, but rather this was divinely decreed from the side of Allah Ta‘ala. In reality, Allah Ta‘ala had instilled in the minds of people to confer this title upon her so that her purity and chastity may become well known to one and all.
This is similar to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) being called by the title “Al-Ameen” – the Most Trustworthy Person, by the people. This title of Al-Ameen was instilled in the minds of people by Allah Ta‘ala so that the trustworthiness and credibility of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) may become an undisputed fact, and no one may have any reason to doubt his integrity and honesty later on.
In essence, the Ulama explain that Hazrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was most pure in all respects and was like the Hazrat Maryam (radhiyallahu ‘anha) of her time. Hence, Allah Ta‘ala divinely selected her, as well as all the Azwaaj-e-Mutahharaat, for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), who was the purest of Allah Ta‘ala’s servants. (Seeratul Mustafa 3/285)
Hazrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) Eagerly Awaiting the Prophethood of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)
After Hazrat Khadijah’s (radhiyallahu ‘anha) nikaah was performed to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), her heart’s wish and desire was fulfilled. However, the main reason for her being inclined to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and wishing to marry him was so that she could gain Allah Ta‘ala’s closeness, proximity and acceptance through marrying the Nabi of Allah Ta‘ala.
Hence, as the years passed, the intense hope and burning desire in her heart to see the time where Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would be bestowed with prophethood only continue to increase.
On one occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) came to Hazrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), and on seeing him, she immediately embraced him. She then addressed him saying, “May my father and mother be sacrificed for you! I have not married you for any ulterior motive! Rather, my marrying you was out of the hope that one day, you will be divinely chosen by Allah Ta‘ala and appointed as His Messenger. If that day comes when you are commissioned, then please remember my right of being a wife towards you, and also make dua for me to the Lord who will appoint you as His Nabi.”
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) responded, “I take an oath by Allah that if I am made that Prophet, then I will never forget the kindness you showed to me, and if someone else is made a Prophet, then you should understand that the God for whom you are doing this will never let your deeds go to waste!” (Fat-hul Baari 7/153)
Zubair bin Bakkaar reports that Hazrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) repeatedly used to go to Waraqah bin Nawfal to inquire about Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and whether he would be the appointed Nabi. Waraqah would reply:
ما أراه إلا نبي هذه الأمة الذي بشر به موسى وعيسى
“I am sure that he is the Prophet of this ummah whose glad tidings Nabi Musa and Nabi Isa (‘alaihimas salaam) had given.” (Isaabah 6/476)
It is reported in the Hadith that on one occasion, Hazrat Khadijah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) went to Waraqah and related something about Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to him. In reply, Waraqah mentioned some couplets of poetry. Among the couplets were the following:
هذه خديجة تأتيني لأخبرها وما لنا بخفي الغيب من خبر
بأن أحمد يأتيه فيخبره جبريل أنك مبعوث إلى البـشر
فقلت علَّ الذي ترجين ينجزه لك الإله فرجي الخير وانتظري
This Khadijah comes to me again and again so that I may inform her, but I do not have knowledge of the unseen, that Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) will come to Ahmed and inform him saying, “You are commissioned (as a Prophet) to mankind.” I said to her, “It is not farfetched to assume that what you are hoping for, Allah will certainly cause it to take place. You should therefore place your hopes in Allah and remain waiting.” (Isaabah 6/503, Mustadrak Haakim #4212)
