The life of Khadija Ralli, the mother who gave away her wealth

(Kattankudy Katheeja 

Deen fairoos)

Khadīja bint Khuwaylid (often Hazrat Khadija, r.a.), the first wife of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — the woman who “gave away her wealth” in service of Islam.

🌷Early Life

Khadija was born in Mecca, into a noble and respected family, the Quraysh tribe. Her father was Khuwaylid ibn Asad, and her mother was Fatimah bint Za'idah.

Her family were wealthy and involved in trade. When both her parents passed away , she and her siblings inherited a substantial fortune.

Despite having wealth, Khadija did not simply live off it. She had strong character, intelligence, and business sense. She expanded her inherited business and became a successful merchant in her own right.

🌷Marriage to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Khadija hired Muhammad ﷺ to manage one of her trade caravans to Syria. She was impressed by his honesty and character. After seeing how trustworthy he was, she proposed marriage to him.

At the time of marriage, she was about 40 years old, and Muhammad was younger (accounts differ but many say mid‐20’s).

They had children together: two sons (Qasim, Abdullah) who died young, and daughters: Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah. Fatimah survived into adulthood.

🌷Her Support for Islam & Gave Away Her Wealth

Khadija is renowned for being the very first person to believe in Muhammad’s prophetic mission ﷺ after the first revelation from Angel Gabriel. Her spiritual and emotional support was crucial.

🌷She used her wealth in many ways:

Charity: She helped widows, orphans, the sick, the needy, and took care of poor families.

Feeding and sheltering Muslims, especially in difficult times under persecution.

Financial support: When opponents of Islam boycotted or persecuted the followers, she sustained many of them financially.

According to some sources, she formally donated all her wealth to the Prophet ﷺ, saying her house, property, servants etc., were his, to be used for advancing the cause of Islam.

During the Siege of Banu Hashim (a kind of social and economic boycott imposed by Quraysh), Khadija bore hardship, yet continued her support. She spent what she had, to feed and help people suffering under that blockade.

🌷 Her Character & Virtues

She was known for her generosity, kindness, integrity, patience, and noble character. Her reputation in Mecca was already very high even before Islam.

She was called Tahira (“the pure one”) by people; and “Princess of the Quraysh” or “Princess of Mecca” due to her wealth and standing.

Even when she had much already, she lived simply when needed, especially during the trials faced by early Muslims. Her patience under hardship is widely admired.

When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ first received revelation in the Cave of Ḥirāʾ, Khadījah (رضي الله عنها) played an extraordinary role.

🌷What Happened in the Cave of Hira

The Prophet ﷺ used to spend long periods in the Cave of Hira in worship, reflection, and contemplation before his Prophethood was announced.

Khadījah (RA) supported him in this retreat:

She prepared food and water for him.

She carried supplies up the rocky mountain path to ensure he was not left in hardship.

She never complained about his long absence, but rather encouraged him in his devotion.

After the First Revelation

When Jibrīl (Gabriel, عليه السلام) appeared in the cave and revealed the first verses (“Read in the name of your Lord…”), the Prophet ﷺ returned home deeply shaken and saying, “Cover me, cover me!”

Khadījah (RA) comforted and reassured him with words of strength:

“By Allah, He will never disgrace you. You maintain the ties of kinship, you help the poor and needy, you are generous to guests, and you assist those in difficulty.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)

She was the first believer, accepting Islam immediately and without hesitation.

Her Service in This Period

Practical Service: carrying provisions for him to the cave, ensuring he could worship in solitude.

Emotional Support: calming his fear, reassuring him when the revelation first came.

Spiritual Service: believing in him instantly, giving her heart, wealth, and loyalty to support the divine mission.

Seeking Confirmation: She took him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a learned Christian, who confirmed that what Muhammad ﷺ had experienced was the same Angel that came to prophets before.

Khadījah’s service shows how a believing spouse can be a pillar of strength. She didn’t just give wealth—she gave comfort, encouragement, and certainty at the moment the Prophet ﷺ most needed it.

🌷Death & Legacy

Khadija passed away in 619 CE, in the month of Ramadan, a few years before the Hijrah (the migration to Medina). She was about 64 years old by many accounts.

At her death, it's said she had spent nearly all of her wealth in support of Islam, leaving little to none leftover for her family.

Her legacy is huge: she is honored as one of the “Mothers of the Believers” (Umm al-Mu’minīn), revered by Muslims of all schools. Her support—emotional, financial, moral—was foundational in the early years of Islam. The Quran and Hadith literature mention her high status.