(Sayyidah Khadeejah [radhiyallahu ‘anha] – Part Four)
Sayyidah Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) stood with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) through thick and thin and supported him financially, emotionally, and in every other possible way. She was also a pillar of support for him at the most important juncture of his life – when he was blessed with nubuwwah (prophethood).
When Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) came to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) for the very first time in the cave of Hiraa with wahi (revelation) from Allah Ta‘ala, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was overcome by fear, worry and concern. He thus proceeded to his home trembling and asked his beloved wife, Sayyidah Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), to cover him with a shawl.
When he calmed down and was at ease, he explained to her what had transpired and further remarked, “I feared for my life.” Sayyidah Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), who was always at the side of her husband, comforted him and responded, “Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you! Indeed, you join family ties, you carry (people’s) burdens, you earn for the one who cannot earn, you are hospitable to the guest and you assist at the time of catastrophes which are deserving (of assistance).”
To further comfort Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Sayyidah Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) took him to her cousin, Waraqah bin Naufal, who was following the religion of Nabi ‘Isa (‘alaihis salaam) and had studied the Injeel. Waraqah was quite old at the time and had even lost his eyesight. When they reached, Sayyidah Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) requested Waraqah to listen to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) relate what had transpired.
When Waraqah heard this, he informed them that this is the very same angel (i.e. Jibreel [‘alaihis salaam]) whom Allah Ta‘ala would send to Nabi Moosa (‘alaihis salaam). He further remarked, “How I wish I was young. How I wish I could be alive when your people will expel you (so that I may support you).” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked, “Will they banish me?” He replied, “Yes, no person brought (a message) similar to what you have brought except that he was treated with hostility. And if I am alive till that day of yours, I will strongly support you.” However, shortly thereafter, Waraqah passed away. (Saheeh Bukhaari #3)
In order to further confirm that it was really an angel that was coming to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Sayyidah Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) requested Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to inform her when the angel comes to him again. Hence, the next time that Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) arrived, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) informed her of his arrival. Sayyidah Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) then requested Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to sit on her right thigh, followed by her left thigh, and finally on her lap. All the while, she continued asking him if he could see the angel, to which he replied in the affirmative. Thereafter, Sayyidah Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) removed her scarf, exposing the hair of her head, and opened the upper portion of her chest as well. She then asked Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), “Can you (still) see him?” When Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied in the negative, she remarked, “Remain firm! Glad tidings unto you! By Allah Ta‘ala, this is indeed an angel, and not a shaitaan (as angels will not remain in a place where a woman’s hair and body are exposed).” (Seerah Ibni Hishaam vol. 1, pg. 239, Al-Istee‘aab vol. 4, pg. 381, and Al-Bidaayah wan Nihaayah vol. 3, pg. 19)
Later on as well, whenever Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) would experience pain and grief due to the people rejecting his message and causing harm to him, Sayyidah Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) would ease his pain, comfort him, and become a means of solace and support for him. (Usdul Ghaabah vol. 5, pg. 265 and Sharhuz Zurqaani vol. 4, pg. 369)
Lessons:
1. One of the objectives of nikaah that has been explained in the Quraan Majeed is, “so that you may find tranquillity in them”. (Surah Room v21) Sayyidah Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was a personification of this verse, since she always offered solace and comfort to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), supported him, and stood as his pillar of support when people had forsaken him. A loyal spouse is not one who only enjoys the good times and abandons the spouse during challenging times, rather he/she becomes even more supportive and sympathetic during difficulties and challenges.
2. When a person has a good nature, possesses excellent qualities, and shows kindness and compassion to others, Allah Ta‘ala will definitely assist him and will never forsaken him. Hence, Sayyidah Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) was so confident that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) will not be disgraced and afflicted by some major harm, due to the impeccable qualities which he possessed and displayed.
3. In order to ascertain whether it was an angel or shaitaan, Sayyidah Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) exposed her hair and uncovered the upper portion of her chest, since angels of mercy do not remain in a place where a person’s satr is exposed. Therefore, as soon as she uncovered these areas, Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) went away. If it was a shaitaan that was coming to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), then he would have remained. Thus, when a woman continuously exposes her satr area, due to dressing immodestly, she deprives herself of the protection and assistance of the angels of mercy and exposes herself to the negative influences of the shayaateen.