The Prophet Muhammad: His Youth and Marriage to Khadijah – JSS1 Islamic Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wa Sallam, peace and blessings be upon him) spent his youth in Makkah, where people knew him as Al-Amin (The Trustworthy). At about 25 years old he married Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a wealthy businesswoman who admired his honesty. They stayed married for 25 years, and she was the first person to accept Islam.

The Prophet’s youth in Makkah shows his excellent character and Allah’s preparation for his future mission. His marriage to Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) was one of the most important events in his early life. This lesson covers the Prophet’s youth, his work experience, his reputation among the people of Makkah, and his marriage to Khadijah.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. describe the Prophet’s character and early work as a young man;
2. explain the Hilf al-Fudul and how the Prophet settled the dispute over the Black Stone;
3. state how Khadijah came to marry the Prophet;
4. name the children of the Prophet and Khadijah;
5. explain how Khadijah supported the Prophet after the first revelation;
6. state lessons from the Prophet’s youth and marriage.

What was the Prophet’s early youth like?

Growing up as an orphan

After losing his mother Aminah when he was six years old, and then his grandfather Abdul-Muttalib when he was eight, Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) was raised by his uncle Abu Talib:

• Abu Talib was not wealthy but took excellent care of his nephew
• The Prophet grew up alongside his cousins, including Ali ibn Abi Talib
• Abu Talib loved the Prophet deeply and protected him until his death
• Growing up as an orphan taught the Prophet compassion for the vulnerable

His character as a young man

Even before prophethood, Muhammad (S.A.W) was known for his excellent character:

• He was called “Al-Amin” (The Trustworthy) by the people of Makkah
• He was also known as “As-Sadiq” (The Truthful) because he never told lies
• He was modest and humble despite coming from a noble family
• He avoided the immoral behaviours common among the youth of Makkah
• He never drank alcohol, gambled, or worshipped idols
• He was kind to the poor, orphans, and the less fortunate
• He was known for keeping his promises and fulfilling his duties

Early work experience

The Prophet worked several jobs in his youth:

• Shepherd: He worked as a shepherd caring for sheep in the hills around Makkah
  1. He later said: “Allah did not send any prophet except that he was a shepherd”
  2. This job taught him patience, responsibility, and compassion
• Trading trips: As a young man, he accompanied his uncle Abu Talib on trading trips to Syria
  1. These trips exposed him to different people, cultures, and religions
  2. During one such trip, a Christian monk named Bahira recognised signs of prophethood in the young Muhammad

What was the Hilf al-Fudul (Alliance of the Virtuous)?

The agreement

When the Prophet was in his twenties, he participated in an important agreement among some tribes in Makkah:

• It was an alliance to protect the rights of the weak and oppressed
• The members pledged to stand together against injustice
• They promised to help any visitor to Makkah who was wronged
• This alliance was formed after a merchant from another town was denied payment for his goods in Makkah

The Prophet’s participation

• The Prophet attended the meeting where this alliance was formed
• He was proud of his participation in this noble cause
• Even after becoming a prophet, he said: “If I were invited to such an alliance now in the time of Islam, I would still respond positively”

Significance of the alliance

• This event showed the Prophet’s concern for justice even in his youth
• It showed his willingness to work with others for good causes
• It reflected his moral principles before receiving revelation

How did the Prophet settle the dispute over the Kaaba?

The event

When the Prophet was about 35 years old, the Quraysh decided to rebuild the Kaaba after it was damaged by a flood:

• Different tribes participated in the rebuilding
• When it was time to put the Black Stone (Al-Hajar Al-Aswad) back in its place, a dispute arose
• Each tribe wanted the honour of placing the stone
• The dispute nearly led to fighting between the tribes

The Prophet’s solution

The Quraysh agreed to let the next person who entered the Sacred Mosque decide how to resolve the dispute:

• The first person to enter was Muhammad (S.A.W)
• People were happy because they knew he was fair and trustworthy
• The Prophet asked for a cloth to be brought
• He placed the Black Stone in the middle of the cloth
• He asked a representative from each tribe to hold one edge of the cloth
• Together, they lifted the stone to its position
• Then the Prophet himself placed the stone in its final position

Significance of the solution

• This incident showed the Prophet’s wisdom in solving problems
• It showed the high respect people had for him before prophethood
• It revealed his ability to bring people together and prevent conflict

How did the Prophet meet Khadijah?

Who was Khadijah?

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid was a notable woman in Makkah:

• She was a wealthy businesswoman who traded goods through the caravan routes
• She was respected for her intelligence, character, and business skills
• She was a widow who had been married twice before
• She was about 40 years old when she met the Prophet
• She came from a noble family of the Quraysh tribe

Working for Khadijah

Khadijah hired Muhammad (S.A.W) to manage one of her trading caravans to Syria:

• She had heard about his reputation for honesty and good character
• She sent her servant Maysarah with him to observe his conduct
• The Prophet conducted the business with exceptional skill and integrity
• The trip was more profitable than expected
• Maysarah reported to Khadijah about the Prophet’s excellent character and the respect people showed him

Maysarah’s observations

Khadijah’s servant Maysarah noticed special signs during the trip:

• He saw two angels shading the Prophet from the hot sun during travel
• He observed that the Prophet was different from other traders in his honesty and fair dealings
• He witnessed how the Prophet avoided arguments and resolved disputes peacefully
• He noted how the Prophet refused to swear by the idols as other traders did
• He saw how the Prophet was respected even by people from other lands

How did the marriage to Khadijah take place?

Khadijah’s interest

After hearing Maysarah’s report about the trip:

• Khadijah became interested in Muhammad (S.A.W) as a potential husband
• She valued his character, honesty, and intelligence
• She consulted with her friend Nafisah about the matter

The proposal

• Khadijah sent Nafisah to discreetly ask if Muhammad would consider marrying her
• The Prophet was surprised but responded positively
• He discussed the matter with his uncles, who approved of the match
• Khadijah was a noble woman from a respected family, making her a suitable match

The marriage contract

• The Prophet’s uncles, including Abu Talib, went to meet with Khadijah’s family
• Khadijah’s uncle, Amr ibn Asad, represented her family
• The marriage contract was agreed upon
• The mahr (dowry) was set at 20 camels (or according to some reports, 12.5 ounces of gold)
• A wedding feast (walimah) was arranged to celebrate the marriage

What was life with Khadijah like?

Age difference

• At the time of marriage, the Prophet was about 25 years old
• Khadijah was about 40 years old
• Despite the age difference, they had a very loving and respectful relationship

Their home life

• They lived together in Khadijah’s house in Makkah
• Their life was marked by mutual respect, love, and understanding
• The Prophet was a kind and considerate husband
• Khadijah was supportive and caring toward her husband
• They had a simple lifestyle despite Khadijah’s wealth

Their children

The Prophet and Khadijah had several children together:

• Qasim: Their first son, who died in childhood. The Prophet was sometimes called “Abu Qasim” (Father of Qasim).
• Abdullah (also called Tayyib and Tahir): Another son who died in childhood.
• Zaynab: Their eldest daughter, who later accepted Islam.
• Ruqayyah: Their daughter who later married Uthman ibn Affan.
• Umm Kulthum: Another daughter who also later married Uthman ibn Affan (after Ruqayyah’s death).
• Fatimah: Their youngest daughter, who was most similar to the Prophet in appearance and character. She later married Ali ibn Abi Talib.

All of their children were born before the Prophet received revelation, except Fatimah who was born when the Prophet was around 41 years old.

What happened before the Prophet received revelation?

Work and meditation

In the years before receiving revelation:

• The Prophet continued to engage in trade, using Khadijah’s wealth honestly
• He spent more and more time in meditation
• He would often go to a cave called Hira on Mount Nur
• There he would spend days in contemplation and worship
• Khadijah would support him by providing food and necessities during these retreats

Signs of prophethood

During this period, several signs appeared:

• The Prophet began to have true dreams that would come exactly as he saw them
• He grew increasingly concerned about the idol worship and injustice in Makkah
• He felt drawn to solitude and deep thinking about life’s purpose
• Stones and trees would greet him with “Peace be upon you, O Messenger of Allah”

How did Khadijah support the Prophet after revelation?

The first revelation

When the Prophet received his first revelation in the Cave of Hira at age 40:

• He returned home trembling and frightened
• He asked Khadijah to cover him with a blanket
• He told her about his experience with Angel Jibreel (Gabriel)
• He feared something might be wrong with him

Khadijah’s response

Khadijah’s reaction showed her wisdom and faith:

• She comforted him and calmed his fears
• She said: “Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your relatives, help the poor, serve your guests generously, and assist those struck with calamity.”
• She took him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, a knowledgeable Christian scholar
• Waraqah confirmed that Muhammad had been chosen as a prophet

Her continued support

Khadijah supported the Prophet throughout the early years of Islam:

• She was the first person to accept Islam and believe in his message
• She offered emotional support when others rejected his message
• She provided financial support for the early Muslim community
• She stood by him during the difficult times of persecution
• She comforted him when he faced mockery and hostility

How did the Prophet show his love for Khadijah?

Their relationship

The Prophet’s marriage to Khadijah was filled with love and respect:

• They were married for 25 years until her death
• The Prophet remained faithful to her throughout their marriage
• He consulted her on important matters and valued her opinion
• They supported each other through difficult times
• Their marriage was a true partnership based on mutual respect

After her death

Even after Khadijah’s death when the Prophet was about 50 years old:

• He remembered her often and spoke highly of her
• He maintained relationships with her friends
• He would send gifts to her friends in her memory
• He described her as one of the four perfect women of all time
• When he later married other wives, Aisha said she was never jealous of any woman as much as she was of Khadijah, even though she had never met her

Aisha’s account

Aisha (another wife of the Prophet) said:

“The Prophet would never tire of praising Khadijah and remembering her virtues. One day, I felt jealous and said, ‘Was she not an old woman whom Allah has replaced for you with someone better?’ He became visibly upset and said, ‘No, by Allah! Allah did not replace her with anyone better. She believed in me when others rejected me; she affirmed my truthfulness when others called me a liar; she shared her wealth with me when others deprived me; and Allah blessed me with children through her while I had no children from other women.'”

What lessons do we learn from the Prophet’s youth and marriage?

Character development

• Good character is visible even before special responsibilities
• Truthfulness and trustworthiness earn respect naturally
• Early hardships (like being an orphan) can develop compassion
• Working with integrity leads to respect and opportunities

Marriage lessons

• Compatibility in character and values is more important than age
• Mutual respect and support are foundations of a good marriage
• A good spouse supports during difficult times
• Financial success can be used to support good causes
• Marriage should be a partnership, with both contributing in different ways

Spiritual growth

• Time for reflection and contemplation is important
• Surrounding yourself with supportive people aids spiritual growth
• Challenges test and strengthen faith
• True life partners support each other’s spiritual lives

Evaluation

1. Describe the Prophet’s character in his youth. Why was he called “Al-Amin”?
2. What work did the Prophet do before his marriage to Khadijah?
3. How did the Prophet resolve the dispute over placing the Black Stone?
4. How did the Prophet meet Khadijah and what impressed her about him?
5. Name the children of the Prophet and Khadijah.
6. How did Khadijah support the Prophet after he received the first revelation?

Assignment

1. What was the Hilf al-Fudul, and what did the Prophet say about it after he became a prophet?
2. State three things Maysarah noticed about the Prophet during the trip to Syria.
3. Write three lessons from the Prophet’s marriage to Khadijah.