The marriage(s) of Khadīja bt. Khuwaylid was a controversial matter among Shi’a and Sunni scholars. Sunni scholars believe she married two times before Prophet Muhammad (s) and they mentioned the names of her children. Al-Baladhuri in Ansab al-ashraf introduced Hind b. al-Nabash as Khadija’s (a) husband before she married Muhammad (s) Also Ibn al-Habib in his book, al-Munammiq, introduced al-Nabash and named Khadija (a) as his wife, before she married to Prophet Muhammad (s). Ibn al-Habib in his book al-Muhabbir, written after al-Munammiq, named ‘Atiq b. ‘Abid b. ‘Abd Allah as her second husband before she married to Prophet Muhammad (s).
On the other hand, after numerous analyses, Shi’a scholars believed Khadija (a) did not marry anyone before Prophet Muhammad (s).
Ibn Shahrashub quoted from al-Sayyid al-Murtada in al-Shafi and al-Shaykh al-Tusi in Talkhis al-shafi that Khadija (a) was a virgin when she married Prophet Muhammad (s) In addition, considering the cultural and intellectual situation in Hijaz and high position and status of Khadija al-Kubra (a) among other people, it would be highly improbable that she marry men from Banu Tamim and Banu Makhzum (the two low tribes).
According to researchers, children attributed to Khadija (a) both were the children of Hala, Khadija’s (a) sister. After the husband of Hala had passed away, she took the responsibility of Hala and her children. After Hala passed away, Khadija (a) looked after her children.
Conversion to Islam
Most of historical sources consider Khadija (a) as the first one who converted to Islam. Even some sources claimed, it is agreed among all the researchers. Ibn Abd al-Barr claimed that Ali b. Abi Talib (a) was the first one after Khadija (a) who converted to Islam. Sources which discussed the timing of sahaba in converting to Islam, have mentioned Khadija al-Kubra (a) and Ali b. Abi Talib (a) as the first two people who converted to Islam. They have mentioned they were the first two people who performed prayer alongside Prophet Muhammad (s).
Role in Islam
After the financial help from Khadija al-Kubra (a), Prophet Muhammad (s) became financially privileged. As Allah mentioned the gift given to Prophet Muhammad (s): “Allah found you needy and made you prosperous.” Also Prophet Muhammad (s) always said: “No money was profitable for me the way the wealth of Khadija (a) was.” Prophet Muhammad (s) applied her wealth in paying the debts of debtors, and on orphans, and the poor.
When Meccan boycotted Banu Hashim, the wealth from Khadija al-Kubra (a) helped Banu Hashim. According to a narration: “Abu Talib and Khadija (a) dedicated all their wealth for protecting Islam and helping the boycotted Muslims.” Hakim b. Hizam, Khadija’s (a) cousin, brought date, fruits and wheat with difficulties and in a dangerous situation for Banu Hashim. Such dedications and generosity by Khadija (a) was accepted by God and considered as gifts to Prophet Muhammad (s). Prophet always mentioned her dedication and appreciated her generosity.
