Ornaments of Grace - Khadijah

Let justice descend, O heavens, like dew from above, like gentle rain let the skies drop it down. Let the earth open and salvation bud forth; let justice also spring up! I, the Lord, have created this. Isaiah 45:8 As Jesus calls us to be just and work for justice, we might want to turn to someone of an earlier time and another faith to join us on our journey. It is important to realize that God created all people and calls all people to holiness. Khadijah, known as the first woman of Islam, heard God’s call and answered it with great grace. Born around 555 A.D. to a wealthy merchant, Khadijah learned the trading caravan industry early in life. She took over the family business when her father could no longer do it. In fact, she built an even more successful enterprise and became wealthy. Married twice, she was widowed twice as well. Not giving way to grief, she continued to grow her business and raise her children. Such a large business required workers, and she provided fair employment for many. One of the most important positions was the agent who traveled with her caravans and traded goods with merchants in other cities. That person handled most of the money and had to be honest and trustworthy. Khadijah hired as her top agent a young man noted for his strong work ethic and his honest, courteous dealings with others. His name was Muhammad. He proved to be everything she had hoped he would be. So, after a time, she proposed marriage to him even though he was 15 years younger. Muhammad had great respect for Khadijah and had watched as she spent her wealth to care for the sick, the poor, and anyone in need. They shared this value of justice and care for others. Muhammad accepted Khadijah’s proposal and became her husband until she died twenty-five years later. After the two had been married around 15 years, Muhammad went on a retreat in a cave outside of Mecca where he could meditate. There he was visited, according to Islamic Tradition, by the Angel Gabriel who called him to become a messenger for Allah. Muhammad was frightened at first by this experience and returned home to Khadijah, explaining to her what had occurred. She comforted him and assured him that Allah would not desert him if he was called to be a prophet. Khadijah used her funds to support Muhammad’s prophetic mission. She also supported him with encouragement. She joined him in preaching the message of peace to his people. When the aristocrats and the polytheists (those worshiping many idols) attacked and beat the Muslims for practicing their faith, many could not work. As a result, they could not get food or other necessities. Khadijah spent her fortune caring for the Muslim community. She suffered great personal deprivation, but her spirits never wavered. She became ill under the strain and died when she was around 65 years old. But her life of giving has never been forgotten by Muslims everywhere. She, like many who suffered for what they believed, has much to teach us about support, encouragement, and care for others even to the point of death. Lives like Khadijah’s rain kindness into the world, allowing justice to spring up. Khadijah is today’s Ornament of Grace. What are some ways you can reach out to those in need with what you have, not only monetarily, but with encouragement and comfort? How can you uphold your own beliefs while, at the same time, respecting the good beliefs of others?