خَدِيجة

Khadijah

Khadiyja

Girl NameNot in Quran

Pronunciation

KHA-dee-jah. The first syllable 'KHA' is pronounced with a guttural 'kh' sound (like the 'ch' in the German word 'Bach'), followed by 'dee' with a long 'ee' sound, and ending with 'jah' (soft 'j' sound as in 'judge').

Meaning

من (خ د ج) الناقصة الخلق أو التي ولدت قبل تمام أيام الحمل.

Detailed Meaning

Khadijah derives from the Arabic root خ د ج (kh-d-j), which refers to incompleteness or premature birth. The name literally means 'the one who was born before the completion of pregnancy' or 'she who has incomplete creation.' In classical Arabic, it describes a female child born before the full gestation period or a woman with some physical deficiency. Despite this literal meaning, the name became highly honored in Islamic tradition through its most famous bearer.

Origin

Khadijah is of pure Arabic origin, rooted in classical Arabic linguistic tradition. The name has been used among Arabic-speaking peoples for centuries, predating Islam.

Cultural Significance

Khadijah holds immense cultural and religious significance as the name of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad and the first person to accept Islam. She is venerated as one of the most important figures in Islamic history and is considered one of the 'Four Perfect Women' in Islamic tradition. The name became widely adopted throughout the Muslim world and remains one of the most respected and beloved female names in Islamic culture.

Famous People

Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (c. 555-619 CE)—The first wife of Prophet Muhammad and the first person to embrace Islam. A successful merchant in pre-Islamic Arabia, she is revered as one of the greatest women in Islamic history and is honored as the mother of the Prophet's children, including Fatimah az-Zahra.
Khadijah James—Fictional character from the American television series 'Living Single' (1993-1998), bringing the name to wider Western recognition.
Khadija Khan—Contemporary Pakistani and international businesswoman and philanthropist known for her work in development and social causes.

Name Variants

Different spellings and forms of Khadijah across languages

خدیجهKhadijeh(Persian/Farsi)خديجةKhadija(Standard Arabic variant)خديجةKhadeeja(English transliteration variant)خدیجهKhadije(Turkish variant)هديجةHadijah(English simplified form)

Quranic Reference

Indirectly mentioned in the Quran

Context & Explanation

While Khadijah is not mentioned by name in the Quran, she is deeply honored in Islamic tradition as the first Muslim and the wife of Prophet Muhammad. The Quran makes references to the Prophet's wives generally, but Khadijah is identified primarily through hadith and Islamic historical records rather than direct Quranic mention.

Numerology

The number seven in Arabic numerology represents spiritual perfection, divine wisdom, and sacred completion. It is considered a highly blessed and spiritually significant number in Islamic tradition.

## Understanding the Name Khadijah Khadijah (خديجة) is one of the most revered and respected female names in Islamic and Arabic culture. The name carries both linguistic depth and profound historical significance, making it a meaningful choice for Muslim families worldwide. ## Etymology and Meaning The name Khadijah derives from the Arabic root خ د ج (kh-d-j), which fundamentally relates to the concepts of incompleteness, prematurity, or deficiency in physical form. Literally, Khadijah means 'she who was born before the completion of pregnancy' or 'the one with incomplete creation.' In classical Arabic lexicography, the term was used to describe infants born before the full gestation period or individuals with certain physical characteristics that differed from the norm. Despite this literal etymological meaning referring to physical incompleteness, the name became transformed through Islamic history into a symbol of spiritual completeness, wisdom, and excellence. The great honor brought to this name by its most famous bearer elevated it far beyond its original linguistic connotation. ## Khadijah in Islamic History The most celebrated bearer of this name is Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (c. 555-619 CE), the first wife of Prophet Muhammad and the first person to accept Islam. This single historical figure permanently elevated the status of the name throughout Islamic civilization. Before Islam, Khadijah was a successful and respected merchant in Mecca, known for her business acumen, integrity, and wisdom. She was called 'al-Tahira' (the Pure One) in pre-Islamic Arabia due to her virtuous character. When she married the young Muhammad, he was employed in her trading business. After receiving the first revelation from Angel Gabriel in the Cave of Hira, Prophet Muhammad returned to his wife in a state of distress. Khadijah immediately believed in his message without hesitation, becoming the first Muslim—the first person to accept the new faith of Islam. ## The Four Perfect Women In Islamic tradition, Khadijah is honored as one of the 'Four Perfect Women,' a distinction given to only four women in Islamic history: - **Khadijah bint Khuwaylid** - First wife of Prophet Muhammad - **Fatimah az-Zahra** - Daughter of Prophet Muhammad (and daughter of Khadijah) - **Asiyah** - Wife of Pharaoh who believed in Moses - **Maryam (Mary)** - Mother of Jesus This ranking places Khadijah in the highest echelon of Islamic veneration, alongside the mother of Jesus herself. ## Cultural and Religious Significance For Muslims worldwide, the name Khadijah represents: **Unwavering Faith**: Khadijah's immediate and absolute belief in Prophet Muhammad's message without requiring miraculous signs demonstrates the highest form of faith and trust. **Intellectual Excellence**: Her success as a merchant and her wise counsel to the Prophet showcase female intellectual capability and business acumen. **Loyalty and Support**: She stood by Muhammad through the most difficult period of early Islam, providing both financial and emotional support during years of persecution. **Spiritual Maturity**: Her recognition of the Prophet's character and the truth of his message before others demonstrates spiritual perception and wisdom. Because of these associations, Muslim parents often choose the name Khadijah for their daughters with hopes that they will embody these qualities of faith, intelligence, and moral character. ## Variants Across Languages and Regions The name Khadijah appears in various forms across different languages and cultures: - **Khadija** - Common spelling in English and many Arabic regions - **Khadijeh** - Persian and Farsi variant - **Khadije** - Turkish variant - **Khadeeja** - Extended English transliteration - **Hadijah** - Simplified English form, sometimes used independently ## Numerological Significance In Arabic abjad numerology, Khadijah corresponds to the number 7, which holds special significance in Islamic and Arabic tradition. The number seven is considered spiritually perfect and complete, appearing numerous times in the Quran and Islamic practice (seven heavens, seven earths, seven circles around the Kaaba, etc.). This numerological association reinforces the spiritual elevation of the name despite its original meaning. ## Modern Usage and Contemporary Relevance Today, Khadijah remains one of the most popular names among Muslim families globally. The name carries immediate recognition and respect within Islamic communities. In Western contexts, the name gained additional visibility through popular culture, such as the television series 'Living Single,' which featured a main character named Khadijah James. Modern Muslim women named Khadijah often embrace the name's heritage and the legacy of the Prophet's first wife. The name serves as a connection to Islamic history and a symbol of strong, intelligent, faithful womanhood. ## Choosing the Name Khadijah Parents selecting this name for their daughters are making a conscious choice to honor Islamic tradition and history. The name carries expectations of moral excellence, wisdom, and faith—qualities exemplified by its most famous bearer. It remains a name of dignity, respect, and spiritual significance across the Muslim world and increasingly in multicultural societies worldwide. Whether chosen for its historical significance, its spiritual associations, or simply for its beautiful sound and meaning, Khadijah stands as one of the most meaningful and respected names in Islamic culture.