Khadija umm ul’ muminin (r.A), the first and most beloved wife of the Prophet Muhammad (saws), a shinning example for post modern women. Particularly those strong, independent Muslim women with an entrepreneurial spirit. I see her as one of histories finest examples of libertarian feminism in action.
In a society dominated by men, where most women were treated as a little more than chattel, Khadija excelled. Not only did she excel as a woman in a male dominated society. she dominated her male counterparts in the usually exclusive area of commerce. How was she able to do this? Was it through a state apparatus mandating gender based pay or hiring quotas? No.was it through the power and influence of the Prophet (saws)? No, Khadija (ra) passed long before hijra and Muhammad (saws)’s political ascension. Some if not many, will argue it was by circumstance. That her previous marriage had left her in a state to make this all possible. which may be right only partially. It was her abilities dedication and intuitiveness that made her a commercial power house in 7th century Arabia. Anyone can run a successful business and run it into the ground, it takes talent, foresight and hard work to inherit a successful business and make it better.
In a society where modern Liberal Feminism teaches that immodesty is equal to power, and that rejecting if not destroying traditional family gender roles, is synonymous with liberation. Khadija offers a historic refutation of this mindset, she was able to do the all the ’empowered modern woman’ seeks to do and she did it without the force of the state, without rejecting her societal role as a woman. And she did it without compromising her modesty or integrity. she accomplished all this through the strength of her own character, making her far more inspirational than any NOW or CODE PINK spokesperson.
Starting soon iA, Muslims for Liberty, with the assistance of our new female writer, will begin releasing installments in a new 3-4 part series on the life of The Mother of the Believers Khadija bint Khuwaylid (rA). Each part will deal with a specific aspect of her life from personal to business and commerce. We hope to offer a unique, educational, and eye opening look into the life of this truly powerful woman from Islamic history.
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