Marriage & the Years Before Revelation

Working for Khadijah

Muhammad ﷺ became known in Makkah as an exceptionally honest and capable merchant. Khadijah bint Khuwaylid, a wealthy and respected widow, hired him to manage her trade caravans. His integrity and success in her business impressed her greatly.

Marriage to Khadijah

Khadijah proposed marriage through an intermediary. Despite her seniority in age — she was approximately 40 and he was 25 — he accepted. Their marriage was one of profound love, mutual respect, and spiritual support. She was his closest companion and the first person to believe in his prophethood. Together they had six children: two sons (who died in infancy) and four daughters: Zaynab, Ruqayyah, Umm Kulthum, and Fatimah.

Rebuilding the Kaabah

When the Kaabah was damaged by flooding, the Quraysh tribes argued about who would have the honour of replacing the Black Stone (al-Hajar al-Aswad). Muhammad ﷺ, not yet a prophet, resolved the dispute wisely by placing the stone on a cloth and having representatives of each tribe lift it together — he then placed it in position himself.

Retreat to Cave Hira

As he grew older, Muhammad ﷺ developed a deep habit of solitary reflection. He would retreat to Cave Hira on Jabal al-Nur (Mountain of Light), just outside Makkah, spending days and nights in contemplation, free from the materialism and idol-worship of Makkan society. He was troubled by what he saw — the burying of infant daughters, exploitation of the poor, tribal violence, and the worship of idols. These retreats continued until the first revelation came.