Among the many historical sites in Makkah al-Mukarramah, few resonate with as much reverence and spiritual weight as the house of khadijah bint khuwaylid (رضي الله عنها). This sacred home known in Islamic heritage as the house of the Prophet ﷺ and his noble wife Khadijah was the very place where he lived before and after Prophethood, where family life blossomed, where the first revelation was embraced, and where the foundations of Islam were quietly laid.
Although today the house no longer stands in its original form, its story remains woven into the heart of Islamic heritage. The exact location lies within the expanding boundaries of the Masjid al-Haram, making it not only a historical treasure but also a place of reflection for millions of pilgrims and visitors performing Hajj and Umrah.
Who Was Khadija bint (RA)?
Khadijah, daughter of Khuwaylid ibn Asad of the Quraysh tribe, was among the most respected women of Makkah. A successful merchant, known as al-Tahira (“the Pure One”), she commanded honor both in business and in social standing.
When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ worked in her trade caravan, she recognized his trustworthiness and noble character. Their marriage marked the beginning of a union built on love, loyalty, and spiritual companionship.
- She was the first person to accept Islam, standing firmly by the Prophet ﷺ when others doubted.
- She offered wealth, protection, and unwavering support during the early years of opposition by the Quraysh.
- She raised the Nabi’s children, including Fatimah, within this very house.
Her home became not just a dwelling but a pillar of the Islamic mission, a sanctuary where revelation was welcomed and the place where prophet muhammad ﷺ found peace after persecution.
The Role of Khadija in the Life of the Prophet
The story of the house of Khadija cannot be told without honoring her immense role in the life of Prophet. She was not only the wife of Prophet Muhammad but also his confidante, supporter, and the first believer in his mission. Her wisdom and unwavering loyalty shaped the earliest foundations of Islam.
When the Prophet received the first revelation in the Cave of Hira, he returned home trembling. It was in her house that he found solace. She reassured him with words that can be remembered throughout the Islamic past.
By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you. You keep good relations with your kin, help the poor and the destitute, serve your guests generously, and assist those who are stricken with calamities.
Location of the House of Khadija
Early chronicles such as Al Azraqi and Al Fakihi describe the location of the house as being in the neighborhood of Banū ‘Abd Shams, within the place in Makkah at the time. It lay close to the Masjid al Haram behind the houses of Qurayshi notables, in what later become a part of the mosque’s expanded boundary.
- Some sources place it near Dar al-Nadwa, the Quraysh council house.
- Maps from local historians point to the area near Bab al-Salam (Gate of Peace) of the modern mosque.
- The house was known as the House of the Mother of the Believers because Khadijah lived and died there.
Today, pilgrims searching for the way to the house will find that its exacts spot lies within the Grand Mosque complex, covered by flooring and structures, though some guidebooks and still reference its approximate place.
Architecture and Layout of the House
The house of Khadija was considered spacious compared to typical Makkan homes. Accounts describe:
A reception hall where the beloved Prophet Muhammad welcomed guests and companions.
A children’s quarter, where the family life of the messenger of Allah unfolded.
A prayer room, where the Messenger of Allah ﷺ engaged in worship, and where Khadija joined him in devotion.
Private chambers for Khadija where she often comforted the messenger of Allah ﷺ.
Corridors and storage areas reflecting her status as a wealthy Qurayshi woman.
It was within these rooms that some of the most pivotal moments of Islamic history took place, making the house a spiritual museum in its own right.
Key Events in the House of Khadija
The First Revelation
After his retreat in the Cave of hira, when the Prophet Muhammad received the revelation, he rushed home trembling. It was here that Khadija wrapped in a clock, reassured him, and took him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, who confirmed his Prophethood.
Family Life
The Nabi ﷺ and Khadija raised their children here, including Fatimah and Qasim, Zaynab, Ruqayyah, and Umm Kulthum. The house echoed with the joys and sorrows of family life, including the loss of some children in infancy.
Support During Persecution
When Quraysh intensified their opposition, Khadija (RA) used her wealth to shield the Nabi ﷺ and his followers. During the boycott of Banu Hashim, she endured hardship alongside him.
Confiscation of the House
After Khadija (RA) passed away, the house was eventually confiscated by Abu Lahab, the Prophet’s uncle who opposed Islam. Later, it was said that Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan purchased it and made modifications.
The House in Later History
Through the centuries, the house of the Khadija remained a landmark for believers and a point of reflection on Islamic history. After her passing, the Prophet continued to honur her memory, and his daughter Fatima preserved the bond of loyalty and love tied to this scared home.
During the time of Nabi’s uncles, such as Abbas ibn Abdul Muttalib and Abi Talib, the location remained associated with the family
the location remained associated with the family of Banu Hashim. Later, with the Hijrah to Madinah, the house stood as a reminder of the Makkan period of Islam before the migration changed the course of Muslim history.
In the modern era, with the expansion of the Grand Mosque in Saudi Arabia, the house was absorbed into the complex. Although the exact location no longer has a physical structure, it continues to be honored through records, excavations, and narrations. Guides who lead Hajj and Umrah groups often point to the approximate site so that pilgrims may pause in remembrance of the sacrifices endured here.
Visiting the Site Today
For those performing Hajj and Umrah, the House of the Khadija is among the most mentioned places to visit in Makkah, though it is not a marked structure anymore.
- Pilgrims may be directed to the approximate area behind Masjid al-Haram near Bab al-Salam.
- Some guides point out lamp posts or markers that once indicated the location.
- Visitors are encouraged to approach with respectful etiquette, remembering that it is part of the sacred precinct (Haram) and a space of deep historical memory.
The Role of Khadija (رضي الله عنها) in the Prophet’s Life
The house of the Khadija cannot be separated from her extraordinary role:
- She was the first to accept Islam, strengthening the messenger of Allah when others mocked him.
- She treated with dignity, generosity, love and offering her entire fortunate for the cause of Almighty.
- Famous moments include her comforting words during the revelation “By Allah, He will never forsake you. You uphold kinship, help the poor, serve the needy, and support the truth.”
- The Prophet cherished her memory long after passing, often mentioning her virtues with tears in his eyes.
This makes the house not just a historic building, but a symbol of love, loyalty and the foundations of Islam.
Legacy and Reflection
The House of Khadija bint Khuwaylid, represents more than walls or stones, it represents the sacrifice, loyalty, and love that carried Islam through its earliest trials. It is remembered as the house of the Prophet, the home of the first Muslim woman, and a symbol of faith that continues to inspire millions.
Though time and urban development have erased its physical structure, its spiritual imprint on the story of Islam remains eternal. For pilgrims, reflecting on this site is a way of reconnecting with prophetic era, the Quraish, and the unwavering support of Khadija.
