Khadija

Mother of orphans, refuge of women denied their nobility,

had Mary herself been dressed in Arab finery

she'd not have been more merciful.

A widow's wealth more measured in heart than coin or cravans -

God's grace in her! she slept with the troubles of others

in the confort of her house mending broken lives.

Noble Khadija, jewel of Mecca! in your arms

you cradled even him your spouse,

the master of a great legacy.

Bearing the unbearable for his sake, at his side, mirror of his soul -

he carried in himself the destiny of a great people

as you carried in yourself the weight of his own.

Khadija!  I hear you within,

Kha . . . rising straight and forceful, piller of strength;

Dij . . . diving into the very depths of love;

and Ah . . . bearing up joy and favor for those who have none.

Khadija!  Mother of potential wealth, satisfier of need,

God's gift to a man who was a gift to the world.

Khadija the Great, rarely heard of,

But known, known well in the hearts of those who recognize

what a miracle is womankind.

S. Inayat-Chisti, July 1986