خديجة تستشير ورقة بن نوفل
Khadijah Consults Waraqah ibn Nawfal
Ramadan, 12 BH (610 CE)
Makkah مكة المكرمة
After Muhammad ﷺ returned home terrified from Cave Hira, Khadijah comforted him and took him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal, an elderly Christian scholar who had knowledge of the earlier scriptures. Waraqah confirmed that what had come to Muhammad ﷺ was the same Namus (divine revelation) that had come to Musa (Moses). He warned that his people would drive him out and expressed his wish to support him.
Why this matters
Khadijah became the first person to believe in the Prophet ﷺ — the first Muslim. Her immediate, unwavering support was crucial. Waraqah's confirmation from the perspective of earlier scriptures provided external validation of the prophetic experience. Waraqah also foretold the persecution that would come.
Hadith references
Sahih al-Bukhari, #3
Narrated by: Aisha
“Waraqah said: 'This is the same Namus (i.e., the angel who brought divine revelations) that Allah sent to Musa. I wish I were young and could live until the time when your people will drive you out.' The Messenger of Allah ﷺ asked: 'Will they drive me out?' Waraqah said: 'Yes, no man has ever come with what you have come with except that he was treated with enmity.'”