One of Khadijah's (may Allah be pleased with her) demonstrations of wisdom was her decision to consult Waraqah ibn Nawfal rather than anyone else. She did not seek advice from a soothsayer, an idol-worshipper, or one of the renowned Arab sages. Instead, she chose a man who had converted to Christianity and was knowledgeable about previous scriptures and faiths.
Who Was Waraqah ibn Nawfal?[1]
Waraqah ibn Nawfal was the son of Nawfal ibn Asad ibn Abd al-Uzza ibn Qusayy. His mother was Hind bint Abi Kathir ibn Abd al-Uzza. He was a cousin of Khadijah’s, the Prophet's ﷺ wife. Waraqah was among those who distanced themselves from idol worship, sought a true religion, read religious scriptures, and refrained from consuming meat sacrificed to idols. Historians such as Al-Tabari, Al-Baghawi, Ibn Qani', and Ibn al-Sakan mention him as one of the companions of the Prophet ﷺ.
The Prophet ﷺ and Khadijah Meet Waraqah
Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) took the Prophet ﷺ to Waraqah, who was an elderly man who had converted to Christianity during the pre-Islamic era. Waraqah was akin to the scholars of the People of the Book of that time, possessing knowledge that a prophet would emerge during this period. When he heard about what had happened in the Cave of Hira and recognized the noble character of the Prophet ﷺ, he immediately declared without hesitation, “This is the Namus (Angel Jibreel) whom Allah sent to Musa.” He informed the Prophet ﷺ that he was the Prophet of this nation.
Because of his knowledge, Waraqah expressed his sincere intention to remain patient during the trials that would follow, should he live to witness them. He was aware of the Prophet's ﷺ prophethood and expressed support in him. However, he passed away before he could witness the full unfolding of the mission.
Imam Bukhari (3) and Imam Muslim (160) report on the authority of Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) that she said:
“Khadijah then accompanied him to her cousin Waraqah ibn Nawfal ibn Asad ibn Abd al-Uzza, who had embraced Christianity during the pre-Islamic period. He used to write in Hebrew and would write from the Gospel in Hebrew as much as Allah willed. He was an old man who had lost his eyesight. Khadijah said to him, ‘O cousin, listen to your nephew.’ Waraqah said, ‘O nephew, what have you seen?’ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ informed him of what he had seen. Waraqah said, ‘This is the Namus (Angel Jibreel) whom Allah sent to Musa. I wish I were young and could live until the time when your people drive you out.’ The Messenger of Allah ﷺ asked, ‘Will they drive me out?’ Waraqah replied, ‘Yes, no man has ever come with something similar to what you have brought without facing hostility. If I live to see that day, I will support you with all my strength.’ But Waraqah did not live long after that, and the revelation paused for a while.”
The Prophet ﷺ found it hard to believe that his people would drive him out because of his impeccable character and noble traits, which Khadijah herself had described. It may also be that his surprise stemmed from concern over his people's potential rejection of faith, their persistence in idolatry, and their need for salvation in this world and the Hereafter.
[1] Al-Wafi bil-Wafayat" (27/257) and "Al-Isabah fi Tamyiz al-Sahabah" (6/474)
