Final answer:
Khadija, Muhammad's wife, was the first convert to Islam and provided essential support during the emergence of the new religion. She reassured Muhammad, supported him morally and financially, and her actions were crucial in establishing Islam.
Step-by-step explanation:
Khadija, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad, played a significant role in his religious life. Not only was she the first person to convert to Islam and a successful merchant, but she also provided unparalleled support to Muhammad during the early and challenging days of his prophetic mission. Her belief in Muhammad's revelations and her moral and financial support were crucial in the propagation of Islam. It was Khadija who reassured Muhammad when he doubted his own sanity upon receiving the first revelations and helped him embrace his role as a messenger of God.
Through her wealth and influence, Khadijah lifted Muhammad's standing within their community. The earliest biographer of Muhammad, Ibn Ishaq, emphasized the importance of Khadija's belief and assistance, acknowledging how she helped to lighten the burden of prophecy on Muhammad. Despite having much to lose by supporting a novel religion that threatened the existing polytheistic order and her own affluent status, Khadija's support was unwavering and pivotal to the establishment of Islam.