Final answer:
Khadija, Muhammad's first wife, was a successful merchant whose marriage elevated Muhammad's standing and provided critical support for the establishment of Islam. She was the first convert to Islam, and her role highlighted the influence of women in society during that period.
Step-by-step explanation:
The status and business ownership of Muhammad's first wife, Khadija, demonstrate several important aspects of the time. As a successful merchant, her status was notably high for a woman in a predominantly patriarchal society, and her business savvy was evident through her ownership of prosperous caravan businesses. More importantly, her marriage to Muhammad and the subsequent support she offered him not only elevated his standing within their community but also provided a strong platform for the establishment of Islam.
Khadija's belief in Muhammad's message and her unwavering support played a crucial role in emboldening him during the initial revelations of Islam. This is underscored by the fact that she was the first convert to Islam, endorsing her husband's prophetic claim and thereby legitimizing his role as a leader of a new religious movement. Her role exemplified the potential influence women could wield in private and public spheres, as supported by Islamic tradition and the broader cultural practices of the time.