I did not feel jealous of any woman as much as I did of Khadija because Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) used to mention her very often. He married me after three years of her death, and his Lord (or Gabriel) ordered him to give her the good news of having a palace of Qasab in Paradise.
Merits of the Helpers in Madinah (Ansaar) - Sahih al-Bukhari 3817
This narration from 'A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her) demonstrates the profound love and respect the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) maintained for his first wife Khadija (may Allah be pleased with her) even after her passing. The statement reveals several important spiritual lessons regarding marital relationships in Islam.
Scholarly Commentary
The jealousy mentioned here is not the blameworthy type but rather natural human emotion arising from deep love for the Prophet. 'A'isha's frank admission shows the sincerity of the Companions in expressing their inner states.
Khadija's exceptional status is evident through three proofs: the Prophet's frequent remembrance of her even years after her death, the divine instruction to inform her of Paradise, and the specific mention of her palace being made of Qasab (hollow pearls or precious materials), indicating an elevated station.
The three-year interval before the Prophet's marriage to 'A'isha reflects both his mourning period and divine wisdom in preparing the next phase of his prophetic mission. This narration ultimately teaches Muslims about honoring righteous spouses, maintaining their memory, and the eternal rewards for those who support Allah's cause.