The Firsts
The Firsts: The Forerunners of Islam is the series that visits trailblazers of the ummah. Those that rise to the occasion, and inspire a generation. Host Sh. Dr. Omar Suleiman dives into the stories of the giants who were the first of their kind in this world, and distinguished in the next. Listen in to revive the personalities buried in history.Let’s meet the Firsts. This series is brought to you by Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research. We aim to make academic and Islamically-credible scholarship mainstream through accessible resources such as infographics, animations, podcasts, learning materials, and more. Visit www.yaqeeninstitute.org or download the Yaqeen app from the app store to continue dismantling doubts, nurturing conviction, and inspiring contribution, one truth at a time.
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 48 minutes
- Episodes
- 163
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
Subay'a Al-Aslamiyya (ra): The Iddah of a Widow
Subay'a Al-Aslamiyya (ra) was an early convert who, through her example, taught the Ummah about the 'iddah of a widow.
Nuaym Ibn Abdullah (ra): Redirecting History
The one who stopped Omar (ra) on his way to the house of his sister, also was heard in Paradise by the Prophet ﷺ.
Ukasha ibn al-Mihsan (ra): He Beat You To It
Ukasha (ra) is synonymous with the idea of being ahead of the bunch. Learn about how he reached this position over time with an attitude of excellence.
Zaynab Bint Khuzayma (ra): The Mother of the Poor
She was the only other wife of the Prophet (saw) to be buried by his hands. She was known only by one beautiful trait: her charity.
Abu Ahmad Abd Ibn Jahsh (ra): The Other Blind Companion
He was a companion that roamed the valleys of Makkah without being able to see around him, but the truth penetrated his heart and his home deeply.
Abdullah Ibn Jahsh (ra): An Accepted Prayer
Abdullah Ibn Jahsh (ra) was the first Ameer in Islam and the only man to be buried in the same grave as Hamza (ra) in Uhud. Tune in to episode 58 with Dr. Omar Suleiman.
Shurahbil Ibn Hasana (ra): The Scribe and Commander
Shurahbil Ibn Hasana was a quiet soldier who spoke rarely but with great authority. Everyone knew his place, and he was never questioned by his peers. Tune in to episode 57 with Dr. Omar Suleiman.
Utbah Ibn Ghazwan (ra): The Humble Governor
Utbah Ibn Ghazwan was one of the first 10 people to embrace Islam. He lived to take it far into Iraq, yet he remained in a simple tent and preferred a life of obscurity. Tune in to episode 56 with Dr…
Ayyash ibn Abi Rabiah (ra) - The Guilt Trip That Led To Captivity
Ayyash ibn Abi Rabiah (ra), the brother of Abu Jahl, was tricked into coming home out of love for his mother only to spend years in captivity for his refusal to disbelieve.
Atika bint Zayd (ra) - The Wife of Many Martyrs
How many people would intercede as martyrs for the spouse that supported them in their courage? Listen and learn more about Atika bint Zayd (ra).
Abdullah ibn Hudhafah (ra): The Man Who Wouldn’t Flinch
Abdullah ibn Hudhafah was chosen by the Prophet ﷺ to face the most brutal emperor of his time. He was known for being unfazed by tyrants.
Khunais ibn Hudhafah (ra): The First Husband of Hafsa (ra)
Khunais ibn Hudhafah (ra) was one of the earliest Muslims who would be the only member of his tribe fighting on the side of the Muslims in the battle of Badr.
Al-Shifa bint Abdullah (ra): The Healer and Scholar
Al-Shifa bint Abdullah (ra) taught Hafsa (ra) how to read, and many others how to heal and understand other complicated matters.
Musab Ibn Umair (ra): The Man Who Gave It All
When Musab embraced Islam, he lost everything he had of this world. And long after he lost his life for that same cause, the companions themselves would regularly be brought to tears remembering his …
Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum (ra): After Abasa
Abdullah Ibn Umm Maktum is a remarkable companion on whose behalf Allah spoke. His eyes could not see, but his heart was always beating with faith.
Abu Jandal, Abdullah, & Suhayl Ibn Amr (ra) : Switching Sides
The story of Abu Jandal, Abdullah, and Suhayl Ibn Amr is one of the most unique stories in the Seerah with multiple twists in the lives of every member of the family all ending with the pleasure of A…
Omar Ibn Al Khattab (ra): His Leadership, His Legacy, His Death
He was the shepherd of the Ummah, and continued to teach even in the way that he died. His life, death, and legacy will forever be a source of inspiration to us on how to lead our lives and our commu…
Omar Ibn Al Khattab (ra): The Opening of Jerusalem
The momentous occasion of the first conquest of Jerusalem was one in which the ethics of Omar Ibn Al Khattab (ra) shined bright for all that would come after him.
Omar Ibn Al Khattab (ra): 10 Unique Virtues
He was divinely inspired and guided, and possessed virtues that set him apart in every way. Here are 10 of those virtues we can take guidance from.
Omar Ibn Al Khattab (ra) - The Convert Who Changed The World
The most consequential conversion in the history of Islam is undoubtedly that of Omar Ibn Al Khattab (ra). His quest for the truth, and willingness to do anything for it, earned him the title of "Al-…