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
Khawla Bint Hakim (ra) & Uthman Ibn Madhun (ra) : The Righteous Couple
Khawla Bint Hakim (ra) and Uthman Ibn Madhun (ra) were one of the earliest couples in Islam that played massive role in the family and community life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Miqdad Ibn Aswad (ra) : Better Than A Thousand Men
Miqdad (ra) was one of the earliest Muslims and had a larger than life personality. He was known for his leadership and laughter, and left behind an example like no other.
Hamza Ibn Abdulmuttalib (ra): The Lion of Allah
Hamza Ibn Abdulmuttalib (r) was more than an uncle to the Prophet ﷺ. His life and death are forever ingrained in our hearts and history.
Abdurrahman Ibn Awf (ra): A Generous Soul
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Abdurrahman Ibn Awf (ra) was known for his generosity and never missed a moment to earn and sp…
Abu Ubaydah Ibn Al Jarrah (ra): The Trustworthy One
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Listen as Dr. Omar Suleiman explores the life of Abu Ubaydah Ibn Al Jarrah (ra), the one who w…
Sawda Bint Zama’a (ra): The Prophet’s Joy
After the grief of losing Khadijah (ra), Sawada Bint Zama’a (ra) brought joy and comfort to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with her unique spirit of generosity and selflessness.
Saalim Mawla Abu Hudhaifa (ra) : The Imam of the People of Quran
He was a Persian slave of unknown status before Islam, but rose to the highest rank amongst the companions due to his love for the Quran.
Abu Hudhaifa Ibn Utbah (ra): Seeking Another Status
He could have been the next leader of Quraysh, but he knew he wanted something greater early on in Islam.
Talha Ibn Ubaydillah (ra): The Living Martyr
He was distinguished with many traits, but particularly for standing by the Prophet ﷺ on the day of Uhud. It was to the extent that this day is called the day of Talha.
Asma Bint Abi Bakr (ra) : The Possessor of Two Waist Belts
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She was nicknamed the possessor of two waist belts by the Prophet ﷺ himself but was the possessor of …
Zubayr Ibn Awwam (ra): The Disciple
While there were many honors bestowed upon the companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that were shared and unique, the son of Saffiyah was the only one named as the Prophet’s disciple. He answered every ca…
Saffiyah Bint Abdul Mutallib (ra) : A Warrior Aunt
Saffiyah Bint Abdul Mutallib (ra) raised a lion in her son Zubayr. She was the closest sibling to another lion: her brother Hamza Ibn Abdul Mutallib (ra). To understand what came out of her home, it …
Umm Habiba (ra) – Part 2: Royalty Redefined
Umm Habiba (ra) never defined herself by who her father or tribe were. Instead, she always remained grateful for what Allah had given her through her husband.
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Umm Habiba (ra) - Part 1: A Dream Come True
Umm Habiba (ra) embraced Islam despite her father being a chief antagonist and migrated to Abyssinia where she would be widowed. She would then await some sort of sign of what was to come. That sign …
Umm Salama (ra): A Legacy of Wisdom (Part 2)
She was most elegant and wise, and left behind her legacy through her support of the Prophet ﷺ, her students, her children, and the likes of Imam Hassan Al Basri who were brought up in her home.
Sign…
Umm Salama (ra): A Separated Family (Part 1)
This is the story of the family of Umm Salama (ra). A blessed family that was the first to make 3 Hijrahs, yet was painfully separated more than once.
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Najashi - Ashama Ibn Abjar (ra): The Righteous King
The Najashi of Abyssinia (Modern Day Ethopia) gave shelter to the Muslims when no one would, and eventually became a Muslim himself. But did you know that his uncle and brothers once sold him into sl…
Jafar Ibn Abi Talib (ra): Flying In Paradise
Before he earned his wings in Paradise, Jafar Ibn Abi Talib (ra) earned a special place in the heart of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He went down in history as the eloquent young man who brought an Abyssinian…
Saeed Ibn Zaid (ra): An Answer to His Father's Prayer
Saaed (ra) and his wife Fatima (ra) embraced Islam early on and were instrumental in the eventual conversion of Omar Ibn Al-Khattab (ra). Saeed (ra) lived a life of anonymity despite being amongst th…
Abu Dharr Al Ghifari (ra): Living and Dying Alone
Abu Dharr Al Ghifari (ra) was an ascetic that would always live as a stranger. He was the first to use the greeting of asalaamu alaikum and the most truthful of earth’s inhabitants.
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