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.
Episodes
175 episodes
Julaybib (ra): The Most Beautiful Story
While others mocked Julaybib (ra) for his small stature, the Prophet ﷺ exalted him among society, even facilitating his marriage to a beautiful, wealthy woman. He was among those at Badr. Find out what the Prophet ﷺ said when he discovered his ...
Zahir ibn Haram (ra): Low Self-Esteem Until He Met the Prophet ﷺ
Zahir (ra) was a man who struggled with his appearance and low self-esteem — until the Prophet ﷺ uplifted his heart in a beautiful and unforgettable way. Through gifts, genuine respect, and a lighthearted joke, the Prophet ﷺ made Zahir ibn Hara...
Umm Mahjan (ra): The Woman Who Cleaned the Masjid
To some, she was just the masjid’s janitor. But to the Prophet ﷺ, she was more noble than many. Not much is known about the life of Umm Mahjan (ra). But what we do know is enough to emulate. When she died, the Prophet ﷺ immediately noticed her ...
Bishr ibn al-Baraa (ra): The Story of the Poisoning of the Prophet ﷺ
Like his father, Al-Baraa ibn Ma'roor (ra), Bishr (ra) was an early Muslim and fierce defender of the faith. His story is forever marked by an incredible act of sacrifice. When poisoned food was served to the Prophet ﷺ, Bishr (ra) began eating ...
Al-Baraa ibn Ma'roor (ra): He Made Two Good Mistakes
Long before the qiblah was officially changed, Al-Baraa ibn Ma'roor (ra) chose to pray facing the Ka’bah. What motivated this decision?Known for his unwavering piety and eagerness to do good without being asked, Al-Baraa ibn Ma'roor (ra...
Al-Baraa ibn Aazib (ra): He Described the Grave in Detail
He was only ten when the Prophet ﷺ entered Madinah, a day Al-Baraa ibn Aazib (ra) would never forget. He described the Prophet ﷺ’s face as being “like the light of the full moon”, his character as the example for all, and his life as a model of...
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Umayr ibn Sa’d (ra): First in Salah and Battle
He was just a boy — yet Allah revealed a verse of the Qur’an verse to defend him. This is the story of Umayr ibn Sa‘d (ra), who chose truth over family when his guardian uttered words of disbelief. Surah al-Tawbah (9:74) confirmed his honesty: ...
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Zayd ibn Al-Arqam (ra): Exposer of Hypocrites
Zayd ibn al-Arqam (ra) — the companion whose truth was confirmed by revelation. Raised by the poet-warrior Abdullah ibn Rawaha (ra), he grew up among the earliest Ansar, too young to fight at Badr and Uhud but chosen to guard Madinah.Hi...
Fatima bint Qays (ra): She Preserved Hadiths About Dajjal and Divorce
A woman of elite status, beauty, and intellect. The home of Fatima bint Qays (ra) became the setting for one of the most pivotal moments in Islamic history. It was in her house that six companions of the Prophet ﷺ gathered to decide who would b...
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Usama ibn Zayd (ra): The Prophet ﷺ’s Chosen Grandson
At birth, his name was Usama ibn Zayd ibn Muhammad – but he wasn’t the Prophet ﷺ’s biological grandson. He (ra) was born into the house of the Prophet ﷺ, who showered him with love from the day of his birth. This deep love helped shape Usama (r...
Abdullah ibn Amr (ra): The One Who Preserved The Sunnah
He embraced Islam later in the Prophet ﷺ’s life, but strove to catch up in seeking and serving knowledge, sometimes almost going to extremes in that pursuit. Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-As (ra) became among the first to gain permission to record th...
Urwa ibn az-Zubayr (ra): The First Muslim Historian
While other children dreamed of glory on the battlefield or positions of power, Urwa ibn az-Zubayr (ra) dreamed of knowledge—and he pursued it with unwavering dedication. From a childhood shaped by political turmoil to becoming one of Madinah’s...
Abdullah ibn az-Zubayr (ra): The Defender of Mecca
Abdullah ibn az-Zubayr (ra) was no ordinary child. Born into an extraordinary family, his childhood offered glimpses of the fearless warrior he would become. He lived a long life of piety and courage, serving as a leader in the ummah in one of ...
Abdullah ibn Umar (ra): The Prophet’s ﷺ Shadow
He walked exactly where the Prophet ﷺ walked. Abdullah ibn Umar (ra) lived a life of unmatched devotion, preserving every detail of the Sunnah, refusing positions of power, and embodying humility, generosity, and principle. Discover the story o...
Qutham ibn Abbas (ra): The Prophet’s ﷺ Lookalike
While Abdullah ibn Abbas (ra) became known for his knowledge and eloquence, his younger brother Qutham (ra) was known for something else: his striking resemblance to the Prophet ﷺ.In this episode, discover how Qutham, who was raised alo...
Ubaydullah ibn Abbas (ra): The Rich Little Brother
He wasn’t a scholar like his brother, but he found his own way to serve.While Abdullah ibn Abbas (ra) became one of the greatest scholars of Islam, his younger brother Ubaydullah (ra) chose a different path: business, generosity, and su...
Fadl ibn Abbas (ra): How The Prophet ﷺ Made Him Lower His Gaze
He rode behind the Prophet ﷺ, stood by him in battle, and carried him to his final resting place. Fadl ibn Abbas (ra) may not be well-known, but his life was filled with unforgettable moments: from the powerful lesson behind “lower your gaze” t...
The Ocean of Knowledge: The Life of Abdullah ibn Abbas (ra)
What made a teenager one of the most trusted scholars of the Qur’an among the Prophet ﷺ’s Companions? In this episode, discover the remarkable life of Abdullah ibn Abbas (ra) — the Prophet ﷺ’s cousin, student, and the Ocean of Know...
Abdullah ibn Ja’far (ra): Son of the Man With Two Wings
Born a refugee, embraced by the Prophet ﷺ, and connected to nearly every major trial in early Islamic history, Abdullah ibn Ja'far (ra) lived a life marked by displacement, loss, and legacy. From the shores of Abyssinia to the tragedy of Karbal...
Umm Kulthum bt. Ali (ra): Daughter of Nobility and Tragedy
“O daughter of the noble ones!” This was the way to address the younger granddaughter of the Prophet ﷺ, Umm Kulthum bint Ali (ra).She was a woman of piety, like her mother Fatima (ra). In the glimpses we have into her life, we see her m...
Zaynab bint Ali (ra): A Voice of Courage
A granddaughter of the Prophet ﷺ, exemplary for her patience, courage and generosity. She established institutions to support the poor, elderly, and disabled. She persevered after the painful massacre of her family at Karbala, and eloquently sp...
Husayn ibn Ali (ra): Redefining Victory in Karbala
Who is Husayn (ra)? The beloved grandson of the Prophet ﷺ, a role model for believers in their pursuits of justice, and the master of the youth of Jannah.Dr. Omar Suleiman explores his life in depth: his birth and childhood, his grandfa...
Hasan ibn Ali (ra): The Beloved Grandson of the Prophet ﷺ
The Prophet ﷺ called his grandson a sayyid, and indeed, Hasan (ra) was a master among men.Explore the life and legacy of Hasan ibn Ali (ra) in rich detail: his joyous birth, the Prophet ﷺ’s love for him, his unique personality and gener...
