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.
Urwa ibn Masud (ra): The Chief Who Resembled Isa (as)
A noble leader with a striking presence, he initially resisted the call of Islam and was a chief negotiator from Quraysh to the Prophet ﷺ in Hudaybiyyah. But when Islam entered his heart, he sought to lead his people to faith and lost his life in the process.
9/16/2024 • 46 minutes, 44 seconds
Zaynab bint Jahsh (ra): The Longest Arm
She came from a noble background, had her marriage contracted by Allah himself in the noble Qur'an, and would be first to join our noble Prophet ﷺ after his death.
3/17/2023 • 1 hour, 14 minutes, 33 seconds
Hafsa bint Umar (ra): Saved by Devotion
A life marked by devotion that saw her through her multiple tragedies, and earned her the testimony of the greatest angel. The wife of our beloved Prophet ﷺ who was most noted for her private worship.
3/8/2023 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 40 seconds
Aisha bint Abu Bakr (ra) Part 4: Legacy and Life after Rasulallah ﷺ
The series finale on the remarkable legacy and life of Aisha (ra). What was her life like after the death of the beloved Prophet ﷺ, and what were her unique distinctions that live on until today.
3/7/2023 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 52 seconds
Aisha bint Abu Bakr (ra) Part 3: Slander and Death of the Prophet
Our mother was known for how beloved she was to the Prophet ﷺ which made her an easy target of the hypocrites. In her defense, Allah revealed verses of the Quran in the wake of the great slander known as hadithatul ifk. And in her lap, the Messenger ﷺ would breathe his last breath.
2/17/2023 • 1 hour, 23 minutes, 53 seconds
Aisha bint Abu Bakr (ra) Part 2: The Love Story
The love the Prophet ﷺ had for her was unparalleled, and the lessons learned from their marriage serve as a timeless guide for every husband and wife. In this lecture, we focus on the marriage dynamics and position of our mother Aisha (ra) with our beloved Prophet ﷺ.
2/9/2023 • 1 hour, 8 minutes, 53 seconds
Aisha Bint Abu Bakr (ra) Part 1: The Early Years of Sacrifice
Growing up in a house of sacrifice, she was destined for a life of greatness. In this lecture, we cover her childhood up until her wedding when she would move into the most significant house in Madinah with our Beloved Prophet ﷺ.
2/3/2023 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 13 seconds
Kulthum ibn al-Hadm (ra) & Sa'ad ibn Khaythamah (ra): The Hosts of Masjid Quba
Allah praised them in the Quran for their piety and love to be purified. Each one of them had an incredibly beautiful story of sacrifice that was oft-repeated amongst the Companions.
1/24/2023 • 47 minutes, 2 seconds
Jabir ibn Abdullah (ra): The Orphan With 7 Sisters
His father was of the first to embrace Islam, and he was the last companion to die in Madinah. He was left early on to care for many sisters, yet ended up being one of the caretakers of this Ummah.
1/17/2023 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 24 seconds
Hanzala Ibn Abi Amr (ra) and Jameela (ra): When Angels Bathe You
They were the children of hypocrites who got married the night before Uhud. What followed was a miracle unique to Hanzala (ra), and a child who lived his father’s legacy.
12/20/2022 • 8 minutes, 37 seconds
Abdullah ibn Abdullah ibn Ubayy (ra): The son of the Chief Hypocrite
While his father undermined the Prophet (Saw) at every juncture, he served alongside the Prophet (saw) in his most difficult moments. He was the opposite of his father, and opposed him when he hurt the Prophet (saw).
12/19/2022 • 10 minutes, 28 seconds
Amr ibn Al Jamuh (ra): No Limping in Jannah
He was the chief of his tribe, and a devoted idol worshipper. But when he embraced Islam, he would stop at nothing to get to Jannah even though he had a disability.
12/6/2022 • 18 minutes, 9 seconds
Asma Bint Yazid (ra): The Orator of the Women
A look at the unique characteristics of the Asma’s of Madinah, with emphasis on Asma bint Yazid. They refused to be left out of any reward, and expressed the desire to be by the side of the Prophet (saw) in every situation.
11/29/2022 • 20 minutes, 27 seconds
Umm Waraqa bint Abdullah (ra): The Martyred Hafidha
A woman who excelled in every way, memorized the Quran, and sought martyrdom even in her home.
11/22/2022 • 12 minutes
Ubayy ibn Ka’b (ra): The Master of all Reciters
The greatest reciter of the Quran, and the Imam of Madinah during the reign of the rightly guided Khulafa.
11/14/2022 • 1 hour, 42 seconds
Muadh Ibn Jabal (ra): Most Knowledgeable & Beloved
The young scholar who was described by Prophet ﷺ as the most knowledgeable of this Ummah in halal and haram, and who was told by the Prophet ﷺ that he loved him for Allah.
11/2/2022 • 1 hour, 26 minutes, 46 seconds
Zayd ibn Thabit (ra): The Scribe of the Prophet ﷺ
He was a young genius when the Prophet ﷺ came to Madinah, and now shares a reward in the recitation of every Muslim due to his compiling of the Quran.
10/26/2022 • 1 hour, 6 minutes, 16 seconds
Nusaybah bint Ka'ab (ra): The Woman Warrior
Nusaybah bint Ka'ab (ra) embodied sacrifice in every way, and would be seen defending the Prophet ﷺ from every direction. Every one in her family followed her noble example.
10/19/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 45 seconds
Hassan ibn Thabit (ra): The Master of All Poets
Hassan ibn Thabit (ra) was the most talented of poets, aided by Jibreel (as) as he defended the Prophet ﷺ against his enemies. While that same tongue fell into tragic error, we honor him for his years of service to Islam.
10/12/2022 • 55 minutes, 40 seconds
Ka'ab Ibn Malik (ra): The Greatest Story of Repentance
Ka'ab Ibn Malik (ra) was an eloquent poet who was silenced and then elevated through his story to be the most narrated about repenter in the history of Islam.
10/5/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 6 seconds
Abdullah Ibn Rawahah (ra): The Warrior Poet
Dr. Omar Suleiman talks about Abdullah Ibn Rawahah (ra), who with his piety as remarkable as his poetry, was the first of the poets who defended the Prophet ﷺ and most noted for his virtues.
9/28/2022 • 56 minutes, 49 seconds
Abu Darda (ra): The Scholar Who Wouldn't Sleep
He was the man who the companions used to say was the most sincere amongst them in combining knowledge and action. Dr. Omar Suleiman talks about Abu Darda (RA) and a legacy of scholarship, spirituality, and wisdom that spanned Madinah to Syria and beyond.
9/21/2022 • 1 hour, 10 minutes, 58 seconds
Salman Al Farsi (ra): Back to Persia
Part 2 of the journey of Salman (ra) with Dr. Omar Suleiman takes us through the events that led this noble companion from the trenches of Madinah back to the heart of the Persian empire.
9/14/2022 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 18 seconds
Salman Al Farsi (ra): The Truth Seeker
Dr. Omar Suleiman talks about the journey of truth that took the son of a Zoroastrian chief from Persia, through the churches of Syria and Iraq, to eventually becoming one of the most beloved companions of the Prophet ﷺ in Madinah.
9/7/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 12 seconds
Abdullah ibn Salam (ra): The Righteous Rabbi
Abdullah ibn Salam moved to Madinah in anticipation of the arrival of the Prophet ﷺ, and went on to become one of the greatest companions to ever live. A scholar who knew multiple scriptures, and was promised paradise on more than one occassion.
8/18/2022 • 1 hour, 3 minutes, 40 seconds
Abu Ayyub Al Ansari (ra): The Host of the Prophet
Abu Ayyub Al Ansari (ra) was a man who loved the Prophet ﷺ with all of his heart, and gave his home and life to his cause.
8/11/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 52 seconds
Al Bara’ Ibn Malik (ra): The Underestimated Hero
Al Bara’ Ibn Malik (ra) was a man who people looked down upon, but that led the way with his courage in some of the most pivotal battles of Islam.
6/21/2022 • 52 minutes, 27 seconds
Ubadah ibn al-Samit (ra): A Man Equal to a Thousand Men
Ubahada inb al-Samit (ra) was a leader who immediately inspired awe in others and established Islam in so many ways in different parts of the world.
6/14/2022 • 59 minutes, 25 seconds
Umm Haram (ra): When Dreams Come True
Introducing the aunts and uncles of Anas (ra) to properly appreciate this family of sacrifice, with emphasis on the life and vision of Umm Haram (ra).
6/8/2022 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 12 seconds
Anas ibn Malik (ra): In Service of the Beloved
The heartwarming story of the beloved servant of the Prophet ﷺ who became more like a son to him.
6/1/2022 • 1 hour, 15 minutes, 13 seconds
Umm Sulaym (ra): Her Dowry Was Islam
5/18/2022 • 59 minutes, 38 seconds
Sa'ad Ibn Ubadah (ra): The Generous Chief
He was the man who operated the equivalent of a soup kitchen in Madinah, and led with courage and generosity without fear of persecution or poverty.
3/16/2022 • 59 minutes, 53 seconds
Sa'ad Ibn Muadh (ra): The Man Who Shook The Throne
There is no other man from the Ansar who commanded greater respect and authority from the Prophet ﷺ and his companions, and no other man about whom it was said the throne of Allah shook at his death.
3/10/2022 • 55 minutes, 46 seconds
Usayd Ibn Hudayr (ra): Transformed by the Quran
From the moment he heard the Quran, his face changed and his heart turned towards Allah and his messenger ﷺ in a way that made him beloved to the righteous in the heavens and in the earth.
3/2/2022 • 49 minutes, 31 seconds
As’ad Ibn Zurara (ra): The First Convert of Madinah
As’ad Ibn Zurarar is the young chief who paved the way for the Ansar to embrace their Prophet ﷺ and became the ultimate “first” in almost every category from the people of Madinah.
2/24/2022 • 40 minutes, 17 seconds
Loving the Ansar
What made the Ansar the most beloved of people to the Prophet ﷺ, and what is the history behind this blessed group?
2/16/2022 • 1 hour, 9 minutes, 47 seconds
New! Sincerely Yours, a talk show by Yaqeen Institute!
Access the new podcast channel here! https://yqn.io/sincerely-yours-podcastDid you ever wish you knew the scholars, preachers and teachers of Islam better? What if you could get to know on a more personal level? Join me, Sh. Ibrahim Hindy and my co-host Sh. Abdullah Oduro weekly as we bring on different guests, learn their stories, the challenges they face and share a laugh or two! Catch the talk-show weekly on live on YouTube every Wednesday 7pm EST or on your favorite podcast channel!https://yqn.io/sincerely-yours-podcast
1/19/2022 • 30 seconds
Mihja, Umayr, and Ubayda (ra): The Martyrs of Badr | The Firsts
Mihja, Umar, and Ubayda (ra) were migrants from Makkah, veterans of Badr, and the first martyrs of Islam in battle.
1/6/2022 • 11 minutes, 35 seconds
Umm Kulthum Bint Uqbah Ibn Abi Muayt (ra): The Enemy’s Daughter | The Firsts
Umm Kulthum Bint Uqbah Ibn Abi Muayt (ra) was the daughter of the man who humiliated the Prophet ﷺ in front of Fatima (ra), and the only woman who made Hijrah alone.
12/30/2021 • 12 minutes, 49 seconds
Zinneera (ra) and Aflah (ra): The Tortured Ones | The Firsts
Zinneera (ra) and Aflah (ra) were slaves who were tortured in the harshest of ways, yet refused to relinquish their faith even for a moment.
12/23/2021 • 11 minutes, 16 seconds
Amir Ibn Fuhayra (ra): The Guide on the Hijrah
Amir Ibn Fuhayra (ra) was the one man who was with the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr (ra) throughout the Hijrah, and was lifted to the heavens while the enemy looked on.
12/15/2021 • 16 minutes, 53 seconds
Anisa, Al-Numan, and Amir (ra): On A Boat From Abysinnia
Anisa, Al-Numan, and Amir are early companions (ra) who joined the Prophet ﷺ by boat from Abysinnia years later after the Hijra.
12/8/2021 • 11 minutes, 40 seconds
Rayta Bint Al-Harith (ra): Poisoned on the Way
Rayta Bint Al-Harith is a woman we know very little about. She is one who embodies the struggle of those who died on their way to the promised land of Madinah.
12/1/2021 • 10 minutes, 47 seconds
Khalid Ibn Sa’id Ibn al-'As (ra): A Dream of the Prophet
Within hours of Abu Bakr (ra), he embraces Islam after seeing a dream of his father and the Prophet ﷺ that made guidance clear to him.
11/24/2021 • 16 minutes, 25 seconds
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.
11/17/2021 • 15 minutes, 38 seconds
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.
11/10/2021 • 11 minutes, 48 seconds
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.
11/3/2021 • 14 minutes, 12 seconds
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.
10/26/2021 • 12 minutes, 45 seconds
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.
10/19/2021 • 14 minutes, 6 seconds
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.
10/12/2021 • 16 minutes, 38 seconds
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.
10/5/2021 • 12 minutes, 28 seconds
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. Omar Suleiman.
9/29/2021 • 16 minutes, 55 seconds
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.
9/22/2021 • 18 minutes, 3 seconds
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).
9/15/2021 • 18 minutes, 30 seconds
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.
9/8/2021 • 16 minutes, 29 seconds
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.
9/1/2021 • 11 minutes, 5 seconds
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.
8/25/2021 • 17 minutes, 17 seconds
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 sacrifices.
8/18/2021 • 1 hour, 18 minutes, 24 seconds
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.
8/11/2021 • 49 minutes, 15 seconds
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 Allah.
8/4/2021 • 1 hour, 12 minutes, 19 seconds
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 communities in ways that are pleasing to Allah.
7/28/2021 • 1 hour, 28 minutes, 23 seconds
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.
7/7/2021 • 1 hour, 11 minutes, 17 seconds
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.
6/30/2021 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 45 seconds
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-Farooq" by the Prophet ﷺ himself.
6/23/2021 • 1 hour, 22 minutes, 27 seconds
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.
6/16/2021 • 48 minutes, 53 seconds
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.
6/9/2021 • 52 minutes, 2 seconds
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.
6/2/2021 • 1 hour, 13 minutes, 3 seconds
Abdurrahman Ibn Awf (ra): A Generous Soul
Greet your Ramadan with Sadaqah! Schedule your donation to automatically process on the first of Ramadan.Abdurrahman Ibn Awf (ra) was known for his generosity and never missed a moment to earn and spend in pursuit of the pleasure of Allah.
4/7/2021 • 50 minutes, 28 seconds
Abu Ubaydah Ibn Al Jarrah (ra): The Trustworthy One
Greet your Ramadan with Sadaqah! Schedule your donation to automatically process on the first of Ramadan.Listen as Dr. Omar Suleiman explores the life of Abu Ubaydah Ibn Al Jarrah (ra), the one who was always serving the Ummah’s interests, and never sought a moment of glory in this world.
4/1/2021 • 52 minutes, 32 seconds
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.
3/25/2021 • 44 minutes, 25 seconds
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.
3/18/2021 • 22 minutes, 36 seconds
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.
3/10/2021 • 34 minutes, 22 seconds
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.
3/3/2021 • 46 minutes, 20 seconds
Asma Bint Abi Bakr (ra) : The Possessor of Two Waist Belts
Check out our new show "DoubleTake with Yaqeen Institute" - Listen and Subscribe here!------------She was nicknamed the possessor of two waist belts by the Prophet ﷺ himself but was the possessor of many qualities. Many martyrs came out of her home. She was a woman of unrivaled strength and courage.
2/25/2021 • 40 minutes, 1 second
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 call of the Prophet ﷺ, and for that was given the glad tidings of a special home in Paradise.
2/17/2021 • 1 hour, 50 seconds
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 is crucial to examine her incredible story of strength and resilience.
2/10/2021 • 35 minutes, 5 seconds
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.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
12/24/2020 • 41 minutes
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 came through a dream that would result in the most unique wedding in the Seerah.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
12/17/2020 • 43 minutes, 24 seconds
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 up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
12/11/2020 • 38 minutes, 51 seconds
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.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
12/5/2020 • 45 minutes, 2 seconds
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 slavery and that his character was shaped by that betrayal?Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
11/26/2020 • 53 minutes, 11 seconds
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 king to Islam.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
11/20/2020 • 58 minutes, 7 seconds
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 the 10 most prominent of those promised Paradise.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
11/12/2020 • 40 minutes, 9 seconds
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.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
11/5/2020 • 48 minutes, 52 seconds
Abdullah Ibn Masood (ra): A Mighty Legacy of Qur’an
Although he was the most at risk, Abdullah Ibn Masood (ra) was the first to recite the Qur’an publicly. The Prophet ﷺ told him, "You are a wise young man" upon their first encounter. He was the 6th person to embrace Islam, which earned him the nickname "Sudus al-Islam" (one-sixth of Islam). Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
11/3/2020 • 55 minutes, 15 seconds
Saad Ibn Abi Waqqas (ra): His Prayers Always Answered
Saad (ra) was just a teenager when he saw a moon in his dream that brought him to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. He endured a painful oath from his mother, who swore to starve herself in order to deter him from becoming a Muslim, and embarked on a journey to spread Islam throughout the world for decades.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
10/26/2020 • 43 minutes, 7 seconds
Uthman Ibn Affan (ra) - Part 2: Selfless Even When Slandered
Uthman (ra) had many qualities that set him apart, and those qualities shined brightest when he was slandered and under siege.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
10/15/2020 • 42 minutes, 43 seconds
Uthman Ibn Affan (ra): The Possessor of Two Lights
He is the man who was so loved by the people that mothers sang lullabies to their children about him, and so loved by the Prophet (saw) that he would marry two of his daughters.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
10/1/2020 • 50 minutes
Zaynab Bint Muhammad (saw): The First Daughter (ra)
The first daughter of the Prophet (saw) and Khadijah (ra), Zaynab (ra) would spend almost 2 decades in a marriage of constant limbo because she chose to believe.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
9/27/2020 • 35 minutes, 40 seconds
Lubaba Bint Al-Harith: The First Woman After Khadijah (ra)
There is possibly no woman or man through whom the Seerah flows like Lubaba. She is a part of everyone’s story, but her own story deserves its own reverence. The first woman after Khadijah, and the great Aunt of the Ummah.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
9/16/2020 • 47 minutes, 33 seconds
Al-Arqam Ibn Abil Arqam: The House of Islam
A young man from a powerful tribe who used his influence and home to help build the world’s greatest movement of Al-Islam.
9/10/2020 • 21 minutes, 54 seconds
Suhaib Al Rumi (ra): From Persia, to Rome, to Paradise
What pushed Suhaib the Roman to travel the world, and what was he willing to sacrifice once he realized there was more to this life than trade and adventure? Suhaib al Rumi was the last of the first seven to publicize his Islam and one of the first to be promised Paradise.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
9/3/2020 • 44 minutes, 13 seconds
Bilal Ibn Rabah (ra): The Voice of Certainty
Whether he was under a stone in the hot desert, or on top of the Kaaba, no man called out more truthfully “One God” and ascended in rank like Bilal.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
8/26/2020 • 58 minutes, 45 seconds
Khabbab Ibn Al Aratt (ra) - Under Burning Hot Coals
The first to be tortured for the sake of Allah, and the first to make his Islam public according to some accounts. An inspiring story often lost in the midst of his peers. Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
8/19/2020 • 43 minutes, 40 seconds
Sumayyah (ra): The First Martyr
A woman who believed in the promise of Allah, persevered through the worst of torture for Allah, and received the ultimate reward of Paradise from Allah. Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.
8/12/2020 • 39 minutes, 20 seconds
Zayd Ibn Al Haritha (ra): Loved and Liberated
Zayd Ibn Haritha’s nickname was “the beloved of the beloved ﷺ”. The character of the Prophet ﷺ is exhibited in relationships he had with people before Islam was revealed, and his relationship with Zayd is one of them. Zayd was the first freed slave to become a Muslim. His life and the choices he made exemplify what it means to love the Prophet ﷺ. Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.This episode was first recorded on Mar. 11, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.
8/6/2020 • 50 minutes, 18 seconds
Abu Bakr (ra) - Part 3: There Will Never Be Another One
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was keen to remember and honor “the firsts” for their support, suffering, and sincerity. Abu Bakr’s (ra) honor surpassed everyone’s, including that of Umar ibn al Khattab (ra). He surpassed everyone by a distance that no one could ever catch up to. His status is sanctified as the first after the prophets. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said the sun has never risen or set on anyone, after the prophets, that is better than Abu Bakr, and that he will be the first to enter Paradise in his nation.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.This episode was first recorded on Feb. 28, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.
8/4/2020 • 1 hour, 59 seconds
Abu Bakr (ra) - Part 2: Setting His Own Standards
Abu Bakr’s (ra) character is best described by the words of Ali (ra), “he is the first to every good”. Abu Bakr (ra) was the ultimate trendsetter, the fastest to do the good deed. In Episode 10 of The Firsts, Sh. Omar Suleiman continues to talk about Abu Bakr (ra) and his elevation in the pursuit of good. The standards that he set and the inspiration that he had to achieve the good deed can motivate us to set our own goals and place higher standards on ourselves and our actions.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.This episode was first recorded on Feb. 12, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.
7/30/2020 • 59 minutes, 46 seconds
Abu Bakr (ra) - Part 1: Second to None in the Pursuit of God
Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (ra) was the ultimate “first”: quick to believe, quick to do good, never hesitant to follow the Prophet ﷺ, and had a natural instinct toward good. In Episode 9 of The Firsts, Sh. Omar Suleiman describes the noble character of Abu Bakr (ra), his friendship with the Prophet ﷺ, and his unmatched legacy.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.This episode was first recorded on Feb. 13, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.
7/27/2020 • 54 minutes, 27 seconds
From Love to the Pain of Death
“Many came to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, asking whom he loved the most, including Ali (ra) and Fatima (ra). He had the most eloquent answer, while maintaining his character of honesty. Even though Fatima was very dear to him and his heart was very attached to her, he didn’t want to answer in a way that would hurt Ali, whom he loved as his own son. He looked at Ali and said, ‘She is more beloved to me than you, but you are more precious to me than her’, making them both very happy. ” In episode 8 of The Firsts, Sh. Omar Suleiman continues to talk about the love between Ali and Fatima and the love they had with Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to the pain that was felt after the passing of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the passing of Fatima (ra).Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.This episode was first recorded on Jan. 30, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.
7/23/2020 • 1 hour, 1 minute, 18 seconds
The Beautiful Marriage of Ali (ra) and Fatima (ra)
Both Ali and Fatima were raised by the beloved Prophet ﷺ and had a special place in his heart. They were married by the Prophet ﷺ then counseled by him. Through their blessed marriage, a community came together and a community remains inspired. They faced obstacles that we all face in our marriage but by the guidance of Allah, the advice of the Prophet ﷺ, and the faith in their hearts, they were able to pull through and leave behind one of the greatest examples of a marriage ever to exist. And in studying this blessed family, we get to see our Prophet ﷺ in a new light: as a loving father, grandfather, and father in law.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.This episode was first recorded on Jan. 23, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.
7/20/2020 • 57 minutes, 51 seconds
Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra): Courageous & Steadfast
Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ love for Ali was immense. It is narrated that the Prophet ﷺ asked Allah to show love to those who love Ali and to show hate to those who hate Ali. Tune in to episode 6 of The Firsts as Sh. Omar Suleiman talks about the first child to embrace Islam, and the companion with more narrations about his virtues than any other. Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.This episode was first recorded on Jan. 20, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.
7/15/2020 • 52 minutes, 8 seconds
Umm Ayman (ra): The Woman Who Never Stopped Caring
In episode 5 of the Firsts, Sh. Omar Suleiman introduces us to Barakah Bint Thalaba, or Umm Ayman, the woman who never stopped caring. Umm Ayman was a second mother to the Prophet ﷺ after his mother passed. Not only is she the second woman to accept Islam, she is the only woman to have been with him from his birth till his death.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.This episode was first recorded on Dec. 19, 2019 and is being re-released in audio format.
7/13/2020 • 40 minutes, 4 seconds
Khadijah (ra): His First Love, Our First Mother
In episode 4 of the Firsts, dive into the many “firsts” accomplished by the best woman of her time, Kadijah bint Khuwaylid (ra), the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ first love and wife. Sh. Omar Suleiman describes the relationship and love between Khadijah (ra) and the Prophet ﷺ, her support, and her station as the first woman to believe in him.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.This episode was first recorded on Dec. 12, 2019 and is being re-released in audio format.
7/9/2020 • 1 hour, 21 minutes, 24 seconds
Waraqa Ibn Nawfal (ra): The First to Confirm Prophethood
We find Waraqa in the seerah and at the very beginning of Sahih Bukhari, but with little beyond his death – making the rest of his life a mystery. Who was he before that? What is his story? What is his status? Sh. Omar Suleiman tells the story of Waraqa Ibn Nawfal, the first to confirm the prophethood.Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.This episode was first recorded on Dec. 9, 2019 and is being re-released in audio format.
7/6/2020 • 48 minutes, 6 seconds
Zaid Ibn Amr (ra): A One Man Ummah
Zaid Ibn Amr Ibn Nufaid (ra) is an absolutely remarkable figure in the history of Islam and has a story unlike any other from the companions of the Prophet ﷺ. Aside from being a monotheist before the coming of Islam, he would guide people to what pleased Allah based on intuition and fitrah (natural disposition).Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.This episode was first recorded Dec. 5, 2019 and has been re-released in audio format.
7/3/2020 • 42 minutes, 29 seconds
Trendsetters, Revivers, and Strangers
Who are The Firsts? To kick off the lecture series, Shaykh Dr. Omar Suleiman describes the 5 categories of firsts in the Qur’an and Sunnah. Sign up here to get notes sent straight to your inbox.This episode was first recorded Nov. 26, 2019 and has been re-released in audio format.