The Firsts
The Firsts
Yaqeen Institute
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. 
Abu Rafi al-Qibti (ra): The Man Inside the Prophet’s ﷺ Home
Meet Abu Rafi al-Qibti (ra), a little-known Coptic Christian from Egypt who embraced Islam and became part of the Prophet ﷺ’s family. How did this unfold? What was his role in the death of Abu Lahab and the birth of al-Hasan ibn Ali (ra)? What does his story teach us about how the Prophet ﷺ took and repaid loans? Learn about a companion who was so close to the Prophet ﷺ, part of the Ahl al-Bayt, and highly praised by the Companions.
Apr 27
29 min
Abu Muwayhiba (ra): What Happened on the Prophet’s ﷺ Final Night
Little is recorded about Abu Muwayhiba (ra), a freed slave of the Prophet ﷺ. Yet in the final days of the Prophet's ﷺ life, it was Abu Muwayhiba who walked beside him through the darkness of night to a cemetery, and witnessed a moment no one else was given. What did the Prophet ﷺ confide in him? And what choice did he make that would change everything? Watch to discover the story of one of the most overlooked companions.
Apr 20
13 min
Thawban (ra): The One Called “An-Nabawi”
He was anxious to see the Prophet ﷺ every day, and even more anxious to be with him in Jannah. And by serving the Prophet ﷺ and keenly learning from him, Thawban (ra) went from being a prisoner-of-war to a freed-slave and then to becoming one of the greatest teachers of hadith — including many hadith about the signs of the Day of Judgment — to the ummah.
Apr 13
35 min
Safina (ra): He Spoke To A Lion
If you asked him his name, he would use the nickname the Prophet ﷺ had given him: a ship. He served the Prophet ﷺ in his expeditions, spoke to a lion, and narrated a hadith about the Khulafa al-Rashidin (Rightly-Guided Caliphs) at a critical moment in the ummah’s history. Dr. Omar Suleiman also reflects on the importance of Muslims using good names and nicknames.
Apr 6
25 min
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 body after battle.
Jan 6
24 min
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 Haram al-Ashja’i (ra) feel valued when others overlooked him.
Dec 29, 2025
17 min
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 absence and gave her a special funeral. Learn what he ﷺ said at her gravesite.
Dec 22, 2025
25 min
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 alongside him. He died as a result, becoming a martyr who showed ultimate devotion. Discover even more about Bishr (ra), including some of the verses of the Qur’an that are connected to him.
Dec 15, 2025
24 min
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) was a devoted companion and an early supporter of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his call to Islam. His sincerity, foresight, and deep self-reflection made him stand out. He passed away before the Prophet ﷺ’s hijrah to Medina — learn what the Prophet ﷺ did upon...
Dec 8, 2025
26 min
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 devotion. From learning the Prophet ﷺ’s sunnahs of compassion to standing beside him in the battles of Khandaq and Hunayn, Al-Baraa (ra) witnessed beauty, bravery, and miracles, including the overflowing well of Hudaybiyyah. Years later, he narr...
Dec 2, 2025
1 hr 7 min
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