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The Firsts

The Firsts

Yaqeen Institute 177 episodes Latest Apr 13, 2026

The Firsts: The Forerunners of Islam is a podcast series that explores the lives of trailblazing figures in Islamic history. Hosted by Dr. Omar Suleiman, it highlights individuals who were pioneers in their fields and inspired generations. The series aims to revive the stories of these remarkable personalities and make Islamic scholarship accessible through various media. Produced by Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, the podcast is part of a broader effort to provide credible, mainstream Islamic content.

Episodes

Thawban (ra): The One Called “An-Nabawi” Apr 13, 2026 2138 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.
Safina (ra): He Spoke To A Lion Apr 6, 2026 1552 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. 
Julaybib (ra): The Most Beautiful Story Jan 6, 2026 1487 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.
Zahir ibn Haram (ra): Low Self-Esteem Until He Met the Prophet ﷺ Dec 29, 2025 1043 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.
Umm Mahjan (ra): The Woman Who Cleaned the Masjid Dec 22, 2025 1508 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.
Bishr ibn al-Baraa (ra): The Story of the Poisoning of the Prophet ﷺ Dec 15, 2025 1451 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 o
Al-Baraa ibn Ma'roor (ra): He Made Two Good Mistakes Dec 8, 2025 1574 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
Al-Baraa ibn Aazib (ra): He Described the Grave in Detail Dec 2, 2025 4060 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,
Umayr ibn Sa’d (ra): First in Salah and Battle Nov 27, 2025 1893 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: “They swear by Allah they did not say it… but they did say a word of disbelief.” Praised by Umar (ra) as “one of a kind”, Umayr (ra) grew into a man of just
Zayd ibn Al-Arqam (ra): Exposer of Hypocrites Nov 25, 2025 3471 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.His courage exposed the hypocrisy of Abdullah ibn Ubayy ibn Salul — a moment so powerful that Surah al-Munafiqun was revealed to confirm his words. From patience thro
Fatima bint Qays (ra): She Preserved Hadiths About Dajjal and Divorce Nov 25, 2025 1013 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 become the third khalifah after Umar (ra) was assassinated. Discover the story of Fatima bint Qays (ra), her narrations about Dajjal, her marriage to Usama i
Usama ibn Zayd (ra): The Prophet ﷺ’s Chosen Grandson Oct 27, 2025 4934 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 (ra) into a man of outstanding character. He would go on to lead several important military expeditions before his death in Madinah.

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