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The Firsts

The Firsts

Yaqeen Institute 177 Episodes May 4, 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

Salma (ra) and Ubaydullah (ra): A Legacy of Serving the Ahlul Bayt May 4, 2026 664 She was the midwife in the births of the Prophet ﷺ’s children and grandchildren. This was just one of the unique ways that Salma (ra), a freed-slave and the wife of Abu Rafi al-Qibti (ra), served the Prophet ﷺ’s family. And she raised her own son Ubaydullah ibn Abu Rafi (ra) to shine in Islamic history as a teacher of the Prophet ﷺ’s descendants. 
Abu Rafi al-Qibti (ra): The Man Inside the Prophet’s ﷺ Home Apr 27, 2026 1766 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, an
Abu Muwayhiba (ra): What Happened on the Prophet’s ﷺ Final Night Apr 20, 2026 814 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 th
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 5, 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 1, 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

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