The Firsts

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.

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. 

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 (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.

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.

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.

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 visiting his grave.

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 narrated the hadith of the grave, preserving the Prophet ﷺ’s words about the soul’s journey after death.

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 justice, humility, and integrity, reminding the Muslims that the wall of Islam is justice and its gate is truth.

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 through blindness to the miracle of his sight restored, Zayd’s life embodies sincerity, steadfastness, and divine honor.
He went on to narrate many core hadiths about prayer, du‘a, and purity — teachings we practice every day. 

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 ibn Zayd (ra), and a life that is a testament to what it means to be well-respected by the most respected in the ummah.

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.

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 the Prophet ﷺ’s teachings in writing. And ultimately, this great preserver of the Prophet ﷺ’s words may have found his resting place in Gaza.

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 foremost scholars, Urwa's life is a powerful testament to the pursuit of lifelong learning and spiritual leadership.

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 the most difficult periods of early Islamic history, until he attained martyrdom. 

The du’a of Abdullah ibn az-Zubayr (ra) at the end of every salah: 

لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لاَ شَرِيكَ لَهُ لَهُ الْمُلْكُ وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَىْءٍ قَدِيرٌ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ وَلاَ نَعْبُدُ إِلاَّ إِيَّاهُ لَهُ النِّعْمَةُ وَلَهُ الْفَضْلُ وَلَهُ الثَّنَاءُ الْحَسَنُ لاَ إِلَهَ إِلاَّ اللَّهُ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ وَلَوْ كَرِهَ الْكَافِرُونَ

La ilaha illa Allah, wahdahu la sharika lah, lahu al-mulk wa lahu al-hamd wa huwa ‘ala kulli shay’in qadir; la ilaha illa Allahu wa la na‘budu illa iyyahu, lahu an-ni‘matu wa lahu al-fadlu wa lahu ath-thana’u al-hasan; la ilaha illa Allah, mukhlisina lahu ad-dina wa law kariha al-kafirun. 

“There is none worthy of worship except Allah alone, with no partner or associate. His is the Dominion, to Him be all praise, and He is able to do all things. There is none worthy of worship except Allah, and we worship none but Him, the source of blessing and kindness and the One Who is deserving of all good praise. There is none worthy of worship except Allah, and we are sincere in faith and devotion to Him even though the disbelievers detest it.” (Sunan an-Nasa’i 1340) 

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 of the last major Companion in Mecca and the man whose love for the Prophet ﷺ shaped every step he took.

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 alongside al-Husayn (ra), the last to leave the Prophet’s ﷺ grave, and a martyr who carried Islam to Samarqand, left his mark on history.

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 support.

In this episode, discover how Ubaydullah turned his wealth into a means of sustaining knowledge, feeding the ummah, and earning reward alongside the scholars, all without taking center stage. His story is a powerful reminder that there’s more than one way to serve this religion.

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” to riding with the Prophet ﷺ on his camel during Hajj. This is the story of the eldest Ibn Abbas.

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 Knowledge. From his childhood in the Prophet’s arms to his leadership in times of turmoil, Ibn Abbas’s story is a model of prophetic character and leadership.

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 Karbala and his final days during Hajj, this is a story of resilience and divine favor.

“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 marrying Umar (ra) and then the sons of Ja’far (ra), stepping in to help a traveling woman give birth, patiently enduring the martyrdom of many loved ones, and dying alongside her son.

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 spoke truth to power. 

Zaynab bint Ali (ra) is from the great women of the Ahl al-Bayt and is an enduring role model for every generation of Muslims.

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 grandfather ﷺ's love for him, his sense of justice, his service to the ummah, his tragic martyrdom at Karbala, and the lessons his story teaches us today. 

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 generosity, his worship and many Hajj journeys, his leadership as the fifth caliph, and his reconciliation and reuniting of the ummah.

The son of the first martyrs, a martyr himself, and the father of a martyr. Ammar ibn Yasir (ra) was part of a family chosen by Allah for shahadah.

Learn his inspiring story, from being one of the first Muslims; facing torture and witnessing the martyrdom of his parents, Sumayyah (ra) and Yasir (ra); building masajid and fighting battles alongside the Prophet ﷺ; and ultimately sacrificing his life for the truth, a path that his son Muhammad (rh) would follow after him.

A Palestinian companion of the Prophet ﷺ. The first to light up masjids with oil lamps. He loved the Qur’an. He famously met the Dajjal. This is the story of the incredible Tamim al-Dari (ra).

The son of Hatim al-Tai, one of the most famous figures in Arab history, walks into the Prophet ﷺ’s room in Madinah. What happened next transformed the heart of this Christian king.

How did the son of Arabia’s most famous man become one of Islam’s closest companions?

How beautiful would you be if an angel wiped your face? It happened to Jarir ibn Abdullah (ra), a Yemeni companion of the Prophet ﷺ. He was called “the Yusuf of this ummah.” But he had another special gift—the power of persuasion.

Siblings with very different personalities can serve Islam in their own ways. Omar ibn al khattab (ra) was outspoken and larger-than-life. What about his older brother, Zayd ibn al-Khattab (ra), the silent giant of this ummah?

Prior to his conversion, Ka’b ibn Zuhayr (ra) is responsible for the latest diss tracks coming out about Islam. He’s insulting the Prophet ﷺ, the Muslims, and making implications about Muslim women. But as the Prophet ﷺ’s power grows, the world is closing in on the poet. Where will he go?

Is your faith journey complicated? Wait until you hear this story. He embraced Islam. Then he left it. Then he committed the worst sins. He thought he could repent again. After so many twists and turns, you might be surprised at how his story ended.

After the Battle of Badr, two cousins secretly conspired to kill the Prophet ﷺ. Neither of them could have predicted where this conspiracy would eventually take them.

He was named Muhammad before Islam. He was the knight of the Messenger ﷺ. He was the guardian of Madinah. He was the caliph's investigator. Who was he?

The Quraysh abuse a man who is performing umrah. But they quickly realize the consequences, because he may have been the most powerful Muslim in the world at the time.

As the Prophet ﷺ left the siege of Ta’if, a group of youth were making fun of the adhan. The Prophet ﷺ saw past their mockery and stuck to his hope of their becoming Muslim. In one of the most beautiful stories of the Prophetic lens, we gain new insight into how he brought the best out of people even in the worst of times.

Imagine having stoned the Prophet ﷺ as a child, only to realize who he was as an adult. How do you even become Muslim on that day? Were any of the children even listening to what he was saying while they carried out the brutal order to stone him? Since the Prophet ﷺ had hope in their Islam, did he get to see the fruit of that hope in his lifetime?

Imagine the first Muslims, but amongst the Jinn. Who were the first converts amongst them, and how did that happen? When did Allah send them? And what was the connection of the Jinn Muslims to the rejectors of Ta’if?

So often confused for Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (ra), this prolific narrator of hadith escaped Ta’if in such a unique way that he was named after this incident. After this lecture, you will never read his name as a typo again.

He came to Islam after a severely checkered past, but never let his flaws stop him from assuming his place in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ. He used his strength and sense of movement to monitor the Prophet’s every move, and came back to Ta’if with the command to destroy their idol.

As the Prophet ﷺ lay battered and beaten in the garden after Ta’if, Allah sent him this one special slave who would be the only known human convert on the worst day of the Prophet ﷺ’s life.

The Prophet ﷺ spent some of his earliest years with his foster mother Halima al-Sa’diyya (ra), and never forgot the love she nurtured him with. What was it like to find her again in his final years of life?

The nephew of Khadijah (ra) and a core figure in the decade prior to the Prophet ﷺ receiving revelation. He held out on Islam because of his worldly focus, yet eventually embraced Islam and a new focus on the hereafter.

The only enemy of the Prophet ﷺ mentioned by name in the Quran, yet his own children became Muslim and would read about their father’s punishment. The incredible story of the believing children of the Prophet ﷺ's uncle and how he received them.

If you saw him in Madinah, you would be taken aback by how he was honored by the Prophet ﷺ and the companions like no other human being, and if you heard him speak then you would know he was special. The last uncle of the Prophet ﷺ and a blessed connection for this Ummah.

He was the son of the Pharoah of this Ummah who fought the Prophet ﷺ and his companions even up until the opening of Makkah. But through a journey of many twists and turns, came back to the Prophet ﷺ as one of his most loyal companions. His story of selflessness and martyrdom is ever inspiring and impactful.

For two decades he was a chief antagonist of the Prophet ﷺ, only to be forgiven and given a position of leadership for the sake of the greater cause.

He was the first cousin of the Prophet ﷺ, and his brother in that he was nursed by the same woman. He was one of the closest and most beloved people to him. When Islam came, he turned his back on the Prophet ﷺ and became a bitter enemy until the very end where after a painful reunification, came a beautiful ending.

Before understanding Amr ibn al-As (ra), you need to know about his father who was a staunch opponent of the Prophet ﷺ, and his brother Hisham (ra) who was a companion long before him, with a legendary story of his own.

From his moments of opposing the Prophet ﷺ in practically every battle of Islam, and his seeking to remove the one place of refuge for the Muslims in Abyssinia, Amr (ra) doesn’t just turn a corner and embrace Islam, but he spreads it to Egypt and many places of the world including Gaza which weighs so heavily on us today.

After he became Muslim, he immediately became perhaps the greatest factor in the spread of Islam throughout the world. Learn about his military genius, his legacy and contributions, and his unexpected death.

The story of how a feared enemy of Islam became it's greatest general. 

He was given the lofty title of the Mufti of Madinah for his rare combination of Hadith and Fiqh. He narrates over 1000 ahadith from the Prophet ﷺ, and lived a long life of devotion all in his home city of Madinah.

He was a pious governor in Islam who would repent to Allah after witnessing the crucifixion of Khubayb (ra). How did Saeed and other companions who participated in the massacres of Bi'r Mauna and Al Rajee find their way back to Allah after such horrific actions?

He fell in love with the Prophet ﷺ at first sight, lived in his blessed shadow until he died, and was promised his blessed companionship eternally in Paradise.

Asim (ra) was one of the very first to protect our Prophet ﷺ, and of the most beloved companions of them all. Though he was pursued in vengence by an ambushing tribe, he was given a miracle through his last prayer witnessed even by his most hateful enemies. 

Khubayb (ra) is a man of many tragic firsts in Islam. But his story is also filled with many lessons of perseverance, ethics, and sincerity even in the midst of desperation. And for that Allah would bestow miracles upon him that no other companion would encounter.

Only one man was worthy of fighting with the sword of the Prophet ﷺ, and he proved that he would honor it in more ways than one. The story of Abu Dujana (ra) is a story of a man who displayed bravery in the most difficult moments of battle, and integrity in every moment of his life.

When the Prophet ﷺ suddenly encounters a chief of a nomad tribe during the Hijra, more people embrace Islam in the desert in an instant than at any point in the years preceding of the Prophetic call.

He went out as a disbeliever hunting the Prophet ﷺ for 100 camels, then came back a believer with the bracelets of the ruler of Persia. A remarkable story about prophecy even in vulnerability.

She was a Bedouin woman who served the traveler and wayfarer when suddenly her home was blessed with most beautiful guest of all ﷺ.

He came from Yemen as soon as he heard the call of the beloved Prophet ﷺ, then brought Islam back to Yemen. He distinguished himself by his love for the Qur’an, and his wisdom in judging all of his affairs by it's guidance.

The most prolific narrator of ahadith from our beloved Prophet ﷺ, and the heart that Allah chose to give us access to the Sunnah like no other.

Behind the conversion of Abu Huraira (ra) and the legacy he would leave behind is a hidden legend from the tribe of al-Daws named Tufayl ibn Amr (ra). While he narrates not a single hadith, his complete story is full of wisdom and worth pondering upon in it's own right.

Her marriage to the Prophet ﷺ coincided with a beautiful occasion, and her wedding was her most precious memory. 

He was entrusted with the most sensitive of secrets due to the special sincerity he possessed. After the tragic death of his father, he lived as the trustee of this Ummah.

From the lineage of a noble Prophet, Safiyya was viewed with deep suspicion at times due to her roots. But she shined most with the Prophet ﷺ in regards to her love, care, and empathy.

She was a distinguished woman due to her lineage, beauty, and nobility before Islam. But our mother would go on to be distinguished by a specific form of worship. She was a blessing to her people through her marriage to the Prophet ﷺ and an example for our Ummah.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

A woman who excelled in every way, memorized the Quran, and sought martyrdom even in her home.

The greatest reciter of the Quran, and the Imam of Madinah during the reign of the rightly guided Khulafa.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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). 

The heartwarming story of the beloved servant of the Prophet ﷺ who became more like a son to him. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

What made the Ansar the most beloved of people to the Prophet ﷺ, and what is the history behind this blessed group?

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Did 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!

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Mihja, Umar, and Ubayda (ra) were migrants from Makkah, veterans of Badr, and the first martyrs of Islam in battle.

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.

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.

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.

Anisa, Al-Numan, and Amir are early companions (ra) who joined the Prophet ﷺ by boat from Abysinnia years later after the Hijra.

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.

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.

Subay'a Al-Aslamiyya (ra) was an early convert who, through her example, taught the Ummah about the 'iddah of a widow.

The one who stopped Omar (ra) on his way to the house of his sister, also was heard in Paradise by the Prophet ﷺ.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

Al-Shifa bint Abdullah (ra) taught Hafsa (ra) how to read, and many others how to heal and understand other complicated matters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

He could have been the next leader of Quraysh, but he knew he wanted something greater early on in Islam.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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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.


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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).


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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.

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Uthman (ra) had many qualities that set him apart, and those qualities shined brightest when he was slandered and under siege.

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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.

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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.



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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.

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A young man from a powerful tribe who used his influence and home to help build the world’s greatest movement of Al-Islam.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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This episode was first recorded on Mar. 11, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.

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.

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This episode was first recorded on Feb. 28, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.

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.

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This episode was first recorded on Feb. 12, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.

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.

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This episode was first recorded on Feb. 13, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.

“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).

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This episode was first recorded on Jan. 30, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.

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.

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This episode was first recorded on Jan. 23, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.

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. 

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This episode was first recorded on Jan. 20, 2020 and is being re-released in audio format.

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.

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This episode was first recorded on Dec. 19, 2019 and is being re-released in audio format.

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.

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This episode was first recorded on Dec. 12, 2019 and is being re-released in audio format.

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.

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This episode was first recorded on Dec. 9, 2019 and is being re-released in audio format.

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).

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This episode was first recorded Dec. 5, 2019 and has been re-released in audio format.

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.

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This episode was first recorded Nov. 26, 2019 and has been re-released in audio format.