

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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 16, 2024 • 1h 11min
Khalid ibn al-Walid (ra): The Legendary Military General
Learn about Khalid ibn al-Walid, the revered 'Sword of Allah', and his strategic brilliance in spreading Islam worldwide. Explore his evolution from a nonbeliever to a successful commander under Prophet Muhammad's guidance. Discover his triumphs against the Persians and Romans, showcasing his fearlessness and devotion to the Ummah. Delve into his legacy as a military genius and unmatched commander, leaving behind an enduring impact on history.

Oct 9, 2023 • 1h 14min
Khalid ibn al-Walid (ra): Becoming the Sword of Allah
The story of how a feared enemy of Islam became it's greatest general.

Oct 3, 2023 • 58min
Abu Saeed al Khudri (ra): The Jewel of Madinah
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.

Sep 28, 2023 • 1h 1min
Saeed ibn Amir (ra): Haunted by Murder
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?

Sep 28, 2023 • 51min
Rabiah ibn Kab (ra): The Prophet’s Companion in Jannah
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.

Sep 11, 2023 • 51min
Khubayb ibn Addiy (ra): A Prisoner of Many Miracles
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.

Sep 11, 2023 • 44min
Asim ibn Thabit (ra): Protector of Faith
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.

Aug 29, 2023 • 51min
Abu Dujana (ra): The Red Bandana
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.

Aug 23, 2023 • 13min
Burayda ibn al-Husayb (ra): An Unlikely Convert
Learn about the unlikely convert, Burayda ibn al-Husayb (ra), who embraced Islam during the Hijra. Discover how his encounter with the Prophet led to the immediate conversion of 70 people in the desert. Explore Burayda's journey as a trusted companion and spy, highlighting his crucial role in protecting the Prophet. Don't miss the inspiring story of Burrada, who defied expectations and became a respected companion of the Prophet.

Aug 8, 2023 • 16min
Suraqa ibn Malik (ra): The Bounty Hunter
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.