

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

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.

Aug 2, 2023 • 33min
Umm Ma’bad (ra): The Most Beautiful Description of the Prophet ﷺ
She was a Bedouin woman who served the traveler and wayfarer when suddenly her home was blessed with most beautiful guest of all ﷺ.

4 snips
Aug 1, 2023 • 1h 8min
Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari (ra): A Voice Like No Other
Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari, a distinguished companion, brought Islam back to Yemen. The podcast discusses his unique voice and recitation of the Qur'an, his experiences with the Prophet Muhammad, his dedication to learning and teaching the Quran, and his narration about fasting and a voice on a ship. It explores his life, legacy, du'as, actions, and countless hadith narrated from him.

5 snips
Jul 25, 2023 • 1h 15min
Abu Huraira (ra): The Preserver of Hadith
Explore the significance of Abu Huraira in preserving and transmitting the teachings of the Prophet. Discover the Prophet's use of affectionate nicknames and Abu Huraira's dedication to learning despite poverty. Dive into Abu Huraira's unwavering dedication to the Prophet, strange incidents involving shaytans, and Abu Ghoreir's significance in preserving hadiths.

Jul 25, 2023 • 55min
Tufayl ibn Amr (ra): The Hidden Legend
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.

Jun 21, 2023 • 1h 14min
Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (ra): The Secret Keeper | The Firsts | Dr. Omar Suleiman
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.

Jun 21, 2023 • 1h 2min
Maymunah bint al-Harith (ra): A Blessed Wedding | The Firsts | Dr. Omar Suleiman
Her marriage to the Prophet ﷺ coincided with a beautiful occasion, and her wedding was her most precious memory.