Explore every episode of the podcast The Firsts

He was fierce on the battlefield, yet fighting a quieter battle within himself.

Abu Mihjan (ra) had a weakness, but it never stopped his courage. He owned his struggle and still showed up for his community, time and again. What finally became his turning point?

One of the Prophet's ﷺ Companions was the kind of man who could walk into a room and have everyone laughing. 

Nu'ayman ibn Amr (ra) was a gem, beloved for the joy he carried wherever he went. He pulled pranks on the Prophet ﷺ himself, talked his way into mischief no one else would dare, and once sold a fellow Sahabi as a joke that people laughed about for a whole year.

But behind the laughter, he was carrying something heavier. He struggled with alcohol addiction, and he kept falling back into it. 

What the Prophet ﷺ said when a Companion cursed him for it is not what you'd expect.

Discover the story of the funniest Sahabi who ever lived, the struggle behind the jokes, and three lessons on how the Prophet ﷺ dealt with someone who kept falling.

Abu Lubabah (ra) was a top chief and one of the very first to pledge allegiance to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. But when he made a devastating mistake, he didn't run, deny, or cover it up. He went straight to the Prophet ﷺ's masjid and did something extraordinary. 

Learn what his powerful story teaches us about true self-accountability, honesty, and the mercy of Allah.

The verse that was revealed about him: 

“Some others have confessed their wrongdoing: they have mixed goodness with evil. It is right to hope that Allah will turn to them in mercy. Surely Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.” (Qur’an, 9:102)

One of the Prophet's ﷺ closest companions did something that looked like a complete betrayal. 

Hatib ibn Abi Balta’ah (ra) had been loyal for twenty years, through every hardship. Then he got caught doing the one thing no one expected. When he was brought in to answer for it, everyone assumed that was the end of him. 

But the Prophet's ﷺ response is not what you'd expect for what he did. Discover the story behind Hatib's alleged betrayal, how the Prophet ﷺ handled it, and three lessons we can learn from it.

Mariya al-Qibtiyya (ra), “the gift of Egypt,” embraced Islam and her life with the Prophet ﷺ wholeheartedly, even as slander and jealousy tested her. 

She delivered a baby boy, Ibrahim (ra), who wouldn’t live past being a toddler. 

Find out how the Prophet ﷺ reacted and remained steadfast in his belief in Allah even during this personal tragedy.

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. 

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, and highly praised by the Companions.

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 the most overlooked companions.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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.