The First Believers

Khadijah (may Allah be pleased with her) was the very first person to believe that her husband had been chosen as Allah’s Prophet and Messenger. As his wife, she knew better than anyone that Muhammad ﷺ was no ordinary man — his noble character and flawless morality set him apart from those around him. Khadijah had also heard about the coming of the final prophet and had witnessed some of the extraordinary events that had taken place in connection with Muhammad ﷺ. She also heard Waraqa affirm that the angel who appeared in the Cave of Hira was Jibreel, bringing revelation from Allah. She was even present at the moment Surah Al-Muddaththir was revealed.
It was only natural, then, that Khadijah (RA) was the first to embrace Islam and to believe in Muhammad ﷺ as the final Messenger of Allah.

Among the earliest believers was Abu Bakr (RA), a well-known and respected merchant of Makkah. When the verses of Surah Al-Muddaththir were revealed, the Prophet ﷺ went to Abu Bakr and told him what had happened. Being two years younger than the Prophet ﷺ, Abu Bakr knew him well and trusted his character and truthfulness completely. Without hesitation, Abu Bakr declared his faith, becoming one of the very first Muslims.

Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) was also among the first to believe. A child at the time — some sources mention he was just ten years old — he had been living under the care of Muhammad ﷺ, who served as his guardian since Abu Talib could not support all his children. Ali (RA) accepted Islam without hesitation, convinced that his guardian was indeed a Prophet bringing the truth.

Another early believer was Zayd ibn Harithah (RA), the Prophet’s freedman and adopted son. After the Qur’an prohibited naming adopted children after their foster parents, Zayd was no longer called “Zayd ibn Muhammad,” but his love for the Prophet ﷺ remained deep and unwavering.

These four — Khadijah (RA), Abu Bakr (RA), Ali (RA), and Zayd (RA) — accepted Islam on the same day the first verses of Surah Al-Muddaththir were revealed. Some reports say they accepted Islam in this very order.

After embracing Islam, Abu Bakr (RA) began inviting others to leave idol worship and follow the message of the Prophet ﷺ. Being a respected figure, known for his generosity, knowledge, and insight into Arab genealogy, many people trusted him and were drawn to his words. When he saw someone sincere in seeking truth, he would speak to them about Islam and take them to Muhammad ﷺ.

Through Abu Bakr’s efforts, several notable Companions entered Islam, including:
• Uthman ibn Affan (RA)
• Zubayr ibn al-Awwam (RA)
• Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf (RA)
• Sa’d ibn Abi Waqqas (RA)
• Talhah ibn Ubaydullah (RA)

Over time, more Quraysh and others from different tribes embraced Islam, such as:
Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah, Abu Salamah and Umm Salamah, Al-Arqam ibn Abi Al-Arqam, Uthman ibn Madh’un and his brothers Qudamah and Abdullah, Ubaydah ibn al-Harith, Sa’eed ibn Zayd and his wife Fatimah bint al-Khattab (the sister of Umar), Khabbab ibn al-Aratt, Ja’far ibn Abi Talib and Asma bint Umays, Khalid ibn Sa’eed and his wife Amina bint Khalaf, Amr ibn Sa’eed, Hatib ibn Harith and his family, Muttalib ibn Azhar and his wife Ramla, and Na’im ibn Abdullah.

Many others followed from outside Quraysh, including Abdullah ibn Mas’ud (RA), Mas’ud ibn Rabi’a, Abdullah ibn Jahsh and his brother, Suhayb ar-Rumi, Ammar ibn Yasir (RA) and his parents Yasir and Sumayyah — the first martyrs of Islam — and Amir ibn Fuhayrah (RA).

Women were also among the earliest believers, including Umm Ayman (RA) — Barakah, who had cared for Muhammad ﷺ in childhood, Umm al-Fadl (RA), and Asma bint Abi Bakr (RA).

Altogether, scholars estimate the number of the earliest believers to be around 130, though the exact timing of each person’s conversion is uncertain. This group includes those who accepted Islam before the Prophet ﷺ began preaching openly.

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Worship and the Training of the Believers

After the pause following the first revelation, new revelations began to come in quick succession. Surah Al-Fatiha was among the earliest revelations after Surah Al-Muddaththir.

The message of Surah Al-Muddaththir was not directed to the Prophet ﷺ alone — it was meant for all believers. Its verses gave them a framework for life, a code of conduct still binding upon Muslims today. It reminded them that every person will face the consequences of their deeds and will be recompensed in the Hereafter.
When the foundation of faith in Allah and His Messenger was firmly established, believers were instructed to strengthen their faith through worship. The first act of worship made obligatory was Salah (prayer). Jibreel taught Muhammad ﷺ how to perform ablution (wudu) and how to pray, instructing him to offer two rak‘ahs (units of prayer) in the morning and evening.

Since wudu was required before prayer, purification became a distinct mark of a believer. Salah, based on Surah Al-Fatiha and praises to Allah, became the central act of worship — the mainstay of faith.

The believers performed Salah secretly in valleys and mountain passes, away from the idolatrous practices of Makkah. The early revelations focused on Tawheed (the Oneness of Allah), the articles of faith, moral purification, and descriptions of Paradise and Hell.
The Prophet ﷺ not only taught his followers the meanings of these verses but also demonstrated how to live by them, guiding them step by step from disbelief to faith, from darkness to light. Though the Prophet ﷺ had not yet begun openly preaching, the Quraysh gradually became aware of his activities. Some believers began practicing openly, but for the most part, the Quraysh did not yet react strongly, and the Prophet ﷺ did not confront them about their idols.
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