Among the natural outcomes of the early stage and secrecy of the Messenger’s ﷺ call to Islam was that its followers were but a small number of individuals.
Without a doubt, the first to believe in the Messenger of God ﷺ from among women was Khadijah; from among men, Abu Bakr ; from among the youth, Ali; and from among the servants, Zayd.
Some historians described Abu Bakr as follows:
“He was a man beloved and approachable among his people — kind and gentle. He was the most knowledgeable of people about the lineages of the tribes and the events and affairs, good and bad, that had occurred among them. He was a merchant of noble character and well-known reputation. The men of his people used to come to him and feel close to him for many reasons — for his knowledge, his trade, and his good companionship.”
Abu Bakr made use of the trust and affection people had for him, and invited those he trusted to Islam. Thus, through his efforts, the leading figures of Islam in its earliest period embraced the faith — among them: Zubayr, Uthman, Talhah, Saad, and Abd ar-Rahman — all of whom were later given the glad tidings of Paradise by the Messenger ﷺ himself.
Abu Bakr’s own household were among the earliest to enter Islam as well, as is demonstrated in the story of Migration.
It is reported that among those who embraced Islam through Abu Bakr’s invitation were: Musab, Ayyash, and Arqam.
Lessons and Reflections
- The Blessing of Righteous Companionship:
The story of the first believers in Islam clearly reveals the profound effect of keeping the company of righteous people.
Khadija attained the foremost rank in faith due to her closeness to the Messenger of God ﷺ .
Abu Bakr was the Messenger’s ﷺ best friend, and his nearness to him led him to immediate belief.
Ali and Zayd likewise gained this honor through being raised under the care and shelter of the Messenger ﷺ
2. The Power of Good Character:
Good manners and gentle dealing are among the strongest means of attracting hearts and winning minds. The best of people are those who are friendly and easily befriended. Harshness and severity often drive others away and stand as obstacles to the path of sharing Islam.
3. The Influence of the Righteous Wealthy and Influential:
Those who possess social standing or wealth and are righteous can have a powerful impact in winning new supporters to the faith. Their position and reputation serve as bridges to hearts that might otherwise be distant.
4. The Model of Abu Bakr:
His immediate initiative in inviting others to Islam — from the very day he embraced Islam until his passing — is the finest example of the true believer whose faith drives him to action. His zeal was not a passing emotional surge, but a steady, lifelong mission born of deep conviction and unwavering purpose.
5. Universality of the Call to Islam:
Islam spread among all the clans of Mecca; it was not limited to the family of the Messenger ﷺ The Messenger ﷺ did not restrict his message to his own tribe, for Islam is God’s grace to all people. The early acceptance of Islam by people from various tribes refuted any claim that Islam sought to promote tribal interests or elevate the Messenger’sﷺ clan above others.
6. The Permanence of the Early Believers’ Devotion:
The first Muslims remained leaders and pioneers in battle and peace, in politics and governance, in knowledge, jurisprudence, and religious guidance. Their faith was not a passing enthusiasm, but a deep and enduring belief that stirred their hearts, minds, and actions to serve the Way of God. They never turned to ease, luxury, or idleness from the time they believed until they met their Lord. May God accept their efforts and reward them generously.
7. The Dignified “Strangeness” of the Early Believers:
The first believers were strangers in a society overwhelmed by ignorance, chaos, and corruption. Yet their estrangement was not one of weakness, humiliation, or defeat. Islam nurtured in them a spirit of honor, dignity, and elevation above disbelief. They were ever alert to their duty to transform and reform that corrupt society, to demolish its false foundations, and to raise the banner of Islam high — with unshakable resolve and complete confidence in God’s promise of victory and establishment of His Way upon the earth. Thus, they raced one another in striving for the sake of God, competing to raise His word above all others.