One of the most inspiring questions in Islamic history is: Who was the very first person to accept Islam? The answer takes us back to the earliest days of the Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ mission, a time when Islam was unknown to the people of Makkah and the message was just beginning to shine. Knowing who accepted Islam first helps us appreciate the sacrifices, courage, and love that the earliest Muslims showed for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
The First Believers of Islam
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the first revelation in the cave of Hira through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel), he came down filled with awe and concern. It was his beloved wife, Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (RA), who immediately comforted him and reassured him that Allah would never abandon him.
Khadijah (RA) is recognized as the first person to accept Islam and believe in the message of the Prophet ﷺ. She stood by him without hesitation, trusted him completely, and supported him through the toughest years of his mission. Her faith and loyalty gave strength to the Prophet ﷺ at a time when he needed it most.
After Khadijah (RA), the first male to accept Islam was Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA), the closest friend of the Prophet ﷺ. The first child was Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), who was only about ten years old at the time, and the first freed slave to accept Islam was Zayd ibn Harithah (RA).
The Special Role of Khadijah (RA)
Khadijah (RA) holds a unique place in Islamic history. She was not only the first Muslim, but also the Prophet’s ﷺ partner in every sense. She used her wealth, wisdom, and love to support the mission of Islam. The Prophet ﷺ always remembered her with deep affection, even after her passing, and would often speak highly of her sacrifices.
There is a beautiful hadith where the Prophet ﷺ said about her:
“She believed in me when people disbelieved, and she trusted me when people called me a liar. She shared her wealth with me when people deprived me. And Allah blessed me with children through her and not through any other woman.” (Musnad Ahmad)
This shows the high status Khadijah (RA) has in the sight of Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.
Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (RA) – The First Man to Accept Islam
After Khadijah (RA), the Prophet’s ﷺ closest companion, Abu Bakr (RA), accepted Islam without hesitation. He was a man of noble character, respected among Quraysh, and known for his truthfulness. His quick acceptance of Islam shows the deep trust and love he had for the Prophet ﷺ.
Through Abu Bakr (RA), many other early Muslims came to Islam, such as Uthman ibn Affan (RA), Talha ibn Ubaydullah (RA), and others who later became among the greatest companions.
Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA) – The First Child to Accept Islam
Ali (RA), the cousin of the Prophet ﷺ who grew up in his household, was very young when the Prophet ﷺ began receiving revelation. Despite his age, Ali (RA) accepted Islam with a pure heart and remained faithful for the rest of his life. He later became one of the greatest leaders of Islam and the fourth rightly guided caliph.
Zayd ibn Harithah (RA) – The First Freed Slave to Accept Islam
Zayd (RA) was a freed slave who had been treated with love and kindness by the Prophet ﷺ, to the point that people called him “Zayd ibn Muhammad” before Allah revealed that children should be called after their real fathers. Zayd (RA) accepted Islam early and stayed loyal throughout his life, even becoming a commander in battle later on.
What We Learn from the First Muslims
The story of the first people to accept Islam teaches us many lessons:
Faith requires courage. They accepted Islam at a time when it was dangerous, facing insults and threats.
Support matters. The Prophet ﷺ was supported by Khadijah (RA) financially and emotionally, showing the importance of strong family bonds.
Islam is for everyone. The first believers included a woman, a man, a child, and a freed slave—showing that Islam came for all of humanity, not one group alone.
Trust in the Prophet ﷺ. Those who knew him best—his wife, his close friend, and his family—were the first to believe, which shows his honesty and truthfulness.
Conclusion
So, the very first person to accept Islam was Khadijah (RA), the beloved wife of the Prophet ﷺ. After her came Abu Bakr (RA), Ali (RA), and Zayd (RA). These early Muslims played a huge role in spreading Islam and setting an example of loyalty, patience, and faith. Their stories remind us that true belief is not just about words—it is about action, sacrifice, and trust in Allah.
May Allah be pleased with all of them, and may we learn from their beautiful examples, insha’Allah.
Continue Your Journey of Learning
If you enjoyed learning about the first Muslims, you can discover even more about Islamic history, the companions, and the teachings of Islam at Online Islamic Institute
. They offer premium courses for all ages, covering everything from the basics of faith to advanced studies. It is a great opportunity to deepen your knowledge and bring Islam into your daily life.
You can explore their website here: https://onlineislamicinstitute.org/
. Insha’Allah, you will find it both educational and inspiring.
JazakAllahu khair for reading, and may Allah increase us all in knowledge and love for Islam. Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.