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The Firsts

A Journey Through the Forerunners in Islam

Introduction

Throughout the Qur’an and Sunnah, there is a special emphasis on As-Sabiqun Al-Awwalun, the forerunners—those who rush to do good. They are the first to respond to Allah’s call, to embrace faith, to sacrifice for Islam, and to set examples that continue to inspire generations. Studying their lives is not just an act of admiration but a means for us to aspire to be among them.

This series will explore different categories of firsts—not in chronological order but in a way that allows us to draw meaningful lessons. We will study figures like Khadijah (RA), the first believer in the Prophet ﷺ, and Bilal (RA), the first Muadhin. But beyond individual figures, we will examine the first universities, the first migrations, and even the firsts on the Day of Judgment, such as those who will enter Jannah first.

Understanding these firsts is crucial, as they not only shape our historical and spiritual outlook but also provide a guide for how we can live our lives. We must not simply admire them but actively strive to emulate their dedication, courage, and sincerity. May Allah make us among the forerunners, those who rush to the fountain of the Prophet ﷺ on the Day of Judgment and join him in Jannah. Allahumma Ameen.

Five Categories of Firsts

To understand what it means to be among the first, we will focus on five categories of forerunners in Islam:

1. The Forerunners (As-Sabiqun)

These are the people who race towards good and do not hesitate. Allah says in the Qur’an:

“These are the people that rush and compete for good.” (Surah Al-Mu’minun 23:61)

The Prophet ﷺ also emphasized this urgency:

“Rush to do good deeds.” (Muslim)

As-Sabiqun are described in two ways:

A powerful example is Umar ibn Al-Khattab (RA), who immediately went to the Prophet ﷺ upon hearing the Qur’an, embracing Islam without delay. Another example is Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA), whose unwavering support for the Prophet ﷺ set the precedent for generations to follow.

2. The Trendsetters (Al-Mubtadi’un)

These are individuals who start a righteous practice, inspiring others to follow. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever introduces a good practice in Islam, and others follow it, he will receive the reward of all who practice it without diminishing their reward.” (Muslim)

A famous example is an Ansari man who first gave charity when others hesitated, prompting the entire community to contribute, making the Prophet ﷺ smile.

Trendsetters can influence:

Not only do trendsetters inspire individuals, but they also influence societal change. Great Islamic leaders and scholars like Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Malik, Imam Ash-Shafi’i, and Imam Ahmad set trends in fiqh (jurisprudence) that continue to guide Muslims today.

3. The Strangers (Al-Ghuraba)

Islam began as something strange, and the Prophet ﷺ foretold that it will return to being strange:

“Islam began as something strange and it will return as something strange, so glad tidings to the strangers.” (Muslim)

These are the people who uphold truth when society turns away from it. The Prophet ﷺ described them as:

“Those who rectify what people have corrupted of my Sunnah after me.” (Tirmidhi)

Examples include:

Being a stranger means standing firm in faith despite the pressures of society. It means practicing righteousness even when it is unfashionable or ridiculed. Those who hold onto the truth with patience and perseverance will find their ultimate reward with Allah.

4. The Revivers (Al-Mujaddidun)

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Indeed, Allah will send to this ummah at the head of every hundred years someone who will renew for it its religion.” (Abu Dawood)

Revivers restore aspects of the religion that have been forgotten or neglected. Examples include:

Revival does not have to be on a global scale; anyone who revives a Sunnah in their community is part of this category. Whether it is reviving the importance of salah, the value of honesty, or the act of helping others, every Muslim can strive to be a reviver in their own way.

5. The Distinguished (Al-Muhsineen)

These individuals excel in acts of worship and set themselves apart. Allah says:

“That He may test you as to which of you is best in deeds.” (Surah Al-Mulk 67:2)

Ibn Al-Qayyim explains:

Examples include:

The distinguished are those who do not settle for the minimum requirements of Islam. They seek to perfect their worship, refine their character, and go the extra mile in every act of devotion.

Conclusion: Striving to Be Among the First

These five categories give us a roadmap to greatness. Which one will you aim for?

  1. Be a forerunner – Don’t delay in responding to Allah’s call.
  2. Be a trendsetter – Start good practices that others will follow.
  3. Be a stranger – Stand firm even when truth is unpopular.
  4. Be a reviver – Bring back forgotten Sunnahs.
  5. Be distinguished – Aim for excellence in all you do.

Every believer has the potential to be among the first in some way. Whether by racing towards good, inspiring others, resisting societal corruption, reviving Islamic principles, or excelling in worship, we all have a role to play.

May Allah make us among the first to rush toward good in this life, and the first to enter Jannah in the next. Allahumma Ameen.

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