The First Muslims
أوائل المسلمين
Summary
The first to accept Islam were Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (his wife), Ali ibn Abi Talib (his young cousin), Zayd ibn Harithah (his freed slave), and Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (his closest friend). Abu Bakr then brought several others to Islam including Uthman ibn Affan, Az-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, and Talhah ibn Ubaydillah.
Details
The initial da'wah was conducted secretly for approximately three years. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would meet believers discreetly, teaching them the Qur'an and the foundations of faith. The house of al-Arqam ibn Abi al-Arqam near Mount Safa became the first centre of Islamic learning, known as Dar al-Arqam. During this period, around forty people embraced Islam, including people from various social backgrounds — nobles, freed slaves, and the youth of Quraysh.