The first followers
The companions of Mohammad
The companions, or Sahaba, were the men and women who knew Mohammad and believed in his message. The earliest believers risked everything to follow him in Mecca. After the migration, the community was made up of “Migrants” from Mecca and “Helpers” native to Medina.
The earliest believers
According to tradition, the first to accept Islam, on the very first day, were his wife Khadija, his young cousin Ali, his adopted son Zayd ibn Haritha, and his close friend Abu Bakr. Many early converts faced ridicule, boycott, and persecution for their faith.
Other prominent early figures included Uthman ibn Affan, al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, Talha ibn Ubaydullah, and Bilal, a freed Abyssinian slave who became the community's first caller to prayer.
Migrants and Helpers
- The Migrants (Muhajirun)
- Believers who left Mecca and their property behind to migrate to Medina for the sake of their faith.
- The Helpers (Ansar)
- The Muslims of Medina who welcomed the migrants, sheltered them, and shared their homes and wealth.
On arriving in Medina, Mohammad paired each migrant with a helper as “brothers,” binding the two groups into a single community — a famous act of social cohesion.
The first four caliphs
After Mohammad's death, four of his closest companions led the community in turn. Sunni Muslims call them the “Rightly Guided Caliphs”:
- Abu Bakr — his closest friend and the first caliph.
- Umar ibn al-Khattab — under whom the community expanded greatly.
- Uthman ibn Affan — who oversaw a standard written text of the Quran.
- Ali ibn Abi Talib — his cousin and son-in-law.
Common questions
What does “companion” (Sahabi) mean?
A companion, or Sahabi, was someone who met Mohammad, believed in his message, and remained a Muslim. The companions are highly respected in Islam because they learned directly from him and passed on his teachings to later generations.
Who was Bilal?
Bilal ibn Rabah was a freed Abyssinian slave and an early convert who endured torture for his faith. Chosen for his powerful voice, he became the first muezzin — the person who calls Muslims to prayer — and a symbol of equality in early Islam.
What is the difference between Migrants and Helpers?
The Migrants (Muhajirun) were Meccans who left their homes to follow Mohammad to Medina. The Helpers (Ansar) were the people of Medina who took them in. Their partnership is remembered as a model of generosity and brotherhood.