Grade 4IRE

Earliest Converts to Islam

Khadijah, Abu Bakr, Ali, Zayd; the early Sahabah and their role.

📖 6 min read · 3 worked examples · 6 practice questions

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The lesson

Today we begin a new and exciting story about the very first people who believed in Prophet Muhammad's message. They are called the first Muslims. By the end of this lesson, you will be able to name the four earliest people who became Muslims. You will also describe how they supported Prophet Muhammad. We will learn their names: Khadija, Ali, Zayd, and Abu Bakr. We'll talk about how each one helped the Prophet. First, let's think about something you already know. Think about a time you helped a friend—maybe you shared your snack, or you stood up for someone. These first Muslims were like that. They helped Prophet Muhammad when he needed support, and their help made Islam grow. Let's keep that idea in mind as we learn their stories.

At this title: 'A Special Time in Makkah'. Can you guess what made it so special? This text tells us three important things. First, a long time ago in Makkah, Prophet Muhammad received the very first message from Allah. That message is called a revelation – like getting a very important letter from God. Imagine how special that moment was! Second, only a few people believed at first. These were the very first Muslims. Think about it – if you were the only one who believed something, would you be brave enough to keep believing? They were very brave! Third, these brave men and women faced many challenges. People did not agree with them, but they stayed loyal to Allah. That is a great example of faith and courage – just like when you stand up for what is right even when others disagree.

Let's turn our attention to a very special person. Her name is Khadijah — say it with me: 'Kha-dee-jah'. She is a very important person in Islamic history. Khadijah was the wife of Prophet Muhammad. Do you know what makes her extra special? She was the very FIRST person to believe in his message. Imagine being the first person to trust someone when everyone else is unsure — that takes a lot of courage and love. When the Prophet first received the message from Allah, he was very worried and scared. He didn't know what was happening. Khadijah was there. She comforted him, she encouraged him, and she said, 'Allah would never let anything bad happen to you.' Just like how your mother or your aunt comforts you when you are scared or worried.

Today we meet Abu Bakr – the Prophet's best friend and the first grown-up to accept Islam. At the title: 'The Truthful Friend.' Isn't that a wonderful name? He was also called 'as-Siddiq' – say it with me: as-Sid-diq. That means 'the Truthful.' He got this name because he always told the truth and believed immediately. The first point: Abu Bakr was the Prophet's best friend. When he heard the message, he believed right away – no questions! That's true friendship. Notice here: he was called 'as-Siddiq' because he always confirmed the truth. He never doubted. Finally, Abu Bakr helped free slaves using his wealth. Just like a Kenyan helper who shares with others, he was generous. Today we learned about Abu Bakr: truthful, faithful, and generous. Great job, everyone!

Class! Let's talk about an amazing young person — Ali ibn Abi Talib. Say his name with me: "Ah-lee ib-n Ah-bee Tah-lib." He was the very first child to believe in Prophet Muhammad's message. Isn't that incredible? Ali was only about 10 years old — just like some of you! He lived with his cousin, Prophet Muhammad, and he saw something that changed his life. One day, Ali saw the Prophet praying. He was so curious — he asked, 'What are you doing?' When the Prophet explained that he was praying to the one true God, Ali didn't hesitate. He said, 'I believe!' Just like that. Think about that for a moment. Ali was a child, but he had the courage to say yes to the truth. He didn't wait until he was older. He didn't worry about what others would say. He just believed. That teaches us something really important: your age doesn't matter. Even if you're young, you can be a strong believer. Just like here in Kenya, we see young people helping their communities — carrying water for elders, helping with chores. Being good starts now, not when you grow up. Ali shows us that.

Worked examples

#1: Khadijah's Support

Let's learn about a very important person named Khadijah (ka-DEE-jah). She was the wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). When the Prophet first received a message from the angel Jibril (ji-BREEL), he was very scared. The Prophet came home trembling. He told Khadijah what happened. She said, 'Allah will never humiliate you because you are kind to your family and help the poor.' That is so comforting – just like when your parent or teacher tells you everything will be okay. Khadijah didn't stop there. She took the Prophet to her wise cousin Waraqa (wa-RAH-kah). Waraqa listened and confirmed that the message was from Allah. Khadijah helped the Prophet find someone who could explain what was happening. The lesson for us is that we can support others just like Khadijah did. When someone is scared or worried, we can speak kind words, take them to a trusted adult, or just stay with them. In our own Kenyan communities, we can help a friend who is upset or a neighbor who needs encouragement. To sum up: Khadijah's faith and comforting words gave the Prophet strength. I'd like us to think about how we can be a supporter for someone else.

#2: Abu Bakr's Sacrifice

Our second example of someone who used their wealth to help others. This is about a very special companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ — his name was Abu Bakr. In Kenya, we might call a person like this a community elder who takes care of those who are struggling. Many years ago, there was a slave named Bilal. Because he believed in Allah, some people were very mean to him — they tortured him in the hot sun. When Abu Bakr saw this, he didn't just feel sorry for Bilal. He used his own money to buy Bilal and then set him free! Can you imagine how Bilal must have felt? Abu Bakr didn't stop with Bilal. He freed other slaves too! When the Prophet ﷺ heard about what Abu Bakr was doing, he was very happy. Think about it — Abu Bakr could have kept his money for himself, but he chose to spend it on helping others. I want you to think: If you had some money — maybe your pocket money or savings from chores — would you use it to help someone who is in trouble? Maybe a friend who doesn't have lunch, or a neighbor who needs school supplies?

#3: Different People, Same Faith

This title says 'Different People, Same Faith.' Let's get to know four very different people who all believed in the same God. Here they are: Kha-dee-jah, a rich businesswoman; Ah-boo Bak-r, a wealthy merchant; Ah-lee, a young boy who was the Prophet's cousin; and Zay-d, a former slave. They were all very different—some rich, some young, some formerly enslaved—but they all believed in one God and supported Prophet Muhammad. The big idea is that Islam is for everyone, no matter who you are. In Kenya, people from different tribes—like Kikuyu, Luo, or Maasai—come together as Muslims. That's beautiful.

Practice questions

  • Who was the first person to accept Islam? The correct answer is Khadijah (Kha-dee-jah), the Prophet's wife.
  • Which convert was a child when he believed? The correct answer is Ali (Ah-lee).
  • Great job, everyone! These are important facts about the earliest Muslims.
  • What did Abu Bakr do for slaves who became Muslims? The correct answer is: He freed them.
  • Name one thing Khadijah did to support the Prophet. There are many good answers.
  • These two questions remind us how Abu Bakr and Khadijah each helped spread Islam in their own special ways. Their examples teach us to be generous and to always support those we love.

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