STAGE 2 · THE SECRET CALL
Chapter 7: The First Believers
Three years of calling people quietly, one by one
© 2026 Sheikh Mohamed Fawzy. All rights reserved. Version 1.7
Starting quietly
For about three years, the Prophet ﷺ called people to Islam privately — those he trusted, one by one. Why not openly from the first day?
Protect the few
Makkah was the centre of idol worship. Announcing it too early could have crushed the first Muslims.
Build strong hearts
The first believers needed time to learn the Qur’an and grow strong in faith.
Wisdom in da‘wah
Calling people to Allah needs wisdom: the right message at the right time.
Ar-Raḥīq al-Makhtūm: the stage of secret da‘wah lasted about three years.
The first to believe
The scholars mention four people who believed first — one from each group: a woman, a free man, a child and a freed slave. Tap each name.
Tap a name.
Khadījah
The first of all people to believe — his wife, who supported him with her heart and her wealth.
Abū Bakr
His closest friend, a respected merchant. The first free man to believe. Many others accepted Islam through him.
‘Alī ibn Abī Ṭālib
His young cousin, who lived in his house. The first child to believe.
Zayd ibn Ḥārithah
A freed slave whom the Prophet ﷺ had raised like a son. Among the very first believers.
This grouping is the scholars’ way of reconciling the reports (e.g., Ibn Kathīr, al-Bidāyah). Ar-Raḥīq al-Makhtūm names these four as the first believers.
“Abū Bakr said: He has spoken the truth”
Through Abū Bakr, other great Companions accepted Islam — the historians name ‘Uthmān ibn ‘Affān, al-Zubayr ibn al-‘Awwām, ‘Abd al-Raḥmān ibn ‘Awf, Sa‘d ibn Abī Waqqāṣ and Ṭalḥah ibn ‘Ubaydillāh.
That is why he is called al-Ṣiddīq: the one who believes truthfully and immediately.
“No one with him but…”
Who were they?
Slaves, the poor, the young — and a few noble people like Abū Bakr. The weak were the first to answer the call.
And today?
From that tiny group, Islam has reached nearly two billion people.
A secret school
The house of al-Arqam
The Muslims met with the Prophet ﷺ in the house of al-Arqam ibn Abī al-Arqam, near al-Ṣafā, away from the eyes of Quraysh.
What did they learn?
The Qur’an as it came down, belief in Allah alone and the Last Day, and good character.
How did they pray?
Quietly, often in the valleys outside Makkah, so as not to be seen.
What we learn
Wisdom
He began quietly to protect the believers — wisdom is part of calling to Allah.
Truthful friends
Abū Bakr believed at once and gave everything. Choose friends who help you to Allah.
Small beginnings
Five slaves, two women and Abū Bakr — never look down on a small start.
Quick quiz
Quietly, the first hearts were won
ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam ﷺ