Explore this subject in depth
Go beyond a timeline: distinguish an event from its later interpretation, compare different kinds of evidence, and learn what a modern map can and cannot establish about an ancient place.
Meet people whose lives shaped the earliest Muslim community. These sourced introductions distinguish biography, transmitted reports and later interpretation. This is a selected collection, not an exhaustive register of every companion.
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid
The Prophet’s first wife and an early supporter of the revelation.
Sawdah bint Zam‘ah
A wife of the Prophet remembered for family care and generosity.
Hafsah bint Umar
A wife of the Prophet associated with the custody of Qur’anic sheets.
Zaynab bint Khuzaymah
Remembered as Umm al-Masakin for her care for those in need.
Safiyyah bint Huyayy
A wife of the Prophet whose biography connects Khaybar and Madinah.
Maymunah bint al-Harith
A wife of the Prophet and a transmitter of reports about worship.
Bilal ibn Rabah
An early Muslim remembered for steadfastness and the call to prayer.
Salman al-Farsi
A companion of Persian origin remembered for learning and service.
Abu Dharr al-Ghifari
A companion remembered for his concern about wealth and responsibility.
Related biography
Reading across traditions
Muslim traditions differ in their assessment of particular historical events and individuals. Each biography identifies its sources. Respectful language does not remove the need to distinguish a report from an established date, or an author’s interpretation from a shared conclusion.