Early Islam

Abd Allah ibn Saba
Enigmatic alleged founder of Shii Islam who advocated rule by Prophet Muhammad’s nephew, Ali
Alids
Discusses the Alids in early Islam, their belief in genealogical political legitimacy, and their influence on Shiism.
Aws, al-
A tribe that, along with the Khazraj, invited Muhammad to Yathrib to help settle internal feuds, playing a significant role in establishing the first Islamic community.
Battle of the Camel
A pivotal battle in 656 CE between followers of Caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib and Meccan aristocrats led by Aishah, stemming from disputes over the caliphate and justice for the murder of Uthman.
Farwah (فروة‎) - Definition, Historical Context, and Significance in Islam
Explore the life and importance of Farwah, an Arab of the Banū Juẕām tribe and Governor of ʿAmmān, known for being one of the early martyrs of Islam. Discover the historical circumstances surrounding his martyrdom at the hands of Roman authorities.
Ḥāt̤ib Ibn ʿAmr (حاطب بن عمرو) - An Early Convert and Trusted Companion of the Prophet Muhammad
Explore the life and contributions of Ḥāt̤ib Ibn ʿAmr, an early convert to Islam and one of the most trusted companions of the Prophet Muhammad. Learn about his significance during the early Islamic period and his role in the conquest of Makkah.
Ibn al-Ashath, Abd al-Rahman
Leader of a notable revolt against the Umayyad governor of Iraq and Persia, al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf, during the early 8th century.
Jābir (جابر‎) - Life, Legacy, and Significance in Islamic History
Discover the life and contributions of Jābir (جابر‎), a notable companion of the Prophet Muḥammad who participated in numerous battles and lived to a great age. Learn about his historical context, his role in early Islamic history, and his lasting impact.
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid
The First Wife of the Prophet Muhammad and the First Believer in Islam
Musaylima ibn Habib
Seventh-century self-proclaimed prophet and contemporary of Muhammad.
Sawda bint Zama
Second wife of the Prophet Muhammad and an early Muslim who emigrated to Abyssinia
Waraqah (ورقة‎) - Historical Significance and Role in Early Islam
Explore the figure of Waraqah ibn Naufal, his connection to Khadijah and Prophet Muhammad, and his impact on the early days of Islamic revelation. Understand his religious background and scholarly contributions.
ʿIKRIMAH (عكرمة‎) - Biography, Etymology, and Role in Early Islam
Discover the life and contributions of ʿIKRIMAH, a notable figure in early Islam. Learn about his early opposition to Islam, his eventual conversion, and his role in spreading the faith.
Jabr (جبر‎) - Historical Context, Accusations, and Significance in Early Islamic Narratives
Explore the term 'Jabr (جبر‎)' in Islamic historical context. Learn about the accusations against the Prophet Muhammad regarding Jabr and their implications within early Islamic narratives.
Khuzāʿah (خزاعة‎)
Explore the origins, historical significance, and contributions of the Khuzāʿah tribe in early Islamic history. Learn about their alliance with the Prophet Muhammad, their role in key events, and their cultural impact.
Gnosticism and Its Perceived Influence on Early Islam
Explore the claimed connections between the allusions to the crucifixion in the Qur'an and Gnostic traditions. Understand the historical context, theological differences, and the possible influence on Muhammad’s perception of Christianity.
Khubaib (خبيب‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance in Islam
Explore the life and martyrdom of Khubaib ibn ‘Adi, one of the early martyrs of Islam. Learn about his unwavering faith, heroic stance, and the solemn legacy he left behind.
Aṣḥābu ʾṣ-Ṣuffah - The Sitters on the Bench in Early Islam
Learn about Aṣḥābu ʾṣ-Ṣuffah, their significance in early Islamic history, and their unique role within the nascent Muslim community in Medina. Understand their living conditions and relationship with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Misr
Misr holds a dual significance in Islamic history, denoting both early frontier settlements established by Muslim warriors in conquered lands and the country of Egypt, with contemporary colloquial reference primarily to Cairo.
Ḥuwayrith (حويرث‎) - Historical Context and Significance in Islamic Tradition
Explore the history and significance of the figure Ḥuwayrith (حويرث‎) in Islamic tradition. Understand his actions and their consequences during the early days of Islam and the events that led to his exclusion from the general amnesty.
Muṣṭaliq (مصطلق) - Definition, History, and Significance in Islam
Learn about the Banū Muṣṭaliq, an Arabian tribe during the time of Prophet Muḥammad (PBUH). Understand their history, interactions with the Prophet, and their eventual acceptance of Islam.
Al-Anṣār (الانصار) - The Helpers of Early Islam
Explore the term 'Al-Anṣār,' its historical significance, and its role in the formation of the early Muslim community. Understand the distinction between Al-Anṣār and Al-Muhājirūn and their contributions to the establishment of Islam in Al-Madīnah.
ḤAMRĀU ʾL-ĀSĀD (حمرا الاساد‎) - Definition, Historical Context, and Significance in Early Islam
Learn about ḤAMRĀU ʾL-ĀSĀD (حمرا الاساد‎), its historical significance, and its role in one of the expeditions led by Prophet Muḥammad against the Quraish. Understand the strategic measures and key events that occurred at this location.
Ukaidar (اُكَيْدِر‎) - Historical Context and Significance in Early Islamic History
Explore the term 'Ukaidar,' its historical importance, and the role of Ukaidar as the Christian chief of Dūmah during the early Islamic period. Understand his capture by Khalid ibn al-Walid and subsequent events that are significant in Islamic traditions.
Ansar
Learn about the term 'Ansar,' its historical significance, and role in early Islamic history. Understand who the Ansar were, their contributions to the rise of Islam, and their lasting legacy.
T̤ULAIḤAH - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance in Islam
Study the life and significance of T̤ULAIḤAH, a warrior-chief from the Banū Asad tribe. Explore his claim of divine commission, his conflicts during the early Islamic period, and his eventual conversion to Islam.
Khawarij (خوارج‎) - Definition, Etymology, and Historical Significance in Islam
Understand who the Khawarij were, their origins, beliefs, and impact on Islamic history. The entry explores the sect's stance on leadership and their historical context during the early Islamic period.
The First Period of the Qur'an: Eighteen Early Surahs
Explore the first period of the Qur'an, focusing on eighteen early surahs consisting of short rhapsodies. Understand the significance and themes of these chapters, their historical context, and their role in the development of Islam.
Amr ibn al-As
Amr ibn al-As (d. ca. 663) - Conqueror and governor of Egypt who played a pivotal role in the early Islamic expansion and administration.
Khuzaimah ibn Thabit (خزيمة بن ثابت‎) - A Notable Companion of Prophet Muhammad
Explore the life and contributions of Khuzaimah ibn Thabit, a distinguished Companion of Prophet Muhammad who participated in the Battle of Badr and was martyred alongside Caliph Ali.
Zainab bint Muḥammad (زينب بنت محمد) - Life, Legacy, and Significance
Explore the life of Zainab bint Muḥammad (زينب بنت محمد), the daughter of the Prophet Muḥammad, her marriage to Abū ʾl-ʿĀṣ, and her impact on Islamic history.

Dictionary of Islam

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