Who was the first martyr in Islam?

Sumayyah bint Khayyat is recognised as the first martyr (shahidah) in Islam. She was the mother of Ammar ibn Yasir and the wife of Yasir ibn Amir. The family were among the earliest converts to Islam in Makkah and suffered severe persecution by the Quraysh, particularly by Abu Jahl.

Sumayyah refused to renounce her faith despite prolonged torture. Abu Jahl ultimately killed her by stabbing her with a spear, making her the first person - male or female - to give her life for Islam. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would pass by the family while they were being tortured and offer them comfort, saying: "Patience, O family of Yasir, for your appointment is in Paradise."

Her husband Yasir also died under torture shortly after her, becoming the first male martyr. Their son Ammar survived and became a prominent companion of the Prophet. While Bilal ibn Rabah endured extreme torture (being placed on hot sand with heavy stones on his chest), he survived his persecution. Khabbab ibn al-Aratt also suffered greatly but was not the first to die for the faith. Sumayyah's martyrdom holds a special place in Islamic history as a symbol of unwavering faith.