Waraqah ibn Nawfal

Waraqah ibn Nawfal was a notable Christian Arabian ascetic and a respected figure in early Islamic history. He was the paternal first cousin of Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad. Their familial ties were significant, as Waraqah and Khadija were also cousins of Muhammad, sharing a common ancestor in Asad ibn Abd-al-Uzza, who was Muhammad's matrilineal great-great-grandfather.

Born to Nawfal and his consort Hind, daughter of Abī Kat̲h̲īr, Waraqah's life was intertwined with the early days of Islam. Although he was proposed as a suitor for Khadija, the marriage never materialized. Nevertheless, Waraqah's influence remained strong, as he was one of the first individuals to recognize and believe in Muhammad's prophetic mission.

Waraqah's death occurred shortly after Muhammad received his first revelation in six hundred ten CE, marking a pivotal moment in Islamic history. His legacy is honored in Islamic tradition, where he is remembered for his early support of Muhammad's prophethood, alongside other notable Christians such as Bahira and Quss Ibn Sa'ida al-Iyadi.