Among Muslims, the timing of Sahabah becoming Muslims is of importance.
After the Muslim conquests began, a Muslim's standing in the Islamic state depended on his services to the community, and especially on the length of time he had been a member of the community. Early converts (who had faced persecution along with Muhammad) had a much higher status than later converts (who may have joined only after there were worldly reasons to do so). The first male convert may thus be presumed to have a special status. This importance that was attached is highlighted in the controversies regarding the identity of the first male Muslim. Also, except for the Sahabah that merited extraordinary accomplishments, Sunni rank all Sahabah according to their time.
The first four converts to Islam were: (Sources are provided in the article of each Sahabah.)
Some other early Muslims are: