دار الأرقم

Dar al-Arqam: The First School of Islam

10-9 BH (~612-613 CE)

Dar al-Arqam, near Mount Safa, Makkah دار الأرقم عند الصفا – مكة

Education

The house of al-Arqam ibn Abi al-Arqam near Mount Safa became the secret gathering place for the early Muslims. Here, the Prophet ﷺ taught the Quran, led prayers, and nurtured the small but growing community of believers in private, away from the persecution of the Quraysh.

Why this matters

Dar al-Arqam was the first institution of Islamic learning. It served as a mosque, school, and community center. The fact that the early Muslims had to meet in secrecy demonstrates the hostility they faced, but also the power of the message — despite danger, people continued to accept Islam. Al-Arqam himself was among the earliest seven converts.

Key figures

Al-Arqam ibn Abi al-Arqam

Primary sources

Ar-Raheeq Al-MakhtumIbn Ishaq's SirahIbn Sa'd's Tabaqat