There are different narrations reported regarding which person was blessed to be the first to accept Islam at the blessed hand of Rasulullah صلی الله عليه وسلم.
According to some narrations, Hazrat ‘Ali رضي الله عنه was the first to accept Islam, while other narrations mention that Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه was the first, and yet other narrations mention that Hazrat Khadeejah رضي الله عنها was the first to accept Islam. (Usdul Ghaabah 3/283-284)
The Ulamaa have reconciled between these narrations by explaining that Hazrat Khadeejah رضي الله عنها was the first woman to accept Islam, and she preceded Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, Hazrat ‘Ali رضي الله عنه, and everyone else in accepting Islam.
As for Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, then he was the first of the free-men to accept Islam. As far as Hazrat ‘Ali رضي الله عنه is concerned, then he was the first youngster to accept Islam. From the freed slaves, Hazrat Zaid bin Haarithah رضي الله عنه was the first to accept Islam. (Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah 4/73)
(Ihyaauddeen.co.za)
REFLECTIONS
Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رحمه الله once mentioned the following:
Acquiring victory and success is not based on whether the Muslims are few or many in number. Rather, the number of the Muslims is a separate aspect and is not relevant in regard to acquiring victory.
In regard to acquiring victory, there is just one thing that the Muslims need to bear in mind – pleasing Allah Ta‘ala and remaining engaged in the effort of deen. After ensuring that Allah Ta‘ala is pleased with them and engaging in the effort, if the Muslims acquire victory, then they should express gratitude and appreciation to Allah Ta‘ala. Conversely, if they are unsuccessful, then they should adopt sabr (patience).
In reality, a believer is never unsuccessful, though it may outwardly appear as though he is unsuccessful. The reason is that in every situation, he has still acquired the reward of the Hereafter for his effort, and this is the primary objective and goal of every believer.
Once, Hazrat Khaalid bin Waleed رضي الله عنه selected thirty Sahaabah رضي الله عنهم to stand and face an army of sixty thousand disbelievers. Seeing this, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah رضي الله عنه said to him, “You will destroy these ummatis of Rasulullah صلى الله عليه وسلم(by taking so few warriors).” Thus, Hazrat Khaalid رضي الله عنه increased the number to sixty Sahaabah رضي الله عنهم, so that each Sahaabi would face one thousand disbelievers. (In this battle, the Sahaabah رضي الله عنهم, with the help of Allah Ta‘ala, were victorious.)
We thus see that the focus of the Sahaabah رضي الله عنهم was not primarily on their numbers, (but was rather on acquiring the divine assistance of Allah Ta‘ala and engaging in the effort to the best of their ability).
(Malfoozaat Hakeemul Ummat 22/223-224)
(Scattered Pearls of Hazrat Moulana Ashraf Ali Thanwi رحمه الله pg.173)