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Bilal Ibn Rabah (RA) was one of the Sahabah (companions) of the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH) and the earliest converts to the religion of Islam. He was born in Makkah and is considered the first muezzin (prayer caller) in Islam, chosen by the Prophet (PBUH). He was a former slave known for his deep, melodious, and resonant voice, which he used to call people to the daily obligatory prayers (adhan).
Like all the early converts, Bilal (RA) faced persecution at the hands of Quraysh but never gave up and remained steadfast in his belief. He was eventually set free by Abu Bakr (RA), and from there on, he continued to serve the Prophet (PBUH) in battles and hardships and became one of the most trusted and loyal companions.
However, after the Prophet (PBUH) passed away, he left Madinah and spent the rest of his life in Syria until his death. His story is one of the most cited and noteworthy examples of Islam’s respect for human equality, anti-racism, and social equity.
Bilal ibn Rabah (RA) was born in Makkah in the Hejaz in the year 580. His father's name was Ribah, and he was an Arab, while his mother’s name was Hamama, and she was from Abyssinia (modern-day Ethiopia). Several Islamic historians described Bilal (RA) as having thick hair, a tall and slim body, and a dark brown complexion. He also had a brother named ‘Khalid’ and a sister called ‘Ghufairah.’
Bilal (RA) belonged to the Banu Jumah tribe (one of the Quraysh Tribes). Both of his parents were slaves, and they had the lowest social status at the time, facing discrimination in all aspects of their lives. They had to obey their master at all costs, and those who didn’t face severe punishment.
Being born into slavery, Bilal (RA) had no choice but to obey his master. His master was Umayyah ibn Khalaf, the head of the Banu Jumah tribe, and he was very cruel.
Even before the revelation of Islam, Bilal (RA) opposed the practices and customs of infidels, including idol worship, which was widespread at that time. When the Prophet (PBUH) announced his prophethood and the message of Islam, Bilal (RA) converted and renounced idol worship.
He converted around 615 AD and is known to have been among the earliest converts to Islam.
People who accepted Islam in the beginning had little to no support and faced persecution, punishments, and torture from the infidels. Bilal (RA) was no exception, and he was amongst those who faced the worst oppression and torture.
When Bilal's (RA) master, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, learned of Bilal's (RA) conversion to Islam, he subjected Bilal (RA) to brutal torture to force him to renounce Islam. First, he bound Bilal (RA) to a rope and dragged him around the streets of Makkah. However, Bilal (RA) remained steadfast and refused to do so and instead started saying "ahad, ahad" ("one, one"), i.e., one God, Allah (SWT).
This intensified Umayyah's anger, and he ordered Bilal (RA) to be taken to the desert, whipped with lashes, and bound to a stake on the scorching desert ground, but Bilal (RA) still refused. Ummayyah then ordered hot and heavy rocks to be thrown on Bilal’s (RA) chest and asked him to renounce Islam, but Bilal's (RA) tongue did not utter anything other than, "ahad … ahad…”.
Bilal (RA) endured this torture and persecution for several days, remaining patient, steadfast, and firm in his faith, hoping for a reward or blessing from Allah (SWT).
Allah (SWT) eventually rewarded him for his patience and hardships as he was soon freed from slavery. When the news of his persecution reached the Prophet (PBUH), the Prophet (PBUH) asked Abu Bakr (RA) to negotiate the release of Bilal (RA) from his master and set him free.
Abu Bakr (RA) went to Ummyah and asked him to set Bilal (RA) free for a price. Ummayah immediately agreed, took the money, and freed Bilal (RA) from slavery.
After his emancipation, Bilal (RA) was welcomed by the Prophet (PBUH) and became one of his most trusted companions. He was a symbol of strength, faith, and devotion.
When the Prophet (PBUH) instructed his followers to migrate to Madinah, Bilal (RA) was among those who made the journey. In Madinah, Bilal (RA) lived with Abu Bakr (RA) and Amir ibn Fuhairah (RA). The Prophet (PBUH) established a bond of brotherhood between the Muhajireen (migrants) and the Ansar (residents of Madinah). Bilal (RA) was paired with Abu Ruwaihah (RA) as a brother.
In the beginning, when Muslims had to pray, they used to assemble and guess the time of prayer (salah) by looking at the sun and the movement of the shadows. However, this all changed after the migration to Madinah.
Since the Muslims had grown in number by this point, they had to find a suitable way to gather them for prayers. Some companions suggested using a bell like the Christians, while others proposed a horn like the Jews. However, these ideas were not adopted.
The solution came through a dream of Abdullah ibn Zayd (RA), a companion of the Prophet (PBUH). In his dream, he saw a man teaching him the beautiful and inspiring words of the Adhan. When he narrated this to the Prophet (PBUH), he recognised it as guidance from Allah (SWT) and introduced Adhan (call to prayer).
Bilal (RA) was chosen as the first Muezzin to call Adhan because of his soothing and captivating voice. He was ordered by the Prophet (PBUH) to pronounce Adhan for the prayer twice and for the Iqama (the call to stand for the prayers in rows) once (Sahih al-Bukhari, 603).
Although Bilal's (RA) pronunciation of certain Arabic letters was slightly different due to his Abyssinian roots, and some people laughed at him first but the Prophet (PBUH) rebuked those who mocked him. He reminded them of Bilal’s (RA) high rank in the sight of Allah (SWT) due to his unwavering faith and perseverance.
Bilal (RA) was very melodious and mesmerising. Whenever he gave Adhan, his voice compelled people to leave their tasks and gather for prayer. Even the Prophet (PBUH) left everything behind and came to lead the prayers as soon as he heard Bilal's (RA) Adhan.
Bilal (RA) fought in a number of battles during the life of the Prophet (PBUH), including the Battle of Badr, the Battle of Uhud, and the Battle of Trench.
In the Battle of Badr, Bilal (RA) fought bravely alongside many other prominent Muslim companions and defeated the forces of Quraysh even with limited resources. More importantly, he got revenge and killed his former master, Ummyah ibn Khalaf, during this battle.
Bilal (RA) was respected for his complete honesty and integrity. Due to this, the Prophet (PBUH) entrusted him with the responsibility of managing the Bait-al-Maal (Treasury) in Madinah. As part of his responsibilities, Bilal (RA) managed funds for widows, orphans, wayfarers, and others who could not financially support themselves.
Bilal (RA) was highly beloved by the Prophet (PBUH) for his unwavering faith and sacrifices for Islam. The Prophet (PBUH) gave him the glad tiding of paradise and said:
"O Bilal, tell me what deed you have done, for I heard the sound of your footsteps in Paradise ahead of me."
Bilal (RA) replied, “I do not do anything more than that whenever I perform Wudu (ablution), I pray two Rak’ahs (units) of prayer after it.”
(Shahih Bukhari,1149)
This hadith highlights Bilal's (RA) lofty status in the sight of Allah (SWT) and how seemingly small yet consistent acts of worship can lead to immense rewards in the hereafter.
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After the Prophet's (PBUH) death, Bilal (RA) never felt the same again. On the very next day after the death, when he went to give morning Adhan, he broke down, and tears began to run down his cheeks. He couldn't imagine giving Adhan without the presence of the Prophet (PBUH). He completed the remainder of the Adhan in a low voice. It was then that Bilal (RA) stopped calling the Adhan in Madinah.
Bilal’s (RA) deep love and attachment to the Prophet (PBUH) made it unbearable for him to stay in Madinah. Therefore, he requested Abu Bakr (RA), the first Caliph, to allow him to leave Madinah and join the Muslim army for jihad outside the city. Abu Bakr (RA), who cherished Bilal’s (RA) presence, initially hesitated but eventually agreed when Bilal (RA) insisted. Bilal (RA) later moved to Syria, where he lived a simple and devoted life as a practising Muslim.
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Bilal Ibn Rabah (RA) gave his last Adhan during the Umar (RA) caliphate around 638-639 AD, specifically in Jabiya, when Umar (RA) visited Syria.
The Muslims requested that Umar (RA) persuade Bilal (RA) to call one Adhan. When it was time for prayer, Umar (RA) called Bilal (RA) and requested that he call Adhan as he used to during the Prophet's (PBUH) time. Bilal (RA) rose and called Adhan. This was the last Adhan of Bilal (RA) because he passed away a year later.
Bilal (RA) died in Damascus in 640 AD and was buried in the Bab al-Saghir cemetery. There are differing reports about the exact location of his grave, with some sources suggesting he might have been buried near Bab Kisan or Dariya. However, Bab al-Saghir is widely recognised as his burial site.
1. Strong Faith and Trust in Allah: Bilal (RA) faced immense torture for his belief in one God but never gave up his faith. His steadfastness teaches us the importance of staying firm in our beliefs, even during difficult times.
2. Equality in Islam: Bilal (RA) was a former slave, yet he became one of the most respected companions of the Prophet (PBUH). This shows that in Islam, a person’s worth is not judged by their social status, race, skin colour, or background but by their piety and actions.
3. Patience and Perseverance: Despite being whipped, dragged in the streets, and crushed under heavy rocks, Bilal (RA) remained patient and hopeful in Allah’s mercy. His story reminds us to stay strong and patient during trials, trusting that Allah (SWT) will reward us.
4. The Power of Small Good Deeds: Bilal (RA) was promised Paradise partly because of a simple yet consistent act—praying two Rak’ahs after every Wudu. This shows us the value of small but regular good deeds in Islam.
Bilal (RA) is a shining example of faith, patience, and dedication to Allah (SWT) and His Prophet (PBUH). From enduring immense torture for his belief to becoming Islam’s first Muezzin, his life shows us that true honour comes from faith and good deeds, not wealth or status.
His story teaches us the importance of staying firm in our beliefs, treating everyone equally, and performing small acts of worship sincerely. Bilal’s (RA) legacy will forever inspire Muslims to live a life of devotion, perseverance, and unity.
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