History

Bilal ibn Rabah also known as Bilal ibn Riyah, and ibn Rabah), was one of the most trusted and loyal Sahabah (companions) of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. He was born in Mecca and is considered as the first muezzin, chosen by Muhammad himself. He was known for his beautiful voice with which he called people to their prayers.

Bilal ibn Rabah was born in Mecca in the Hejaz in the year 580. His father Rabah was an Arab slave for the clan of Banu Jumah while his mother, Hamamah, was a former princess of Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia) who was captured after the event of Amul-Fill (the attempt to destroy the Ka'aba) and put into slavery. Being born into slavery, Bilal had no other option but to work for his master, Umayyah ibn Khalaf. Through hard work, Bilal became recognised as a good slave and was entrusted with the keys to the Idols of Arabia. However, racism and sociopolitical statutes of Arabia prevented Bilal from achieving a lofty position in society. When Muhammad announced his prophethood and started to preach the message of Islam, Bilal renounced idol worship, becoming one of the earliest converts to the faith. When Bilal's master, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, found out, he began to torture Bilal. At the instigation of Abu Jahl, Umayyah bound Bilal and had him dragged around Mecca as children mocked him.

Bilal refused to renounce Islam, instead repeating "Ahad Ahad" (God is absolute/one). Incensed at Bilal's refusal, Umayyah ordered that Bilal be whipped and beaten while spread-eagled upon the Arabian sands under the desert sun, his limbs bound to stakes. When Bilal still refused to recant, Umayyah ordered that a hot boulder be placed on Bilal's chest. However, Bilal remained firm in belief and continued to say "Ahad Ahad". News of this slave reached some of Muhammad's companions, who informed the prophet. Muhammad sent Abu Bakr to negotiate for the emancipation of Bilal in exchange for three of Abu Bakr's slaves (a pagan male and his wife and daughter).

Bilal rose to prominence in the Islamic State of Medina, as Muhammad appointed him minister of the Bayt al-Mal (treasury). In this capacity, Bilal distributed funds to widows, orphans, wayfarers, and others who could not support themselves. Muhammad chose Bilal as the first muezzin.

He participated in the Battle of Badr. After Muhammad died in 632 AD, Bilal was one of the people who did not give bay'ah (the oath of allegiance) to Abu Bakr. Being exiled from Medina by Umar and Abu Bakr, Bilal migrated to Syria. Another view says Bilal accompanied the Muslim armies, under the commands of Said ibn Aamir al-Jumahi, to Syria. Bilal's death is disputed by historians. Some think that he died in 638 AD, while others believe he died in 642. It is said that Bilal was 63 years old when he died.

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