Bilal ibn Rabah(R), a distinguished companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), left an indelible mark on Islamic history with his unwavering faith, sacrifice, and deep love towards the Prophet. He was well known as the first muazzin of Islam and had been doing adhan in the prophet’s Madina until the prophet left the world. Let’s delve into the remarkable life of Bilal ibn Rabah and explore the profound impact on early Islam as 20th Muharram is the day, he left the world.
The Greatness of Bilal ®
Bilal bn Rabah belongs to the list of primary believers of the prophet Muhammed(PBUH) who have undergone brutal tortures. They are Abu Bakr, Uthman ibn Affan, Hamza ibn Abdul Muttalib, Sa’ad ibn Abi Waqqas, Abdullah ibn Masud, Arqam, Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, Ammar ibn Yasir and Bilal ibn Rabah. Bilal’s greatness became evident when Prophet was walking in paradise and heard the footsteps of someone. Then he asked, “Who is it?” the angel replied, “It is Bilal.” This remarkable encounter highlights the spiritual significance of Bilal in the sight of Allah. Additionally, Bilal’s call to prayer (adhan) was so powerful that it shook the city and drew people to the message of Islam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) cherished the call to prayer of Bilal so dearly that he instructed him to raise the adhan from the Kaaba after the victory of Mecca
Bilal’s Sacrifice and Patience
Bilal’s journey was not without challenges. Despite enduring brutal torture for his faith, Bilal remained steadfast, repeating “One, One, by God” as a testimony to his belief in Allah’s oneness. Bilal ibn Rabah(R) was a slave of Umayyad bnu Khalaf. When he came to know about Islam embrace of Bilal, he became angry and put a rock on his body under the burning sun. But he was steadfast. The story of his resilience and patience during persecution exemplifies his unwavering commitment to Islam. Abu Bakr al-Siddiq’s intervention ultimately led to Bilal’s freedom, marking a significant turning point in his life.
Love Towards Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)
Bilal’s love for the Prophet knew no bounds. After the prophet, he cannot adjust to a Madina where the prophet Muhammed (PBUH) is not there. So he left the Madina with the permission of Khalif. When he was in Syria, he had a heartfelt dream, the Prophet urged Bilal ibn Rabah(R) to visit him. It leads him to travel to Madinah to pay homage to the Prophet’s grave. There, Bilal started crying and rubbing his face on the grave, overwhelmed with emotion. The emotional reunion with Al-Hassan and Al-Hussain, the beloved grandsons of the Prophet, further highlights Bilal’s affectionate bond with the Prophet’s family. They requested a call to prayer again. This leads to Bilal’s call to prayer after a long gap echoing again from the rooftop of the mosque in Madinah provided.
Bilal ibn Rabah’s life exemplifies the essence of true faith, sacrifice, and love towards Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). His unwavering devotion and resilience continue to inspire Muslims worldwide to uphold the values of Islam and stand firm in the face of adversity. The legacy of Bilal serves as a timeless reminder of the profound impact one individual can have on the course of history and the hearts of believers.
| Born | 580 CE |
| Birthplace | Mecca |
| Known for | being the first mu’azzin in Islam history |
| Occupation | Muezzin and Secretary of Treasure of The Islamic State of Medina |
| Passed away | March 2, 640 (aged 59–60) CE |
| Father | Rabah |
| Mother | Hamamah |
| Wife | Hind Hala bint Aw |
