Among the many revered Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), the story of Bilal ibn Rabah (رضي الله عنه) stands as one of unyielding faith, perseverance, and ultimate honor. Bilal’s life journey is a remarkable testament to the transformative power of Islam—a faith that uplifts individuals regardless of their lineage or worldly status. As the first Muezzin of Islam, Bilal’s legacy is enshrined not only in his role as the caller to prayer but also in his steadfast commitment to the Oneness of Allah under unimaginable trials.
Bilal’s Origins: Noble Yet Enslaved
Bilal was born in Makkah, not as a free man but as a slave, despite his noble lineage. His father, Rabah, was an Arab, while his mother, Hamamah, was an Abyssinian princess who was enslaved during the Year of the Elephant—an event coinciding with the attempted destruction of the Ka‘bah by Abraha’s army. Bilal’s parents were prominent figures who suffered the indignity of being reduced to slavery.
Growing up in Makkah, Bilal (رضي الله عنه) lived under the harsh reality of enslavement. He was known for his remarkable qualities—his physical strength, intelligence, and striking appearance. Renowned Islamic historian Adh-Dhahabi describes Bilal as a dark-skinned, muscular man with piercing hazel eyes, so captivating that they commanded attention. Bilal’s exceptional attributes brought him into the household of Umayyah ibn Khalaf, one of the most notorious enemies of Islam.
Bilal’s Embrace of Tawhid
While enslaved under Umayyah, Bilal overheard discussions about the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his message of Tawhid (the Oneness of Allah). Although these conversations were intended to ridicule the Prophet and his mission, they ignited the innate belief in monotheism within Bilal. This realization aligns with the Islamic concept of fitrah—the natural disposition of every human being to recognize and worship one God.
Without ever meeting the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Bilal (رضي الله عنه) became a believer. His unwavering proclamation, “Ahadun Ahad” (“One [God], One [God]”), became his declaration of faith and resistance, even as he endured severe persecution.
The Torture of Bilal
The early days of Islam in Makkah were marked by intense persecution of its followers, particularly those from weaker societal positions, such as slaves. Bilal’s conversion enraged his master, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, who subjected him to relentless torture. Bilal’s steadfastness in repeating “Ahadun Ahad” infuriated his oppressors, who sought to crush his spirit.
Bilal was subjected to some of the most inhumane forms of torture:
- Starvation and Dehydration
Bilal was tied up in Umayyah’s house, deprived of food and water for days, and was mocked and humiliated by being forced to kiss idols. When he refused, he was spat on and insulted with derogatory remarks. - Dragging Through the Desert
A metal collar was fastened around Bilal’s neck, and he was dragged across the scorching sands of the desert. This public humiliation aimed to dissuade others from embracing Islam. - The Stone of Death
In one of the most brutal episodes, Bilal was laid flat on his back in the desert, with a massive stone placed on his chest. The heat of the sun and the weight of the stone nearly crushed him to death. Yet even in such torment, Bilal would only utter, “Ahadun Ahad.”
The profound simplicity of Bilal’s statement moved Umar ibn Al-Khattab (رضي الله عنه) later in life to ask him, “Why did you only say, ‘One [God], One [God]?’” Bilal responded, “O Commander of the Believers, had I known anything else about Allah, I would have said it, but that was all I knew.”
The Liberation of Bilal
The plight of Bilal reached the ears of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq (رضي الله عنه), who was deeply moved by the resilience of this believer. Abu Bakr approached Umayyah ibn Khalaf and offered to purchase Bilal’s freedom.
Umayyah, sensing an opportunity for financial gain, set an exorbitant price of ten gold dinars, knowing that this was far above the market value of a slave. Without hesitation, Abu Bakr paid the amount. Umayyah mockingly remarked, “Had you haggled, I would have sold him for one dinar.”
Abu Bakr replied with unwavering sincerity, “By Allah, if you had asked for one hundred dinars, I still would have paid it.”
This act of liberation was done purely for the sake of Allah, as affirmed in the Quran:
“He who spends his wealth to purify himself, and not for anyone who has done him a favor to be repaid, but only seeking the countenance of his Lord, the Most High.”
(Surah Al-Layl 92:18-20)
Also Read: Mother of the believers Aisha Bint Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with her)
Bilal’s Role in Islam
Once freed, Bilal became an integral part of the nascent Muslim community. He was among the earliest followers of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and stood by him through thick and thin.
The First Muezzin of Islam
Bilal’s most iconic role was his appointment as the first Muezzin—the caller to prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) chose him for this honor due to his beautiful and powerful voice. Bilal’s adhan resonated throughout Medina, calling the faithful to worship and serving as a reminder of Islam’s inclusivity.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said:
“The best of deeds is to believe in Allah alone, then to fight in His cause, and to perform a righteous call to prayer.”
(Sunan an-Nasa’i 3128)
A Trusted Companion
Bilal (رضي الله عنه) was not just a Muezzin but also a close confidant of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). He accompanied the Prophet on many expeditions and played significant roles in pivotal moments, such as the Battle of Badr and the conquest of Makkah.
When Makkah was liberated, Bilal was given the honor of climbing the Ka‘bah to deliver the adhan. This act symbolized the eradication of racial and social hierarchies in Islam, emphasizing that piety and devotion were the only measures of a person’s worth.
The Prophet (ﷺ) declared:
“O mankind, your Lord is One, and your father is one. An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab have any superiority over an Arab; a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person have any superiority over a white person—except through piety.”
(Musnad Ahmad 22978, Sahih)
Bilal’s Later Years
After the passing of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Bilal found it unbearable to stay in Medina. The absence of the Prophet (ﷺ) weighed heavily on him, and he struggled to perform the adhan without breaking into tears. He eventually moved to Syria, where he continued to serve the Muslim community.
A Final Adhan
Years later, at the request of the Prophet’s grandsons, Hasan and Husayn, Bilal delivered one last adhan in Medina. The companions who heard it were overwhelmed with emotion, as it brought back memories of the beloved Prophet (ﷺ).
Legacy and Lessons
The life of Bilal ibn Rabah (رضي الله عنه) is a shining example of faith, perseverance, and equality in Islam. His story teaches us:
- Steadfastness in Faith
Bilal’s unwavering commitment to Tawhid in the face of severe persecution reminds us of the importance of holding firmly to our beliefs, regardless of the challenges we face. - Islam’s Universal Message
Islam abolished the barriers of race, status, and ethnicity. Bilal’s rise from slavery to a position of honor demonstrates that in Islam, superiority lies in piety and good deeds. - The Value of Brotherhood
The bond between Bilal and Abu Bakr exemplifies the spirit of brotherhood and mutual support in Islam. Their relationship was based purely on faith and the shared goal of pleasing Allah. - The Power of the Adhan
Bilal’s role as the Muezzin underscores the significance of the adhan in uniting the Muslim community and reminding them of their obligations to Allah.
Bilal ibn Rabah (رضي الله عنه) remains a source of inspiration for Muslims worldwide. His legacy is a testament to the transformative power of Islam—a religion that uplifts the oppressed, dignifies the downtrodden, and values individuals for their faith and character above all else.
