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Bilal Ibn Rabah, the first Muazzin of Islam, was one of the most trusted and
loyal companion of Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W.).He was a true model of the
morals and customs of Islam. He cherished unbounded love for the Holy Prophet
(S.A.W.) and was deeply devoted to Islam. He was a staunch foe of the infidels
and idolaters but this involved no personal feelings. He held the infidels in
deep contempt because they were the enemies of Islam and the Holy Prophet
(S.A.W.).
He is, generally, known as "BILAL HABASHI", but actually his features were not
identical with those of the. Habashi or Zangi, His complexion was black but
his hair was not curly, it was thick. Actually, his complexion was dark-brown.
His body was tall and slim and his chest prominent. His cheeks were thin but his
nose was not snub. Thus, as the historians opine, he was not a pure Abyssinian.
His father was an Arab hut his mother was an Abyssinian. His fathers name was
Rabah and his mother was called Hamama, It is likely that Hamama was a slave
girl from Mecca or Sarat, Sarat is a town between Yemen and Abyssinia, Some of
the historians claim that he was born at Mecca, but the majority of the
historians opine that Bilal was born in Sarat, And the latter view seem to be
acceptable for there could be a mixed race in Sarat.
There is also a difference of opinion about his date of birth. According to some
of the historians he was born 53 years before Hijra but according la some
others, he was born about 43 year before Hijra, and this latter view seems to be
preferable.
Bilal (R.A.A.) was brought up at Mecca, in a well known Quraishi tribe called
Abu Jamah. During the Days of Ignorance, the members of this tribe were thought
as experts in palmistry-reading the lines of hands. They also drew out lots with
the help of arrows. This tribe had a constant dispute with Banu Abd Manaf
because, when there was a conflict between Banu Abd Manaf and Banu Abd Dar, it
had sided with the latter, The other Muazzins of the Prophet (S.A.W.) – Abu
Mahzura and Amr bin Umm Kulsum -were also brought up in the tribe Abu Jamah. It
is difficult to state whether it was a mere chance or it was due to melody and
harmony of voice.
It is not known with authenticity as to who amongst the tribe of Banu Jamah was
the master of Bilal and his father. Some have written that he was the slave of a
noble woman of that tribe, while others claim that a widow related to Abu Jahl
was his mistress. Again, some others have writer that he was the slave of Umaiya
bin Khalaf.
Bilal (R.A.A.) had a natural hatred against the customs and practices prevailing
in the Days of Ignorance, The people in those days were devoid of good morals,
kindness and of other human values, deceit had become their second nature.
Allah had endowed Bilal with righteous nature and he remained true to it in his
whole life. It is, therefore, held that he readily responded to the call of
Allahs Messenger (S.A.A.) when he came out with the Message of Oneness or Unity
of Allah. It is an established fact that Bilal (R.A.A.) had not embraced Islam
with any worldly motive or securing relief from the torments of slave life On
the contrary by accepting Islam, he had invited upon himself torment of double
even treble intensity. He had only one purpose in view and that was to win the
favor of Allah. Allah had illuminated his heart with the light of faith. Hence
he endured all kinds of atrocities with remarkable patience and fortitude. It
was in accord with his nature to accept the Truth unreservedly. As soon as he
heard the clarion call for the acceptance of faith in One Allah and the equality
of
all human beings issued by the noblest personality of the most respectable
family, Banu Hashim, he at once made an affirmative response. His heart was as
clean as Mirror, it was filled with the sentiments of affection, sincerity,
obedience and devotion. The thought crossed his mind like a flash of lightning
that the person who wanted to liquidate class differences in order to put the
master and slave equal, was a man who belongs to the noblest class in Mecca. Yet
he was a staunch champion of the equality of all human being, could not be but
the Truthful Messenger and the Prophet of the Creator. He must have thought that
it was impossible for a person, who enjoyed exceeding popularity in the whole of
Mecca and commanded deep respect from the rank and file of Mecca, to risk to the
loss of his popularity and reputation unless this person was the Messenger of
the Lord who makes no discrimination between the high and the low, the rich and
The poor, The Arab and the non-Arab.
Those who accepted Islam in the beginning were, except few, generally weak and
helpless. They had no supporters or sympathisers. So the infidels inflicted
endless in human tortures on them. Tying ropes to the legs of the Muslims, they
dried them on the stony ground of the desert. They stripped the poor Muslims
need and throwing them on the burning sand and often on red embers, placed heavy
stones on their bodies. They forced them to stand in the blazing sun. Bilal too
was tortured like that, They wanted him to make statement which suited the
infidels purpose But he displayed unflinching self-control, patience and
perseverance. They employed all sorts of cruelties to divert Bilal from the True
Faith but could not succeed. There was no form of threat which was not held nut
to him, and there was no form of torture which the infidels did not execute on
him, but Bilal (R.A.A.) on the face of all this, held firm to his faith. In
reply to all of their coercion and tortures he said, "There is none to be
worshipped but Allah." Bilals master Umaiya Bin Khalaf was his greatest
tormentor. In spite of all these tortures Bilal would utter, Ahad, Ahad (Allah
is One, Allah is One), When the tormentors demanded of him to respect what they
said, Bilal would reply, "No, my tongue is not supposed to utter what you say."
According to historical records, Bilals master often tied him and threw him
down and flung a stone and cow hide over him and said, "Your gods are Lat and
Uzza so testify your faith in them." But he continued to say "Ahad, Ahad." The
infidels tied a rope round his neck and allowed the street urchins to drag him
to and from between the two hills of Mecca. Even, under this severe torment,
Bilals tongue repeated only one word "Ahad, Ahad." Thereupon, the infidels gave
him a severe heating and stretched him on the burning Sand.A heavy stone was
placed over his body, still he uttered nothing save the word "Ahad, Ahad."
One day Abu Bakr Siddiq saw the heart touching plight of Bilal(R.A A.) and he
came to his rescue. "How long will you oppress this poor fellow?" said Abu Bakr
to Bilals master and bought him paying men Uqia (about 23 grams of Gold) to his
master. Siddiq then declared Bilal (R.A.A.) a free man. By enduring all sorts of
atrocities and humiliations in the path of love for Allah and His Prophet, Bilal
(R.A.A.) set an example and a beacon light till the end of this world, for the
seekers after Truth and Righteousness. He knew well the consequences of
renouncing idol-worship and offering devotion to One God Allah, yet so deep was
the imprint of the righteous life and the unparalleled good morals of the Holy
Prophet (S.A.W.) upon his heart that no degree of savage oppression and violence
could blot it out.
Some historian state that when the price for Bilal was being paid, Bilals
master increased the price from 7 Uqias to 9 Uqias and Abu Bakr said to him,
"Even if you raise the price to 1000 Uqias, I will definitely buy him."
It is stated that Siddiq bought Bilal at the advice of Allahs Messenger
(S.A.W.) and the Prophet (S.A.W.) also offered him half of the price in order to
mitigate the burden of Siddiq. But Siddiq begged pardon from the Prophet
(S.A.W.) for not accepting this offer and he himself emancipated Bilal. He then
appointed Bilal(R.A.A .) as his own store-keeper. Later on Bilal was made to
serve to the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.). When the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) granted
permission to his companions to migrate, Bilal, along with the other companions
of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), migrated to Medina. In Medina Bilal lived in the
same house with Abu Bakr Siddiq and Aamir bin-Fahria. In Medina when the Holy
Prophet (S.A.W.) established the bond of brotherhood between the Muhajireen
(Migrants) and Ansar (Helpers), Bilal and Abu Rouwaiha (R.A.A.) were brothers
unto each other. This clarifies that Abu Rouwaiha (R.A.A.) was not the blood
brother of Bilal (R.A.A.)
As in Mecca, so in Medina, Bilal could not endure separation from the Holy
Prophet (S.A.W.).He always accompanied the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) in all the Holy
wars that look place during the Holy Prophet lifetime. He also remained with the
Prophet (S.A.W.) in the course of all journeys he undertook. It was for this
reason that he was appointed the first Muslim of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.).
Bilal (R.A.A.) continued to the post of Muazzin of the Prophets Masjid till the
Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) left this world for his heavenly abode He was preferred
over all the Mauzzins during the Prophets lifetime, the cause of this
preference being his precedence in embracing Islam, his rich and melodious voice
and his excellent utterance. When he recited the call of prayer and wished to
inform the Prophet (S.A.W.) that the time for leading prayer had come, he would
stand by the door of the Prophets room and would shout "Hasten to the prayer,
Hasten to well-being. O Messenger of Allah, prayer." Hearing his these words the
Prophet would come for leading the prayers. Bilal (R.A.A.) would say Iqama
before the prayers commenced. While going to Salat-el-Eid or Salat-Istisqa
(prayer for rain), Bilal used to walk ahead of the Prophet(S.A.W.) holding a
spear and would pitch it on the ground one or two yards away from the place
where the Prophet (S.A.W.) wished to lead the congregation of the prayer. The
spear was one of those three, sent by the King of Abyssinia in homage to the
Prophet(S.A.W.), The Prophet (S.A.W.), gifted one of the three spears to Umar
(R.A.A.) and kept the third one with himself, Thus Bilal had the honor of
keeping the Prophets spear throughout his lifetime.
Traditions relate that Bilals marriage had been arranged by the Holy Prophet
(S.A.W.) himself, It is stated that the sons of Abul Bukair one day came to the
Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) and said, "0 Messenger of Allah, find a match for our
sister. "The Holy Prophet observe, "Why do you not marry her to Bilal Hearing
this they went back, but after a few days they came again and repeated the same
request, and the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) gave the same reply. Thus after a few
days they came third time with the same request. This time also the Prophet
(S.A.W.) giving the same reply added, "Bilal is an inmate of Paradise; you
should marry your sister to him." So, having heard the Prophets advice, they
married their sister to Bilal. Bilal (R.A.A.) took more wives after this
marriage. According to Qatadah he had married a lady of the tribe of Banu Zuhra.
It is also recorded that one of his wives was Hin-ul-Khulania who belonged to
Yemen. Bilal has no issue from any of his.
Once Bilal related to his wife a Tradition of the Holy Prophet(S.A.W.) but his
wife expressed some doubts about the authenticity of his report. Bilal in a mood
of anger went to the Prophet (S.A.W.) and recounted his dispute with his wife,
The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) went with him to his house and observed to his wife,
"You should take Bilals words for any Tradition of mine, and do not give him
cause for anger."
Bilal(R.A.A.) had given up announcing Azan after the demise of the Holy Prophet
(S.A.W.). He cherished such deep love for the Prophet (S.A W.) that he could not
bear the thought of announcing the call after his demise. In fact he used to
announce especially for his Master, the Prophet (S.A.W.), in response to which
the Prophet (S.A.W.) would arrive for prayer. During his stay in Medina and
Syria, after the demise of the HoIy Prophet (S.A.W.), people made entreaties to
him on several occasions to call the Azan, but he always declined, except once
when Umar (R.A.A.) had visited Damascus and had requested Bilal to call the
Azan. He complied with the request of the Caliph, and this was his last Call
that, he delivered in his lifetime. As soon as the news got around that Bilal
would deliver the Azan for the Dawn prayer, a great excitement was observed
among the people . Everyone rushed towards the mosque with great fondness and in
frenzied state of mind As soon as Bilals voice resounded in the air, it
produced a great excitement among the people . They recalled to their
imagination the times when the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) was alive and Bilal used to
recite the Azan . It is recorded in history that the whole congregation in the
mosque burst into tears Umar (R.A.A.) and the bravest of the warriors Islam, who
were present there, could not check themselves so all wept.
Some scholars are of the opinion that the present rhythmical form of recital of
the Azan in the Muslim world, is the same as was originated by Bilal. One thing,
however ,must be clarified in this connection. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) had not
appointed Bilal as the Muazzin for his masterly rhythm or melody of the rules
but it was his exceeding piety, devotion to worship and regular attendance in
the mosque that the choice of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) fell an him for the
performance of this important duty.
It is reported in the Traditions that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) paid close
attention to the education and training of Bilal (R.A.A.). Once the Holy Prophet
(S.A.W.) said, "O Bilal, The best deed that a believer can perform is to
struggle for the cause of Allah. The Prophet (S.A.W.)also taught him concerning
humility " 0 Bilal always live in humility and with contentment and die with
those who feel contented."
The Prophet (S.A.W.),off and on gave him instructions concerning distribution of
the surplus wealth with him i.e. the Prophet (S.A.W.) He would say, "Bilal, a
quantity of wealth has accumulated with me I do not wish to keep it, so take it
and give it away to the needy so that my heart may he alleviated from its burden
" Actually the Messenger of Allah (S.A.W.) intended to teach Bilal by example
how a man should cultivate the virtue of contentment in life and abstain from
wealth. Bilal observed with great attention all the instructions and precedent
of the Holy Prophet and proved to he a true follower and a devotee of the
Prophet (S.A.W.) till the end of his life. He was in constant attendance on the
Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) day and night, because he derived delight from the sight,
love and kindness. He performed the duties of an attendant upon the Holy Prophet
in all circumstances, during journeys and stay in camp, in war and peace, but
was never treated like a servant by the Prophet (S.A.W.), Bilal expressed deep
devotion for his master and leader, He could not bear even the slightest
discomfort of the Prophet (S.A.W.) and was alive ready to respond to his
masters call. Throughout the battles he kept running between the Prophets camp
and the battlefield, bearing communications , orders and instructions from the
Prophet (S.A.W.).to the troops when the Prophet (S.A.W.) made a victorious entry
into the city of Mecca and the Prophet(S.A.W.) entered Holy Kaba, there were
three men. accompanying him and one of them was Bilal (R.A.A.), the other two
were Usman-bin-Talha , the key-bearer of Kaba and Usman bin Zaid (R.A.A.).
Bilal performed the duty of reciting the call to prayer.
He recited the Azan for a few days only after the demise of the Prophet (S.A.W.)
and then requested Abu Bakr Siddiq(R.A.A.) the Caliph to release him of the duty
of calling Azan, and grant him leave to go to Syria with the Mujahideen
(soldiers). It is stated that when in the absence of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)
he pronounced the name of the Prophet while calling the Azan ,he could not bear
the absence of his master and burst into uncontrollable tears . His audience
too, stricken with grief, broke down. He felt oppressed in Medina without the
Prophet, so in spite of being sixty years of age, he resolved to forsake his
peaceful life in Medina and devote rest of his days to holy war in
far-away lands. He then participated in a number of battles. He then went to his
small piece of land in the suburbs of Damascus, which he cultivated and lived on
its produce. It is not known how long Bilal(R.A.A.) remained in the company of
Abu Bakr(R.A.A).
After the reign of the first Caliph, Bilal was assigned some state duties, It is
recorded in history that when the second Caliph Umar Bin Khattab (R.A.A.) called
upon Khalid-ibn El Waleed - the Sword of Allah- to explain in connection with
some of his alleged irregularities and errors, it was Bilal who took off
Khalids turban from his head and tied his hands with if in open assembly and
did not untie him until Khalid (R.A.A.) had furnished a satisfactory explanation
of all the charges made against him. After this he offered his sincere apology
to Khalid(R.A.A.).
There is another episode that reveals the high esteem in which Bilal was held by
Umar. It is stated that one day Abu shufyan-bin-Harb, Suhail- bin-Amr and some
other prominent Arab Chiefs came to the Caliph for an interview. By chance Bilal
and Sahib (an ex-slave) also arrived to meet the Caliph, When Umar learnt of
their arrival he called in Bilal and Sohaib at once and the Arab Chiefs, who had
come earlier, stood waiting outside. Abu Sufyan could not restrain himself
turning to his companions he remarked, "It was our fate to endure this disgrace.
The slaves are admitted to audience while we the nobles of Arabia stay at the
door,"
Hearing this remark Suhail Bin Amr retorted, "But who is to be blamed for this?
The Messenger of Allah invited us all with one voice but we refuted his call and
offered severe resistance to him On the other hand these slaves came forward
"and made a positive response, It is their right now to get preference over us
in this world and the next. We have no cause for complaint,"
During the Caliphate of Umar (R.A.A.), when the registers of salaries and
allowances were being prepared, the Caliph dispatched a letter to Bilal – who
was with the army in Syria - asking him to intimate with whom his name should be
entered.
"Enter my name with Abu Rouwaiha whom I shall never abandon on account of the
fraternal bond established by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) between him and me,"
replied Bilal (R.A.A.).
Except the episodes mentioned above, history furnishes no further record of his
life after the demise of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), It is recorded that he had
joined the Muslim Army in the Holy War in Syria. But he had completely
dissociated himself from the public life in the closing phase of his life, As we
have stated above, he acquired a piece of land in the outskirts of Damascus and
passed his days in peace and isolation, After this nothing was heard about him
but he was seen in public when he called Azan for the Caliph Umar (R.A.A.) on
the request of the eminent companions of the Prophet (S.A.W.).
It was the year 20 of Hijra when Bilal (R.A.A.) expired in Damascus. He was
seventy when he died. He died of epidemic like plague. It is stated that he was
of the same age as was Abu Bakr Siddiq (R.A.A.). On his deathbed he was very
glad at the prospect of meeting his master, the Prophet (S.A.W.) and his
companions who had already gone to the next world. When his wife cried out by
his bedside and began to weep bitterly, he comforted her saying:
"Do not cry. Why do you weep! l am looking forward to see my master, the
Prophet (S.A.W.) and other companions after such a long reparation. If Allah
wills I shall meet them all tomorrow." And he really expired the day after,
"Innalillah-e-Wa Inna Ilai-he-Raje-oon."
He was buried in Damascus, near Bab-as-Sagheer.
Among the people Bilals credibility was e high that they would rather
disbelieve their own eyes Than cast doubts on Bilals report of any Tradition of
the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.), because he paid the greatest regard to truth in all
matters concerning the action or precepts of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W,), as well
as in the affairs of others. When Abu Rouwaiha (R.A.A.) his brother-in-Islam,
wanted to contract marriage with a lady of a respectable tribe, he requested
Bilal to intercede on his behalf. Bilal went with him and told in clear terms to
the guardians of the bride, "I am Bilal-bin-Ribah and this is my brother Abu
Rouwaiha, who wants to establish matrimonial relation with you. So, I must point
out that he is a very hot-tempered a man. It is up to you to give your daughter
in marriage to him or refuse." Hearing this clear-cut testimony of Bilal the
parents of the ady accepted the proposal of Abu Rouwaiha (R.A.A.), for they
could not disregard Bilals recommendation.
Seeing the various aspects of Bilals life we come to the clear conclusion that
the most prominent feature of his life was his complete honesty and integrity.
It was on this account that the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.) had entrusted to Bilal the
management of the Baitul Mal (State Treasury). He was also in charge of the
house hold of the Prophet (S.A.W.). He remained close at hand even at the time
of the Prophets departure for heavenly home and was included among the selected
few who performed the funeral rites of the Prophet (S.A.W.). It was Bilal who
sprinkled water from a skin-bag over the sepulchre of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.),
and thus, gained the rare privilege of administering the last funeral rites.
Bilal, because of his sincerity, was an extremist by nature. He loved intensely
and hated intensely. He loved intensely Allah and His Prophet (S.A.W.) and was
deeply devoted to Islam, but he was, at the same time, a staunch foe of the
infidels and polytheists, and he never tried to hide his feelings and contempt
for them.
Bilal (R.A.A.) left no legacy in the form of material wealth or offsprings, but
he left a spiritual memorial which is unique in the world, that is Azan. The
call to prayer has been recited continuously in the world, for the last fourteen
hundred years of Islam, and as the people hear the call it recalls to mind the
memory of the First Muazzin of Islam, Bilal bin Ribah (Radia Allahu Anhu).
