Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. My dear brothers and sisters, today, we are going to learn about the inspiring life of Bilal ibn Rabah (may Allah be pleased with him). The story of Bilal Bin Rabah (may Allah be pleased with him) is one that echoes deeply in Muslim minds across generations.
As a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), Bilal’s life displays unyielding faith, determined perseverance, and the triumph of truth over oppression. Born into slavery and subjected to unbearable suffering for embracing Islam, Bilal’s steadfastness became a symbol of strength in the face of adversity. His steadfastness and patience earned him a place of honor among the Prophet’s companions.
The significance of Bilal Bin Rabah as the first Mu’azzin cannot be overstated either. He was chosen by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself, and he was the first to call the believers to prayer, his voice echoing through the streets of Medina. This role was not just an ordinary honor but also a testament to his outstanding character and dedication to Islam.
In this world where issues of racism, inequality and discrimination are dominant, Bilal Bin Rabah’s life serves as a powerful reminder to we Muslims about the values of equality, piety, perseverance, and faith. His story teaches us that no matter the circumstances, one’s faith and character can lead to greatness and honor.
Early Life Of Bilal Bin Rabah (may Allah be pleased with him)
Bilal Bin Rabah (may Allah be pleased with him) was born into slavery in Mecca to Abyssinian parents. His father, Rabah, and his mother, Hamamah, were both slaves, making Bilal’s life one that is full of hardship and immense struggles in the beginning. Being of Abyssinian origin, Bilal’s dark skin marked him as an easy target for the oppressive class that dominated Meccan society.
In Mecca, slaves were treated as mere property, subjected to rigorous labor, and devoid of basic human rights. Bilal’s life under the oppressive system of slavery was brutal. He endured physical and emotional abuse from his master, Umayyah ibn Khalaf who saw him as nothing more than an object of ownership. He was often made to work long hours under the scorching sun without rest or proper care.
Despite his circumstances, Bilal was known for his noble character, hard work, honesty, and sharp intellect. These qualities set him apart even before he embraced Islam, showing that he was destined for greatness. During this time, people used to worship idols in Mecca and this is not an exemption for Bilah’s master too. Bilal was made to worship idols and stones even though it was said that he didn’t really believe in them.
Conversion of Bilal Bin Rabah to Islam
The advent of Islam brought a revolutionary message that directly challenged the social norms of pre-Islamic Arabia. Our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) called people to worship Allah alone, reject idolatry, and uphold values of justice, compassion, and equality. This message resonated deeply with the oppressed and lower class, offering them hope and dignity.
It was through the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his close companions that Bilal first heard the message of Islam. The Prophet’s (ﷺ) emphasis on Tawheed (the oneness of Allah) and equality of all people struck a chord with Bilal, who had endured the cruelty of a system that judged people by their race and social status.
Bilal, with his natural sense of justice and his yearning for truth, was among the first to recognize the authenticity of the Prophet’s message. He saw the message of Islam as a path to spiritual and social freedom, and this inspired him to embrace the new faith. He embraced Islam wholeheartedly, recognizing the true equality of all human beings before their Creator. Bilal’s conversion to Islam involves a lot of challenges.
Accepting Islam in a predominantly polytheistic society means facing severe backlash and persecution. The Quraysh, the ruling tribe of Mecca strongly opposed the spread of Islam and took extreme measures to avert its followers. Bilal Bin Rabah, being a slave, was particularly vulnerable to their cruelty.
The turning point in Bilal Bin Rabah’s (RA) life came when he encountered the message of Islam—a call to worship Allah alone and reject the false idols that dominated Meccan society. Bilal’s heart was drawn to the truth of monotheism, a belief that resonated deeply with his pure and honest nature. He declared his belief in:
La ilaha illallah, Muhammadur Rasulullah (There is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger)
The Tortures of Umayyah bin Khalaf And Bilal’s Freedom
Bilal’s uncompromising commitment to his Islam angered his master, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, one of the staunchest opponents of Islam. Bilal refused to renounce his belief and was subjected to brutal persecution. He was tied down in the scorching desert sands, with heavy stones placed on his chest, while his captors mocked him and demanded he worship their idols.
Yet, in the face of this unimaginable suffering, Bilal repeatedly uttered the word, “Ahad, Ahad” (One, One)— a strong declaration of Allah’s oneness. His endurance in the face of such persecution became a powerful symbol of faith and courage for early Muslims. This echoes the Quranic verse:
“And be patient, for indeed, Allah is with the patient.” (Quran 8:46)
Bilal’s courage and determination eventually drew the attention of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions. Recognizing the need to free this devoted believer, Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA), known for his compassion and generosity took decisive action to intervene and eventually negotiated Bilal’s freedom, purchasing him from Umayyah and granting him his liberty.
Abu Bakr approached Umayyah with an offer to purchase Bilal’s freedom. The negotiations were not straightforward, as Umayyah, consumed by arrogance and disdain for Islam, attempted to exploit the situation. He set an excessive price for Bilal, mocking Abu Bakr by claiming that he was overpaying for a slave who was “worthless.”
Yet Abu Bakr (RA), driven by his strong belief in the equality of all humans before Allah, agreed to the terms without hesitation. He paid the demanded price, securing Bilal’s freedom and liberating him from the chains of slavery. The Qur’an talks about the trials faced by believers and provides reassurance of Allah’s support:
“Do you think that you will enter Paradise while such [trial] has not yet come to you as came to those who passed on before you? They were touched by poverty and hardship and were shaken until [even their] messenger and those who believed with him said, ‘When is the help of Allah?’ Unquestionably, the help of Allah is near.” (Qur’an 2:214)
This act of kindness and justice done by Abubakr was not just a transaction; it was a good Islamic course against the prevailing societal norms that dehumanized slaves. It was a testament to the good teachings of Islam, which sought to uplift the oppressed and establish a society based on justice and equality.
Bilal’s freedom, secured through the benevolence and kindness of Abu Bakr, marked an important milestone in the early days of Islam. It embodied the Islamic values that promote the dignity and worth of every individual, regardless of their background.
The Honor Bestowed To Bilal by the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
The Adhan, or call to prayer, holds a central place in Islamic worship. It serves as a reminder of the five daily prayers, calling believers to come and offer their solat in Mosque. When the concept of the Adhan was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), he sought someone who could fit it.
Bilal Bin Rabah was the ideal person that the prophet chose and he was the first to become the first Mu’adhin of Islam. The Prophet personally selected Bilal for this role, entrusting him with the responsibility of calling the Adhan (call to prayer). Someone assigned to this task was reported to have a great reward as reported in the hadith below:
Mu’awiyah reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “The callers to prayer will have the longest necks of the people on the Day of Resurrection.”
Muslim 387
Al-Nawawi commenetd that, “It is said that it means they are masters and chiefs, as the Arabs would describe mastership as having a long neck.”
Bilal Bin Rabah’s selection as the first Mu’azzin brought a change in a society where slaves were often treated as lesser beings. It demonstrated the fair justice in Islam and the principle that all believers are equal in the eyes of Allah, regardless of their social status or background. This act of honoring Bilal with this status served as an inspiration to all Muslims, strengthening them and teaching them the values of equality, justice, and merit.
The First Person to Stop Racism
Our prophet Muhammad was the first person to stop racism and this also occurred when an argument happened between Bilal and Abu Dharr al-Ghifari. It was narrated in some history of Bilah that Abu Dharr al-Ghifari, a prominent companion of the Prophet Muhammad, called Bilal bin Robah “son of a black woman”. This happened during an argument between the two.
When the news reached the prophet, he reprimanded Abu Dharr for doing so and corrected him. There was an authentic similar narration of this in Sahih Bukhari:
Narrated Ma’rur: When I saw Abu Dhar wearing a Burd (garment) and his slave too was wearing a Burd, so I said (to Abu Dhar), “If you take this (Burda of your slave) and wear it (along with yours), you will have a nice suit (costume) and you may give him another garment.” Abu Dhar said,
“There was a quarrel between me and another man whose mother was a non-Arab and I called her bad names. The man mentioned (complained about) me to the Prophet. The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “Did you abuse so-and-so?” I said, “Yes” He said, “Did you call his mother bad names?” I said, “Yes”. He said, “You still have the traits of (the Pre-lslamic period of) ignorance.” I said.
“(Do I still have ignorance) even now in my old age?” He said, “Yes, they (slaves or servants) are your brothers, and Allah has put them under your command. So the one under whose hand Allah has put his brother, should feed him of what he eats, and give him dresses of what he wears, and should not ask him to do a thing beyond his capacity. And if at all he asks him to do a hard task, he should help him therein.”
Sahih al-Bukhari 6050
Allah says in the Quran:
Verily, the most noble of you to Allah is the most righteous of you.
Surat al-Hujurat 49:13
The prophet also said:
O people, your Lord is one and your father Adam is one. There is no favor of an Arab over a foreigner, nor a foreigner over an Arab, and neither white skin over black skin, nor black skin over white skin, except by righteousness. Have I not delivered the message?
Musnad Ahmad 22978
After the teachings of our prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) against racism, equality, and justice have prevailed since then in the Muslim community.
Bila’s Closeness to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ)
Bilal Bin Rabah’s unique bond with the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was a reflection of his loyalty and sincere commitment to the message of Islam. The Prophet (ﷺ) held Bilal in high regard, treating him not as a former slave but as an esteemed companion.
Bilal Bin Rabah was often at the Prophet’s side, serving him and attending to his needs with unparalleled devotion. This closeness was a testament to the principles of equality and brotherhood that Islam champions. It also provided Bilal with opportunities to witness and participate in some of the most critical moments in Islamic history. It was even narrated in a hadith about the high rank of Bilal in the paradise:
Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said to Bilal at the time of dawn prayer, “O Bilal, tell me of the most hopeful deed you practiced in Islam. I heard the scuffle of your sandals before me in Paradise.” Bilal said, “The most hopeful deed to me is that I do not perform ablution by day or night but that I pray along with it as much as Allah has decreed me to pray.”
Bukhari 1149, Sahih Muslim 2458
You can read a similar inspiring story of Salman Al-Farsi too here.
Great Lessons from the Story of Bilal Bin Rabah (RA)
1. Having Strong Faith and Endurance in the Face of Adversity: One of the most unique aspects of Bilal’s story is his unshakable faith in Allah, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. Under the brutal persecution of Umayyah bin Khalaf, Bilal still endured being dragged through the scorching sands of Mecca, beaten, and tortured. Despite the agony, he kept on repeating and proclaiming:
“Ahad! Ahad!” (Allah is One! Allah is One!)
Bilal’s steadfastness serves as a powerful reminder for we Muslims facing trials in our lives today. His example shows that unshakeable faith in Allah can provide strength and relief, whether on personal struggles, societal challenges, or religious persecution. The Quran backs up this:
“Indeed, with hardship comes ease.”
(Surah Ash-Sharh, 94:6)
For we today’s Muslims, Bilal’s story is a reminder for us to remain steadfast, trusting that Allah’s help is always near for those who are patient and devoted.
2. Upholding of Equality in Islam and Nullification of Racism: The life of Bilal Bin Rabah (RA) indicates Islam’s stance against racism and its priority on human equality. Pre-Islamic Arabia was obsessed with deeply rooted social hierarchies, where lineage, race, and wealth determined a person’s worth. Islam nullified these norms, as demonstrated by the Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) selection of Bilal—a former Abyssinian slave—as the first Mu’azzin and a trusted companion.
In his Farewell Sermon, the Prophet (ﷺ) also declared:
“O people, your Lord is one and your father Adam is one. There is no favor of an Arab over a foreigner, nor a foreigner over an Arab, and neither white skin over black skin, nor black skin over white skin, except by righteousness (piety). Have I not delivered the message?
Musnad Ahmad 22978
Bilal Bin Rabah’s superior role shattered racial and social barriers, setting an example for a society based on merit, piety, and mutual respect. His legacy continues to inspire Muslims to uphold these values in combating racism and fostering equality within our communities.
3. The Value of Compassion and Empathy: The actions of Abu Bakr (RA) in freeing Bilal show the Islamic values of compassion and empathy. Abu Bakr (RA) recognized the true dignity of Bilal and acted upon his conscience, demonstrating a great sense of justice and humanity.
We should learn from this and try to cultivate compassion and empathy in our hearts. Treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or social status.
4. The Importance of Unity and Brotherhood: The story of Bilal Bin Rabah’s life shows the importance of unity and brotherhood within the Muslim community. The early Muslims, despite their diverse backgrounds, stood together in support of their faith and their fellow believers.
We Muslims of today should try and foster unity and brotherhood within our Muslim community. Stand together in support of one another and strive to build a harmonious and peaceful society.
The story of Bilal Bin Rabah (RA) is more than a historical narrative; it includes great lessons in faith, steadfastness, equality, and devotion. His relentless and uncompromising commitment to faith, despite the great challenges he faced, serves as a lesson for we Muslims striving to uphold our faith in difficult times. His life nullified racial discrimination, establishing the foundations for a just and equal Islamic society.
Bilal Bin Rabah’s legacy is not confined to history books only; it lives on in the hearts especially when we hear the Adhan, we do remember his steadfastness, and we also strive to manifest the principles of justice and equality that he represented.
