The story of Bilal ibn Rabah is one of faith, strength, and devotion. Born into slavery in Mecca, he faced intense suffering. Despite the hardships, his belief in Islam never wavered. He later became the first muezzin in Islam, chosen personally by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Bilal ibn Rabah was a black Abyssinian (Ethiopian) man who was enslaved in Mecca. He was owned by Umayyah ibn Khalaf, a prominent chief of the Quraysh.
When the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ began to spread the message of Islam, Bilal was among the first to quickly and wholeheartedly embrace it. This act of faith led to Bilal being subjected to brutal torture in an attempt to force him to renounce his faith. He was dragged over the hot desert sands, crushed under heavy stones, and beaten severely. Yet, through this immense suffering, Bilal’s faith only grew stronger. His defiant cry under torture, ‘Ahad! Ahad!’ (One! One!), affirming the oneness of Allah, became a legendary testament to his unwavering belief.
This defiance amazed many, including Abu Bakr al-Siddiq. Eventually, Abu Bakr purchased Bilal’s freedom for a large sum. Because of this, Bilal was no longer a slave but a free man. He was also among the earliest converts and companions of the Prophet ﷺ, called the “Sabiquun al-Awwalun” (the first, foremost ones).
Bilal and the Call to Prayer
After the migration to Medina, the Muslims needed a way to call people to prayer.
Narrated Ibn `Umar: When the Muslims arrived at Medina, they used to assemble for the prayer, and used to guess the time for it. During those days, the practice of Adhan for the prayers had not been introduced yet. Once they discussed this problem regarding the call for prayer. Some people suggested the use of a bell like the Christians, others proposed a trumpet like the horn used by the Jews, but `Umar was the first to suggest that a man should call (the people) for the prayer; so Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) ordered Bilal to get up and pronounce the Adhan for prayers.
حَدَّثَنَا مَحْمُودُ بْنُ غَيْلاَنَ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَبْدُ الرَّزَّاقِ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنَا ابْنُ جُرَيْجٍ، قَالَ أَخْبَرَنِي نَافِعٌ، أَنَّ ابْنَ عُمَرَ، كَانَ يَقُولُ كَانَ الْمُسْلِمُونَ حِينَ قَدِمُوا الْمَدِينَةَ يَجْتَمِعُونَ فَيَتَحَيَّنُونَ الصَّلاَةَ، لَيْسَ يُنَادَى لَهَا، فَتَكَلَّمُوا يَوْمًا فِي ذَلِكَ، فَقَالَ بَعْضُهُمْ اتَّخِذُوا نَاقُوسًا مِثْلَ نَاقُوسِ النَّصَارَى. وَقَالَ بَعْضُهُمْ بَلْ بُوقًا مِثْلَ قَرْنِ الْيَهُودِ. فَقَالَ عُمَرُ أَوَلاَ تَبْعَثُونَ رَجُلاً يُنَادِي بِالصَّلاَةِ. فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم “ يَا بِلاَلُ قُمْ فَنَادِ بِالصَّلاَةِ ”.
Sahih al-Bukhari: Book 10, Hadith 2
Thus, Bilal became the first muezzin in Islam. His powerful voice echoed through Medina five times a day. His Adhan stirred the hearts of believers and strengthened their faith. He was honored with this role due to his pure heart and strong belief.
Bilal’s Loyalty and Courage
Bilal stayed close to the Prophet ﷺ throughout his life. He joined battles like Badr and Uhud, standing firm beside the Muslims. He never hesitated to defend Islam. After the death of the Prophet ﷺ, Bilal could no longer bear to give the Adhan in Medina.
He moved to Syria, where he spent his final years. Once, he returned to Medina and gave the Adhan again. The city wept, as it reminded everyone of the days of the Prophet ﷺ. His voice held deep emotional meaning for the companions.
A Legacy of Strength and Faith
Bilal ibn Rabah’s legacy lives on in every call to prayer. His story teaches courage, patience, and belief in one God. Many Muslims across the globe name their children Bilal in his honor. His rise from slavery to spiritual leadership is a powerful lesson.
He was not Arab, wealthy, or powerful. Yet, he earned a place among the highest ranks of believers.
Conclusion
Bilal ibn Rabah’s story is more than history. It is a guide for those who struggle in faith. He proved that no matter your origin, faith and dedication open all doors. His voice called people to prayer, but his life calls people to truth.
Never forget the one who stood under the scorching sun and declared: “Ahad, Ahad.” His story still echoes, just like his Adhan.
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