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Bilal
Ibn Rabah RA , 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 and 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 Bin Rabah RA was
brought up at Mecca, in a well known Quraishi tribe called Abu
Jamah.
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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 RA 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 SWT
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 SAW when he came out with the Message of
Oneness or Unity of Allah. It is an established fact that Bilal RA
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
SWT. Allah SWT 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.
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| The grave of Bilal RA at Bab Al Saghir, Syria |
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 sympathizers. 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 RA 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, Bilal's 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, Bilal's 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 RA saw the heart touching plight
of Bilal RA and he came to his rescue. "How long will you
oppress this poor fellow?" said Abu Bakr to Bilal's master and
bought him paying men Uqia (about 23 grams of Gold) to his master.
Abu Bakar Siddiq then declared Bilal RA a free man.
By
enduring all sorts of atrocities and humiliations in the path of love
for Allah SWT and His Prophet SAW, Bilal RA 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 SAW 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, Bilal's
master increased the price from 7 Uqias to 9 Uqias and Abu Bakr RA
said to him, "Even if you raise the price to 1000 Uqias, I will
definitely buy him."
It
is stated that Abu Bakar Siddiq RA bought Bilal at the advice of
Allahs Messenger SAW and the Prophet SAW also offered him half of the
price in order to mitigate the burden of Abu Bakar Siddiq RA. But Abu
Bakar Siddiq RA begged pardon from the Prophet SAW for not accepting
this offer and he himself emancipated Bilal. He then appointed Bilal
RA as his own store-keeper.
Later
on Bilal was made to serve to the Messenger of Allah SAW. When the
Holy Prophet SAW granted permission to his companions to migrate,
Bilal, along with the other companions of the Holy Prophet SAW,
migrated to Medina. In Medina Bilal lived in the same house with Abu
Bakr Siddiq RA and Aamir bin-Fahria RA.
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| On the of the victorious entry into Makkah, Bilal RA ascended the Kaabah calling the Azan, |
In
Medina when the Holy Prophet SAW established the bond of brotherhood
between the Muhajireen (Migrants) and Ansar (Helpers), Bilal RA and
Abu Ruwaiha RA were brothers unto each other. This clarifies that Abu
Ruwaiha RA was not the blood brother of Bilal RA. As in Mecca, so in
Medina, Bilal RA could not endure separation from the Holy Prophet
SAW.He always accompanied the Holy Prophet SAW in all the Holy wars
that look place during the Holy Prophet SAW lifetime. He also
remained with the Prophet SAW in the course of all journeys he
undertook. It was for this reason that he was appointed the first
Muslim of the Holy Prophet SAW. Bilal RA continued to the post of
Muazzin of the Prophet's Masjid till the Holy Prophet SAW 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 SAW 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
RA would say Iqama before the prayers commenced. While going to
Salat-el-Eid or Salat-Istisqa (prayer for rain), Bilal RA used to
walk ahead of the Prophet SAW holding a spear and would pitch it on
the ground one or two yards away from the place where the Prophet SAW
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 SAW. The Prophet SAW, gifted one of the three spears
to Umar RA and kept the third one with himself, Thus Bilal RA had the
honor of keeping the Prophet's SAW spear throughout his lifetime.
Traditions relate that Bilals marriage had been arranged by the Holy
Prophet SAW himself, It is stated that the sons of Abul Bukair one
day came to the Holy Prophet SAW and said, "0 Messenger of
Allah, find a match for our sister. "The Holy Prophet SAW
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 SAW gave the same reply.
Thus
after a few days they came third time with the same request. This
time also the Prophet SAW 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 RA 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 RA has no issue from any of his. Once Bilal
RA related to his wife a Tradition of the Holy Prophet SAW but his
wife expressed some doubts about the authenticity of his report.
Bilal RA in a mood of anger went to the Prophet SAW and recounted his
dispute with his wife.
The
Holy Prophet SAW went with him to his house and observed to his wife,
"You should take Bilal's words for any Tradition of mine, and do
not give him cause for anger."
Bilal
RA had given up announcing Azan after the demise of the Holy Prophet
SAW . He cherished such deep love for the Prophet SAW 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 SAW, in
response to which the Prophet SAW would arrive for prayer. During his
stay in Medina and Syria, after the demise of the HoIy Prophet SAW,
people made entreaties to him on several occasions to call the Azan,
but he always declined, except once when Umar RA had visited
Damascus and had requested Bilal RA 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
RA 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 Bilal RA voice resounded in the air, it produced
a great excitement among the people . They recalled to their
imagination the times when the Holy Prophet SAW was alive and Bilal
RA used to recite the Azan . It is recorded in history that the whole
congregation in the mosque burst into tears Umar RA 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 RA. One thing, however ,must be clarified in this
connection. The Holy Prophet SAW 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 SAW fell on him for the
performance of this important duty.
It
is reported in the Traditions that the Holy Prophet saw paid close
attention to the education and training of Bilal RA. Once the Holy
Prophet SAW said, "O Bilal, The best deed that a believer can
perform is to struggle for the cause of Allah. The Prophet SAW also
taught him concerning humility " 0 Bilal always live in humility
and with contentment and die with those who feel contented."
The
Prophet SAW,off and on gave him instructions concerning distribution
of the surplus wealth with him i.e. the Prophet SAW. 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 SAW intended to teach Bilal by example how a
man should cultivate the virtue of contentment in life and abstain
from wealth. Bilal RA observed with great attention all the
instructions and precedent of the Holy Prophet SAW and proved to he a
true follower and a devotee of the Prophet SAW till the end of his
life.
He
was in constant attendance on the Holy Prophet SAW 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 SAW, Bilal RA
expressed deep devotion for his master and leader, He could not bear
even the slightest discomfort of the Prophet SAW and was alive ready
to respond to his masters call. Throughout the battles he kept
running between the Prophet's camp and the battlefield, bearing
communications , orders and instructions from the Prophet SAW .to the
troops when the Prophet SAW made a victorious entry into the city of
Mecca and the Prophet SAW entered Holy Kaba, there were three men.
accompanying him and one of them was Bilal RA, the other two were
Usman-bin-Talha RA , the key-bearer of Kaba and Usman bin Zaid RA.
Bilal RA performed the duty of reciting the call to prayer. He
recited the Azan for a few days only after the demise of the Prophet
SAW and then requested Abu Bakr Siddiq RA 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 SAW he pronounced the name of the Prophet SAW 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 SAW, 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 RA remained in
the company of Abu Bakr RA. After the reign of the first Caliph,
Bilal RA was assigned some state duties.
It
is recorded in history that when the second Caliph Umar Bin Khattab
RA called upon Khalid-ibn Al Walid - the Sword of Allah- to explain
in connection with some of his alleged irregularities and errors, it
was Bilal RA who took off Khalid's turban from his head and tied his
hands with it in open assembly and did not untie him until Khalid RA
had furnished a satisfactory explanation of all the charges made
against him.
After
this he offered his sincere apology to Khalid RA. There is another
episode that reveals the high esteem in which Bilal RA was held by
Umar RA. It is stated that one day Abu Shufian-bin-Harb, Suhail-
bin-Amr and some other prominent Arab Chiefs came to the Caliph for
an interview.
By
chance Bilal RA and Sahib (an ex-slave) also arrived to meet the
Caliph, When Umar RA learnt of their arrival he called in Bilal RA
and Sahib RA at once and the Arab Chiefs, who had come earlier, stood
waiting outside. Abu Sufian 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 SAW 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 RA, when the registers of salaries and
allowances were being prepared, the Caliph dispatched a letter to
Bilal RA - who was with the army in Syria - asking him to intimate
with whom his name should be entered. "Enter my name with Abu
Ruwaiha RA whom I shall never abandon on account of the fraternal
bond established by the Holy Prophet SAW between him and me,"
replied Bilal RA.
Except
the episodes mentioned above, history furnishes no further record of
his life after the demise of the Holy Prophet SAW. 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 RA on the request of the eminent companions
of the Prophet SAW.
It
was the year 20 of Hijra when Bilal RA 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 RA. On his
deathbed he was very glad at the prospect of meeting his master, the
Prophet SAW 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 SAW and other companions after
such a long reparation. If Allah SWT wills I shall meet them all
tomorrow."
And
he really expired the day after, "Innalillah-e-Wa Inna
Ilai-he-Rajiun." He was buried in Damascus, near Bab-as-Sagheer.
His tomb is even today the favorite resort of crowds of visitors,
People, high and low, come to offer prayers (Fateha) at his grave.
Among the people Bilal's credibility was high that they would rather
disbelieve their own eyes. Than cast doubts on Bilal's report of any
Tradition of the Holy Prophet SAW, because he paid the greatest
regard to truth in all matters concerning the action or precepts of
the Holy Prophet SAW, as well as in the affairs of others.
When
Abu Ruwaiha RA his brother-in-Islam, wanted to contract marriage with
a lady of a respectable tribe, he requested Bilal RA to intercede on
his behalf. Bilal RA went with him and told in clear terms to the
guardians of the bride, "I am Bilal-bin-Robah and this is my
brother Abu Ruwaiha, 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 Ruwaiha RA, for they could not disregard Bilal's
recommendation. Seeing the various aspects of Bilal's 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 SAW had entrusted to Bilal
RA the management of the Baitul Mal (State Treasury). He was also in
charge of the house hold of the Prophet SAW. 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 SAW. It was Bilal RA who sprinkled water from a
skin-bag over the sepulchre of the Holy Prophet, 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 SWT and His
Prophet SAW 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 RA 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 Robah RA.
