Bilal ibn Rabah ﷺ holds a special place in Islamic history as one of the earliest believers and the first Mu’adhin in Islam. His life is not just a story—it’s a powerful journey of courage, faith, and resilience that speaks directly to the heart. Can you imagine standing firm in your beliefs while being tortured under the blazing desert sun?
A Slave with a Heart Full of Light
Bilal ibn Rabah ﷺ was born into slavery in Makkah, a society where status meant everything. His mother, Hamamah, was also enslaved, and Bilal served the powerful Qurayshi leader, Umayyah ibn Khalaf. Despite his lowly position, Bilal had a heart filled with purity and strength.
When the message of Islam began spreading, Bilal was among the first to embrace it. Can you imagine how brave he must have been? At a time when even speaking about Islam brought danger, Bilal stood up and declared his faith.
Torture Under the Blazing Sun
Bilal’s faith enraged his master, Umayyah ibn Khalaf. Determined to force him to abandon Islam, Umayyah subjected Bilal to unimaginable torture. Picture this: the scorching heat of the Arabian sun, burning sands searing his skin, and heavy rocks crushing his chest. His tormentors dragged him through the streets, tied him up, and beat him mercilessly.
And yet, in the face of such cruelty, Bilal’s voice rose above the pain:
“Ahadun Ahad!” (One God! One God!)
No amount of pain could silence his faith.
Freedom and the Call to Prayer
News of Bilal’s suffering reached Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, one of the closest companions of Prophet Muhammad. Abu Bakr couldn’t bear to see Bilal’s torture and bought his freedom, saying, “Free Bilal, for he is a man of God.”
Imagine the moment when Bilal took his first steps as a free man. But his story doesn’t end there—it is just the beginning.
Bilal’s beautiful and strong voice caught the attention of the Prophet Muhammad, who chose him to be the very first Mu’adhin—caller to prayer. Picture the scene: after the conquest of Makkah, Bilal climbed atop the Kaaba, his voice echoing across the land as he called the adhan for the very first time.
A freed slave standing on the most sacred site in Islam— a message of equality and honour.
Bilal’s Devotion and Honor
Bilal was not just admired on Earth; even in the Hereafter, he was honoured. The Prophet once told him:
“O Bilal, what deed do you do that I heard your footsteps in Paradise before me?”
Bilal replied humbly that he always performed wudu’ and prayed two rak‘ahs after every purification. His simple yet consistent devotion earned him a place of honour in Paradise.
The Final Journey
After the Prophet’s passing, Bilal found it too painful to remain in Madinah, where every corner reminded him of the Messenger. With permission, he left for the Levant, dedicating the rest of his life to spreading Islam.
In his final moments, Bilal’s face shone with hope as he whispered:
“Tomorrow, we meet the beloved ones—Muhammad and his companions.”
Bilal ﷺ passed away in Syria, leaving behind a legacy that still echoes today.
The Legacy of Bilal ibn Rabah ﷺ
Bilal’s story isn’t just history—it’s a living lesson. He rose from the depths of slavery to one of the most honoured positions in Islam, proving that in the eyes of Allah, it’s not wealth or status that matters, but devotion.
Every time we hear the adhan ring out from mosques around the world, we remember Bilal ibn Rabah ﷺ —the man who stood firm, no matter the cost.
Can you find the same courage to stand for what you believe in?
It has been said that Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him) saw the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) in his dream, and the Prophet said to him: “What is this estrangement, O Bilal? Has the time not come for you to visit me?” Bilal woke up saddened and immediately set out for Madinah. Upon reaching the Prophet’s grave, he wept and rubbed his face against it. Then Hasan and Husayn (may Allah be pleased with them) came to him, and he embraced and kissed them. They said to him, “O Bilal, we wish to hear your Adhan (call to prayer).” Bilal climbed onto the rooftop and began to recite the Adhan. No day was seen with more weeping men and women in Madinah after the passing of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) than on that day!
May Allah be pleased with Bilal ibn Rabah ﷺ and grant us the strength to follow his example. Ameen.