Hazrat Bilal (R.A) A Great Personality

Sayyidul Muazzineed (leader of the Muazzins)

Born 43 or 53 years before Hijra, from an Abyssinian mother and an Arab father, Hazrat Bilal was slim and tall . Some historians say he was born in Mecca, but some are of the opinion that he was born in Sarat — a town near Yemen and Abyssinia. 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.. He was taken as a slave from the beginning according to the prevailing conditions in Mecca.

Along with Hazrat Khadija.(R.A), Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique(R.A), Hazrat Ali(R.A.), Hazrat Ammar(R.A.) and his mother Sumiyya(R.A.), Hazrat Shuaib(R.A.) and Hazrat Miqdad(R.A.), Hazrat Bilal(R.A.) was one of the first eight persons who responded to the call of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Embracing the new faith, he enraged his master Umaiyya bin Khalaf. To force Bilal(R.A.) to give up his new faith, the master subjected the devotee to severe torture.

Hadhrat Bilaal (Radhiallaahu Anhu) was harassed and beaten the day long and during the night He was tied in chains and lashed. On the next day, he was again made to lie on the hot desert sands which cause even greater injuries to the body of Bilaal (Radhiallaahu Anhu), who was loved by Allah Ta'aala.

Hadhrat Bilaal (Radhiallaahu Anhu) used to be beaten by many people. When one would get tired, another would take his place. Sometimes it was Abu Jhal's turn and sometimes Umayyah bin Khalaf and others. Each of them would beat him until they got tired but no mercy was spared for the slave whom they so brutally injured and whose status in Jannat was to surpass that of many Arabs.

According to historical records, Bilals(R.A.) 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(R.A.) tongue repeated only one word "Ahad, Ahad." Thereupon, the infidels gave him a severe beating 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 while Bilaal(R.A.) was being tortured in this way by Umayyah bin Khalaf and his friends, Abu Bakr (R.A.) passed that way. He asked Umayyah bin Khalaf, 'Do you not fear Allah? How long will you carry out this practice on this poor person?" Umayyah bin Khalaf retorted that, 'since you have instigated him (by teaching Islam to him, so you free him." Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiallaahu Anhu) answered, "Yes, I will free him. I have a black slave who is even stronger than him and who is in your religion. Will you accept this slave in exchange for him?" Umayyah bin Khalaf accepted the offer. Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhiallaahu Anhu) exchanged the slaves and thus bought Hadhrat Bilaal (Radhiallaahu Anhu) and freed him . Besides Bilaal (Radhiallaahu Anhu) he bought other slaves who were being beaten and harassed for accepting Islam and freed them also.

After his release, he came to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to serve him as his personal server. Instead of taking him as a servant, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) paid close attention to his education and spiritual training.

After the Hijra when Masjid Nabvi was completed, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) thought of calling the Muslims for prayers in congregation. He asked the Sahaba to think of a way to call the Muslims together for prayers. Several suggestions came forth such as the beating of drums; the ringing of the bell like the Christians did in their church; burning a fire like Zoroastrians; and blowing of the horn like the Jews. When all the suggestions could not get the approval of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the meeting ended without a decision.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaid(R.A), a companion of the Prophet, went home groping for a solution and slept. He had a dream in which he saw a person in a green apparel who told him how to call the Muslims for prayer. He climbed on the top of the mosque and recited the words, those that we hear today. After saying the call he sat down for a while and then rose to say Iqama which comprised the same words.

On waking up, Abdullah bin Zaid rushed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and told him about his dream. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) asked him to go to Bilal(R.A.) and make him learn these words by heart. Thereafter, Hazrat Umar(R.A.) came and narrated a similar dream to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). After having the approval of the Prophet(S.A.W)., the Adhan was called out aloud for the first time from the Prophet’s mosque. As his powerful and melodious voice resounded through the city of Medina, Hazrat Bilal (R.A.) became the first mu’azzin of Islam, an office he held till the Holy Prophet (PBUH) left this world.

What a beautiful voice Bilal has. The Prophet carries this voice, which makes one tremble with humility, with him throughout his life. Journeys and expeditions are kneaded with this voice. One morning the Prophet awakes to this voice: "Prayer is better than sleep." He tells Bilal, "What wonderful words. They should be recited each morning in the adhan!" From that morning on, sleep and prayer are in the two pans of the scale. When prayer weighs heavier, the veil of darkness disperses. And after each adhan Bilal calls out towards the Prophet's window: "O Messenger of Allah! Prayer!" Then, going to the masjid, he makes qamet; stars stand in line behind the sun.

Later, Hazrat Bilal added the following words in the call for the Fajir prayers: “The prayer is better than sleep”. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) approved the addition and till today the same prayer-call is going on even after 14 centuries.

Hazrat Bilal was entrusted the duty of the recital of Azaan by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in preference to all other Sahabas. It was simply because he had a beautiful voice. His recital of the prayer-call produced a typical effect on the hearts and minds of the Muslims. In spiritual ecstasy, they would rush to the mosque. Also, he received the honour of calling the devotees to prayer when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) made a victorious entry into the city of Mecca and ordered Bilal to ascend the roof of the Holy Ka’bah to recite the prayer-call.

Once the Holy Prophet (PBUH) asked Hazrat Bilal what extraordinary deeds he did after accepting Islam because the Holy Prophet (PBUH) heard the sound of his slippers ahead of him when the sight of Paradise was presented before him during a divine revelation. He made no mention of the piety, struggle, hardships or tortures he endured for the cause of Islam but humbly replied: “O my beloved Prophet, I have performed no extraordinary deeds as a Muslim.”

Upon further insistence by the Prophet, he told that the only thing he could recall was that, after each wadhu (ablution), he offered two nawafils.

Hazrat Bilal(Razi Allahu Ta'ala Anhu) was one of them.

1.Hazrat Bilal(R.A.) was one of the first eight persons who responded to the call of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)

2.Hazrat Bilal(R.A) became the first mu’azzin of Islam, an office he held till the Holy Prophet (PBUH) left this world.

3.Fajir prayers: “The prayer is better than sleep”. Who added this line? you know it was Hmmm should I tell you,
read and find out.

4.He was also in charge of the house hold of the Prophet (S.A.W.).

5.Hadhrat Bilaal (Radhiallaahu Anhu) was the special companion of Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam).

6. During journeys and battles, he used to pitch the tent of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and he alone got the honour of riding the camel of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
The prayer-call, proclaimed today in the entire Muslim world, comprises the same words which were first recited by Hazrat Bilal bin Rabah Habshi(R.A.), a staunch devotee of Islam and the most trusted companion of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon him).

On his death-bed, when his wife bitterly cried, he comforted her with these words: “Why do you cry? Tomorrow I shall see the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and my other companions after such a long separation.

Hazrat Bilal (R.A) had suffered for Islam in his body. He was humble and gentle, faithful and loyal. He was strong and yet when he called the Muslims to Prayer, they could weep out of joy, so sweet was the sound.

May Give Us All Emaan......Like The Sahaba's

FI'AMANALLAH...!!