Hadrat Bilal (The First Muadhdhin of Islam)

About the Book

The book is a brief life-sketch of Hadrat Bilal, the first Muadhdhin of the Prophet of Islam. It is not an exact translation but an adaptation from an Arabic book entitled ‘Bilal Ibn Ribah, the Muadhdhin of the Prophet’ by ‘Abbas Mahmood al-’ Akkad.

In this book the main aim of the author is to present true character of Hadrat Bilal, who rose to unparalleled heights from the depth of slavery due entirely to his devotion to Islam and complete submission to the will of Allah, in addition to his exemplary dedication to Prophet Muhammad.

Preface

It gives me great pleasure in presenting this book, a biography of one of the close companions of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), Bilal b. Ribah (may Allah be pleased with him), who also had the unique privilege of being the first Muadhdhin of Islam.

This is not an exact translation but an adaptation from an Arabic book under the title ‘Bilal Ibn Ribah, The Muadhdhin of the Prophet’, by ‘Abbas Mahmood al-Akkad. Some historical facts have been added, while matters of dispute have been eliminated, still maintaining the authenticity of the facts about his life.

My aim is to present to the readers the true character of Hadrat Bilal (may Allah be pleased with him), who rose to unparallelled heights from the depth of slavery due entirely to his singleminded devotion to Islam and complete submission to the Will of Allah, in addition to his exemplary dedication to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

The religion of Islam provides guaranteed equality, freedom and justice to all, irrespective of color, race or creed. Hadrat Bilal’s life, without doubt, is a living example of this unique aspect of Islam, unmatched by any other religion, in theory or in practice.

May Almighty Allah grant us the guidance to follow in his footsteps and give us the courage, wisdom, strength and steadfastness of this great Muslim, a very close confidant of the Prophet of Islam, Ameen!

Foreword

This book is a brief life sketch of Ha-drat Bilal (Allah be pleased with him), the first Mu’adhdhin of the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him).

Hadrat Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) was a Negro slave before the advent of Islam. He was one of the first seven converts to Islam. After accepting Islam Hadrat Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) was persecuted severely by his master. Hadrat Abii Bakr as-Siddiq (Allah be pleased with him) bought him and emancipated him. Thereafter Hadrat Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) remained in constant atten- dance on the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and was very near and dear to him. He was selected by the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) as the first Mu’adhdhin of Islam. Hadrat Bilal (Allah be pleased with him) was one of the closest Companions of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and this closeness rose him to the highest position of honour from a persecuted slave.

Contents