Muhammad Abdul-Rauf in his book, Bilal ibn Rabah, states,
- “He [Bilal] was of a handsome and impressive stature, dark brown complexion with sparkling eyes, a fine nose and bright skin. He was also gifted with a deep, melodious, resonant voice. He wore a beard which was thin on both cheeks. He was endowed with great wisdom and a sense of dignity and self-esteem.”
Bilal ibn Rabah was born in Mecca in the Hejaz in the year 580 AD. His father Rabah was an Arab slave from the clan of Banu Jumah while his mother, Hamamah, was a former princess of Abysinna (modern day Ethiopia).
When [Prophet] Muhammad announced his prophethood and started to preach the message of God, Bilal would listen to what was being conveyed. The preaching of [Prophet] Muhammad attracted Bilal towards Islam and he was among its earliest converts. Bilal renounced idol worship and as a result was subjected to torture.
Eventually, Abu Bakr negotiated a deal with Umayyah to … emancipate him from slavery.
After Medina emerged as a well-established state, [Prophet] Muhammad appointed Bilal as the secretary of treasure of the Islamic State of Medina. Bilal was given a prominent position within the Islamic State, as he became the first treasurer of Islam who was in charge of the Bayt al-Mal (Treasury). As the treasurer of the Bayt al-Mal, Bilal allocated all funds. In addition, he distributed funds to widows, orphans, the wayfarers (travelers), and people who could not support themselves. The Adhan (call to prayer) was established by [Prophet] Muhammad in 1 AH (approximately 622-623 AD). He chose Bilal as the first muezzin.
It is said that Bilal was 63 years old when he died. When Bilal’s wife realized that death was approaching Bilal, she became sorrowful. It is documented that she cried and said, “What a painful affliction!” However, Bilal objected his wife’s opinion by stating, “On the contrary, what a happy occasion! Tomorrow I will meet my beloved Muhammad and his Host!”
O people! Your Lord is one Lord, and you all share the same father. There is no preference for Arabs over non-Arabs, nor for non-Arabs over Arabs. Neither is their preference for white people over black people, nor for black people over white people. Preference is only through righteousness.
— Muhammad, The Farewell Sermon
Citations:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bilal_ibn_Rabah
- https://youtu.be/Bn-g6MSKiVo
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