Bilal ibn Rabiah (RA)
The Beloved Muezzin of the Prophet (ﷺ)
Introduction:
Bilal ibn Rabiah (RA) stands as one of the most revered figures in Islamic history - a symbol of liberation, unwavering faith, and devotion to the Prophet Muhammad (S) and his purified progeny. His story takes on special significance in Shi'a tradition, where his connection to Imam Ali (AS) and the Ahlul Bayt is particularly emphasized.
From Slavery to Freedom:
Born an Abyssinian slave in Mecca, Bilal's life changed forever when he embraced Islam. His owner, Umayyah ibn Khalaf, subjected him to brutal torture:
Lashed and beaten in the scorching desert heat
Crushed beneath heavy stones
Dragged through the streets of Mecca
Yet Bilal's only response was "Ahad! Ahad!" (One! One!), demonstrating his unshakable faith in Allah's oneness.
Divine Liberation:
While Sunni narratives credit Abu Bakr with Bilal's emancipation, Shi'a sources highlight:
The Prophet Muhammad (S) himself instructed Abu Bakr to purchase Bilal
His freedom was divinely ordained to serve Islam's message
This act symbolized Islam's revolutionary stance against oppression
The First Muezzin:
When the time came to establish the call to prayer, the Prophet (S) chose Bilal for this sacred duty. The Shi'a adhan preserves important distinctions:
Full Shi'a Adhan:
الله أكبر (4x) - Allah is Greatest
أشهد أن لا إله إلا الله (2x) - I testify there is no god but Allah
أشهد أن محمداً رسول الله (2x) - I testify Muhammad is Allah's Messenger
حي على الصلاة (2x) - Hasten to prayer
حي على الفلاح (2x) - Hasten to salvation
حي على خير العمل (2x) - Hasten to the best of deeds
الله أكبر (2x) - Allah is Greatest
لا إله إلا الله (2x) - There is no god but Allah
The inclusion of "Hayya 'ala khayril 'amal" (Hasten to the best of deeds) is particularly significant in Shi'a tradition as it:
Was part of the original adhan taught by the Prophet (S)
Emphasizes the importance of prayer
Was later omitted by other schools of thought
Devotion to Ahlul Bayt:
After the Prophet's (S) passing, Bilal's loyalty to Imam Ali (AS) became evident when:
He refused to give allegiance to Abu Bakr
He left Medina, unable to bear the political changes
He only returned at the request of Imam Hasan and Imam Husayn (AS)
Shi'a narrations tell us that:
"Bilal was among those who recognized Ali's (AS) right and refused to pledge allegiance to others." (Bihar al-Anwar)
The Final Adhan:
When Bilal finally agreed to call the adhan again:
The people of Medina wept uncontrollably
His voice evoked memories of the Prophet's era
It served as a powerful reminder of the community's loss
Legacy and Passing:
Bilal spent his final years in Syria, remaining steadfast to his principles. On his deathbed, he joyfully proclaimed:
"Tomorrow I meet my beloved Muhammad and his purified family!"
Conclusion:
Bilal's life teaches us:
True faith requires standing for justice
Loyalty to the Prophet (S) means loyalty to his Ahlul Bayt (AS)
Principles must never be compromised, regardless of consequences
His story remains eternally relevant - a beacon for all who struggle against oppression and seek to uphold divine truth.