Hazrat Bilal (Radhiallahu Anhu),
First Muezzin of Islam, Bilal Ibn Rabah, Bilal al-Habashi
=Hazrat Bilal (Radhiallahu Anhu) is very lovingly remembered by Muslims around
the world as one of the earliest great African Muslim. He was born in a village
in a mountainous place in Western Arabia. Bilal's father was called Rebah and
his mother was known as Hamamah. They had come to Arabia as slaves from
Ethiopia. The father and mother were slaves of Umayyah ibn Khalaf ibn Safwan, a
rich man from the tribe of Quraish. Bilal was therefore born in slavery and
served as a housekeeper.
Among the slaves from Africa, Hazrat Bilal (ra) was the first to accept Islam.
He had a strong faith in Allah (SWT) and a great love for our Holy Prophet
Muhammad (saw). He had a pure character. Soon after converting to Islam he
earned high respect of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). Holy Prophet Muhammad
(saw) liked Hazrat Bilal's sweet voice and made him the first Muazzin of Islam -
The Caller to the Prayers.
Note: Muezzin or Muazzin is a chosen person at the mosque who leads the call (Adhan)
to Friday service and the five daily prayers (Salat).