He was dragged like animals in the streets and beaten furiously by his masters on the way. After every strike on his black skin, his aggressors were further outraged upon his resounding of the greatest truth; Ahad (Allah is one and only). He was Bilal ibn Ribah (RA), the slave of a non believer, freed by the faith in Allah Almighty.

Bilal's (RA) masters had all his life been telling him that he is inferior to them, since his god was made of wood and theirs made of gold. Now he was enlightened by the truth he was defying all inept logics presented by his masters. The great revelation upon the poor slave was that Almighty God is one and only. Allah is same for poor or rich, master or slave, black or white.

The tortured body of Bilal (RA) was witnessed by many, yet tortured egos of his masters with resounding of Ahad were less realized at that time. They placed a heavy rock on his chest laying him down on the burning sands in the scorching heat of Arabian Desert. The rock was so heavy that it was lifted by four people, but it was much lighter than the burden of truth in Bilal's (RA) heart. His skin melted in the sand that others could smell yet he stood fast on his belief on oneness of Allah and kept on repeating Allah is one and only.

Bilal ibn Ribbah (RA) was born in Mecca in the late 6th century to an Arab named, Ribbah. His mother was an Ethiopian (Abyssinian) slave. therefore, he had mixed features of Arabs and Ethiopians. He was tall and slim with straight and thick hair. He was sold as slave in his early age to Ummayyah ibn Khalaf. His master was firm believer of Idol's worship and staunch ally of enemy's of Islam.

Once the news of atrocities committed upon Bilal (RA) reached Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), He sent his most trusted companion Abu Bakkar (RA) to buy Bilal's (RA) freedom. Bilal (RA) remained present in the company of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), till sad demise of the Prophet. Bilal (RA) remained loyal and trusted companion of the Prophet (PBUH). He accompanied Prophet (PBHU) in all Islamic battles including battle of Uhud, battle of Badr and battle of Trench. He remained very close to the Prophet (PBUH) in all important events and expeditions.

Bilal (RA) also had the honor of being the first Moazen of Islam. He was chosen by the Prophet (PBUH) to say Azan (call for Prayer) due to his sweet and deep voice. He would climb the roof of the mosque and say Azan from deepest corners of his heart. His affectionate call would pierce through the hearts of listeners. Despite the fact that he could not maintain right accent in his call, it had deepest impression. He maintained his status of Moazen, till demise of the Prophet (PBUH), after which he left Madina and only said Azan at two special occasions in his life.

Bilal ibn Ribbah (RA) had no means to earn worldly nobility before he embraced Islam. He was an ordinary black slave, downtrodden in the curse of his slavery and his skin color. After embracing Islam his exemplary demonstration of faith and commitment to truth earned him great respect in the eyes of Allah, his Prophet and his fellow Muslims. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said that he heard the resonance of Bilal's footsteps ahead of him in the heavens, which indicates Bilal's worth in the eyes of Allah. However, literal meaning of Bilal (RA) being ahead of Prophet Muhammad must not be taken.

Prophet's companions showed their affection towards Bilal (RA) by calling him Sayyadna (our respected Sir) Bilal. He was greatly respected for his Taqwaa (fear of Allah's annoyance). He would always be remembered as a role model of love and affection for Islam and Allah's Prophet. May Allah bless his sweet soul.

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