1. Bilal Ibn Rabah (RA) was kept as slave
An Abyssinian, Bilal (RA) was kept as slave in Makkah. He (RA) was a slave of Ummayah bin Khalaf.
2 His master was a virulent enemy of Islam
Ummayah couldn’t tolerate the fact that Islam was being spread. Yet, Bilal (RA) his Ethiopian slave, converted into a Muslim.
Ummayah bin Khalaf was planning either to kill Him or to make him change his religion. But believe of Bilal (RA) on Allah didn’t let him fear from His master. He got succeeded in his plannings and sent Him for a punishment.
3. The inhuman punishment
In the Arabian Desert, Bilal (RA) was laid under the sparkling sun on the hot sand. Then, heavyweight hot rocks were placed on his body to make the situation worse.
He was burning due to the hot sand from the back of His body whereas, the upper body was burnt by the hot pieces of rocks. Also, He wasn’t able to move due to the weight of rocks.
4. The nights of lashes:
His believe made His master angrier. Bin Khalaf started lashing Him every night. He was tortured alternatively by Ummayah bin Khalaf and Abu Jahl.
5. Abu Bakr (RA)
Bilal (RA)’s punishment ended and He started living a free life as Abu Bakr (RA) bought him from Ummayah.
6. Bilal RA was the first Muezzin of Islam
Allah Almighty rewarded Him for His patience and He was made the Muazzin for the Mosque of Prophet (PBUH).
7. The death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
After the death of Prophet (PBUH), Bilal (RA) wasn’t able to continue living in Madinah. He left Madina but returned after few days when He saw Prophet (PBUH) in a Dream demanding Him to pay a visit.
8. The request of Hasan and Hussain (RA):
When Bilal (RA) moved back in Madina, Hussain and Hasan (RA) requested Him to give Azan. After few years, Bilal (RA) finally left Madinah forever.
He died in Damascus in 20 AH. His tomb is located in Bab al Saghir, a graveyard in Damascus.
A certificate awarding ceremony for 20 imam-khatibs from Uzbekistan who successfully completed a two-week advanced training program was held at the “Al-Azhar” International Academy in Egypt, reports Dunyo IA.
During the training, representatives of the religious sphere deepened their scientific and religious knowledge, became acquainted with the intellectual heritage of “Al-Azhar” and studied its educational experience and teaching methodologies.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Academy Dr. Hassan Al-Saghir emphasized that the program was conducted under the constant attention of the head of the “Al-Azhar” complex, Sheikh Ahmed el-Tayeb. According to him, the Sheikh personally monitored the course of the training and received daily reports, which testifies to the high importance that the “Al-Azhar” leadership attaches to cooperation with religious figures of Uzbekistan.
In addition, the Uzbek delegation was received by Dr. Hasan El-Shafei, a member of the Council of Senior Scholars of “Al-Azhar” and the Council of Muslim Elder. During the meeting, a conversation took place regarding science, religious enlightenment and the responsibility of members of the clergy.
Within the framework of the trip, the imam-khatibs also visited the “Al-Azhar” and Imam Hussein mosques, where they were able to view revered relics, including the blessed sword and other historical monuments.
Following the program, it was noted that the further development of religious and educational cooperation between Uzbekistan and Egypt will contribute to strengthening friendly ties between the two peoples, as well as expanding opportunities for Uzbek youth to receive education at one of the most authoritative Islamic educational centers in the world.