Figures › Bilal ibn Rabah

Bilal ibn Rabah رضي الله عنه

Companion

c. 580 – c. 640 CE · Makkah, Madinah & Syria

Overview

A companion with a beautiful voice, remembered for calling Muslims to prayer.

Category: Companion
Period: c. 580 – c. 640 CE

Persecution and freedom

Bilal was enslaved in Makkah and accepted Islam during its early years. Reports describe severe persecution for his belief and Abu Bakr’s role in securing his freedom.

Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam — Bilal ibn Rabah

The call to prayer

After the migration, Muhammad ﷺ entrusted Bilal with giving the call to prayer. This regular public role made him one of the most recognizable members of the Medinan community.

Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam — Bilal ibn Rabah

Later life

Bilal took part in major events of the early community and later lived in the Levant. Accounts vary over the precise year and place of his death. His legacy is closely associated with steadfast belief and the daily rhythm of Muslim worship.

Source: TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam — Bilal ibn Rabah

Sources

Original biographical summary based on the cited references. Uncertain dates and disputed reports are qualified or omitted. This is not an excerpt or paraphrase of the 82 İl 82 Sahabi book.

TDV Encyclopaedia of Islam — Bilal ibn Rabah