The final round of Republican Qur’an Competition – 2018 has been continuing for three days since April 21st. In his opening speech at the final round of the contest Usmanhan Alimov, Chairman of Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, muftiy congratulated all participants and organizers for the blessing path they have gone through. “People who learn and listen to Qur’an always stay spiritually and morally fit as Qur’an guides only to true path by soothing hearts and making people reflect”.
Earlier to the final round Hasanhon Abdulmajidov, Chairman of Contest Judges Board that muftiy presented privilege to people with disabilities to participate in the final round even though they were not able to get the first place in the previous stage.
Participants got even more excited when they heard about outstanding news. The only winner who receives highest score will receive the President Sh. Mirziyoyev’s automobile gift and all other participants who takes the first places in various nominations will receive three Umrah travel packages: one package for the winner and two other packages for the winners parents. It must be noted that such a high attention to participants has never been observed in Qur’an Competition history. Even though Qur’an learners are always respected among us, as muslims we strongly believe that the greatest reward for Qur’an readers is in the Hereafter.
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.