On December 18, 2017 Muslim Board of Uzbekistan hosted an event dedicated to the presentation of Professor Saidmukhtor Saidkasimov’s book under the title “The enlightenment of great pople” devoted to the 80th anniversary of the scholar of oriental studies and diplomat Shamsiddin Bobokhonov. The Academic of the Academy of Sciences of Uzbekistan, Doctor of Philological Studies, Professor Ne’matulloh Ibrohimov, Doctor of Economic Studies, Professor Nurislom Tuxliyev and The Chairman of Muslim Board of Uzbekistan Usmankhan Alimov took part in the event with their presentations. Video script devoted to the autobiography of Shamsiddin Bobokhonov was played on the screen.
Heads and delegates from the Committee on religious affairs under the Cabinet Ministers of Uzbekistan, Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, Islamic Civilization Center of Uzbekistan, scholars of oriental studies, imams and students from Tashkent Islamic Institute and Tashkent Islamic University also participated in the event.
During the meeting Muftiy Usmonkhon Alimov noted that Shamsiddin Bobokhonov’s leadership of Muslim Board had been in 1982-1989, the period of historical time when atheists rein was full of difficulties.
Muftiy made the comparison of that time with the following hadith from our prophet Muhammad sollalohu alayhi wasallam: “There would be times for my ummah when they would keep patience in religious practices like the one who holds fire in his arms”.
It was underlined that the lives of these kinds of people are worth to take as an example. Talking about scholars Imam A’zam said the following: “It is better for me to sit with the circle of scholars rather than reading books, because stories talk about the upbringing of people”
Press service,
Muslim Board of Uzbekistan


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.