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.
An analytical article dedicated to the rich historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, as well as the state policy aimed at its preservation and transmission to future generations, has been published in the popular Sri Lankan newspaper “Uthaym”, reports Dunyo IA.
Publication highlights the reforms underway in New Uzbekistan to revive national values, protect cultural heritage sites and advance science and education.
As noted in the article, in recent years, one of the priority areas of Uzbekistan's state policy has become the comprehensive improvement of the spiritual and educational sphere, the deep study of the centuries-old scientific and cultural heritage of the people, and its wide popularization in the global community. It is emphasized that systemic work is being carried out in the country to restore historical monuments, modernize the activities of museums and archives, preserve and digitalize manuscript funds, as well as promote national cultural heritage on the international arena.
Particular attention in the article is paid to the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to implement the idea of the Third Renaissance, which is viewed as one of the key strategic directions of the country's development. According to the author, this concept is designed not only to ensure the preservation of historical heritage but also to facilitate the strengthening of the intellectual and spiritual potential of the state through the harmonious development of science, education, culture and innovation.
“In this sense, the concept of the Third Renaissance is viewed as a nationwide program aimed at reviving the great scientific traditions of Uzbekistan, raising an educated and patriotic young generation, as well as further strengthening the country's international prestige”, publication states.
Furthermore, the publication highlights Uzbekistan's cooperation with UNESCO and other international organizations in the field of cultural heritage protection, alongside the country's efforts to preserve historical monuments and harmoniously develop international tourism and scientific research.
As the “Uthaym” newspaper notes, enlightening development model of New Uzbekistan arouses growing interest and attracts increasingly close attention from the international community.