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.
Embassy of Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the Center, organized Japan’s first large-scale presentation of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Uzbekistan in Tokyo, reports Dunyo IA.
Event was attended by representatives of Japanese educational and cultural institutions, private companies, tourism organizations, diplomats from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, researchers, media representatives, as well as Uzbek compatriots and students residing in Japan.
During the presentation, it was highlighted that the Center of Islamic Civilization, established at the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, will serve as an international platform for studying Islamic enlightenment, science, and culture, as well as for fostering dialogue among civilizations.
Event showcased comprehensive materials on the rich historical and cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, the foundational contributions of great scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari, Imam al-Tirmidhi and Imam al-Maturidi to the development of Islamic jurisprudence and science, as well as the significant role of Amir Temur and the Temurid dynasty in world history.
Professor Tursunali Kuziev, Advisor to the Director of the Center, delivered a keynote address entitled “Toward the future through enlightenment”, detailing the significance of preserving cultural heritage, restoring historical memory and strengthening international dialogue.
Professor Manabu Shimizu of the Institute of Developing Economies (IDE-JETRO) in Japan underscored the importance of Uzbekistan's Third Renaissance concept and the advancement of cooperation among diverse civilizations, including Japan.
Within the framework of the event, a promotional documentary on the Center of Islamic Civilization was screened, alongside video presentations on Uzbekistan's prominent scholars and a photographic exhibition dedicated to the country's cultural heritage and architectural monuments.