Who was Bilal ibn Rabah?

Answer 1

Bilal Ibn Rabah was an Ethiopian, born in Makkha in the late 6th century, sometime between 578 and 582.

The Prophet Muhammed (pbuh) chose a former African slave Bilal as his muezzin, effectively making him the first muezzin of the Islamic faith. He was among the slaves freed by Abu Bakr and was known for his beautiful voice with which he called people to their prayers. He died sometime between 638 to 642, when he was just over sixty years old.

He is said to have been one of the most trusted and loyal Sahaba (companion) of Muhammad and of Ali. His respected stature during the birth of Islam is often cited by Muslims as evidence of the importance of pluraism and racial equality in the foundations of the religion.