Persecution and Freedom of Bilal

Bilal ibn Rabah, an Ethiopian slave in Mecca, was among the earliest converts to Islam. His master Umayyah ibn Khalaf subjected him to brutal torture—placing heavy rocks on his chest under the scorching desert sun—to force him to renounce his faith. Bilal famously refused, repeating only “Ahad, Ahad” (“One, One”), affirming God’s oneness.

Abu Bakr, a wealthy companion of Muhammad, purchased and freed Bilal, who became one of the most honored early Muslims.