Page 15 The Islamic Bulletin Volume XXX No. 30 That is how Bilal came to be one of the best known heroes of Islamic history and he had a distinguished position among the Prophet’s companions. When the Prophet (S) proclaimed prophet hood, Bilal was 30 years old. He spent the remaining years of his life in the assistance of this Deen (religion). He was not only a Muezzin, but was granted the status of being the leader of the Muezzins. This is the beautiful story of how Bilal became Mu’adh-dhin-ur-Rasool, (The prayer caller of the Messenger of Allah). When the whole of Madinah wept at the death of the Prophet (S), Bilal was asked to make adhan before his burial. When he had to recite the Prophet’s (S) name, he sobbed so heavily that he could not continue. Bilal said, “By Allah, I will not say adhan anymore.” Hazrat Bilal was overcome with immense grief. This death had completely shattered his heart and in this state, he decided that he could no longer stay in Madinah. He then asked the Khalifah, Abu Bakr (RA), to allow him to go to Syria; he spent the rest of his life there. Bilal made adhan only twice after that time. The first was when Omar (RA) came to Syria. The second was when he visited the tomb of the Holy Prophet (S) in Madinah. Upon hearing his voice, people started to cry for it reminded them of the days of the Prophet (S). On his deathbed, Bilal’s last words were that he would be meeting his loved ones, Muhammad (S) and his Companions. Bilal was buried in Aleppo, Syria near ‘Babus sagheer.’ He was 64 years old. May Allah Ta’ala be pleased with him forever, Ameen. Barakah is a term that means an “increase” or “growth.” It is the establishment of divine goodness in something. It cannot be sensed by people, nor can it be outwardly quantified. It is not limited by anything, but rather it has an unexplainable increase and benefit in it from Allah (SWT). 1. Saying Bismillah When you say “Bismillah” before anything you do, you’re invoking the Name of Allah on that activity; not only will that activity be blessed but the Shaytaan cannot take part in it! So always say “Bismillah” before anything you do! 2. Good Intentions Before you begin anything, make sure you have good intentions for the sake of Allah (SWT). Your intentions should please and earn Allah’s mercy and barakah. 3. Piety and Belief in Allah Barakah in anything is only from Allah the Almighty and as Muslims we must truly believe in that it is He who can only bestow the blessings. Allah (SWT) in the Quran says: “And for those who fear Allah, He (ever) prepares a way out. And He provides for him from (sources) he never could imagine” (Surah Al-Talaq,Verses2-3). 4.Trust in Allah During hardships and tragedies, it is natural to become overpowered with our feelings and emotions. However, Islam teaches us to have full faith in Allah (SWT) and to trust in his plans. Allah says in the Quran: “And if any one puts his trust in Allah, sufficient is (Allah) for him. For Allah will surely accomplish his purpose. Verily, for all things has Allah appointed a due proportion” (Surah Al-Talaq, Verses3) 5. Reading the Holy Quran The Holy Quran is the last and final message of Almighty Allah (SWT) through His Prophet Muhammad (S), which guarantees success for mankind in this world and the life hereafter. It is important for us Muslims to gain the full barakah of the Holy Quran and to open the doors of spiritual satisfaction in the heart and soul. Allah says in the Quran: “And this is a Book which We have sent down, bringing blessings, and confirming (the revelations) which came before it…” (Surah Al-An’am, Verse 92). So read the Quran, and observe the blessings and barakah of Allah enter your life. The further we are from this book of guidance, the less barakah we will have in our lives. Important Reminder The verses of the Holy Qur’an and the traditions of the Prophet have been printed for the benefit of our readers. You are asked to ensure their sanctity. Therefore, they should be disposed of in the proper Islamic manner. Abbreviations Used Subhana Wa Tahala (SWT) - May Allah (God) be glorified and exalted Sallallahou alayhi wasallam (SAW); (or Alayhi Salam) AS; Peace Be Upon Him PBUH; = in Arabic these salutations are called Salawat - (Urdu: Durood)- this expression follows specifically after saying the name of the last prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Muhammed) R.A.; R.A.A. - Allah was pleased with him/her Rahimahullah or Allahu Yarhamu - May Allah pardon and forgive him Bukhari, Muslim, Sahih, Abu Dawoud, Tirmidhi, Nasa’i, Ibn Majah are the names of the transmiters of the Prophet’s (pbuh) Hadith and Sunnah (words and lifestyle.) Need to contact us? Web Address: www.islamicbulletin.org E-Mail: info@islamicbulletin.org Editor, Islamic Bulletin P.O. Box 410186 San Francisco, CA 94141-0186, USA
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