my faith
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ISLAM
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Bilal [r] was whipped at night and,
with the cuts thus received, made to
lie on the burning ground day after
day to make him either leave Islam
or die a slow death from all the
wounds.
The torturers would get tired and
take turns and compete with one
another in afflicting more and more
painful punishment, but Bilal [r]
would not leave his faith. At last Abu
Bakr [r] bought his freedom, and
Bilal [r] became a free Muslim.
From this time onwards, Bilal [r]
would accompany the Prophet
Muhammad [s] assisting him in his
work and learning about his mes-
sage. When the Prophet ordered
some of his Companions to migrate
to Madinah, Bilal [r] was amongst
them. They were treated as broth-
ers by the good people there, who
welcomed lovingly all those who
had emigrated in the way of Allah to
their city.
