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Some moments in our history touch the deepest corners of our hearts, stories of love and devotion that transcend time.

After the passing of the Prophet ﷺ, Medina became a place of overwhelming memories for Bilal (RA).

Every street, every corner echoed with reminders of the one he loved most.

The weight of these memories was too heavy to bear, so Bilal (RA) asked the Caliph Abu Bakr (RA) permission to leave Medina, eventually settling in the lands of Sham near Damascus.

He tried to build a new life there, even marrying, but the ache in his heart remained.

One night, Bilal (RA) awoke with tears streaming down his face.

Concerned, his wife asked, "What troubles you, my husband?"

With a voice filled with longing, he replied, "I saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ in my dream.

He said to me,

'What is this distance, O Bilal? Hasn't the time come for you to visit us?'"

Without hesitation, Bilal (RA) set off on the journey back to Medina, his soul eager to reconnect with the city that held so many cherished memories.

The Return to Medina

Upon his arrival, all the Companions welcomed him warmly.

Abu Bakr (RA) embraced him and gently requested, "O Bilal, would you honor us by calling the Adhan, as you did during the time of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ?"

Bilal's (RA) eyes filled with tears as he replied, "I cannot, O Khalifah. Since the passing of the Prophet ﷺ, my voice cannot bear it."

Just then, the grandsons of the Prophet ﷺ, Hasan and Husayn (RA), approached him smiling.

They hugged him tightly, and Bilal (RA) could sense the familiar fragrance of the Prophet ﷺ emanating from them.

They joined in and pleaded, "Please call the Adhan for us, just as you used to during our grandfather's time."

Faced with their heartfelt request, Bilal's (RA) resolve softened.

How could he refuse the beloved grandsons of the Prophet ﷺ?

An Adhan That Reverberated Through Hearts

As Bilal (RA) ascended to the spot where he once regularly called the Adhan, a hush fell over the Masjid.

The familiar silhouette stirred memories long held close.

Then, his voice broke the silence:

"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar..."

Throughout Madinah, those in their homes paused, their disbelief and nostalgia washing over them. It was a voice they hadn't heard since the days when the Prophet ﷺ walked among them.

"Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar..."

Merchants stopped mid-transaction, their hands suspended over their goods. Workers left their tasks unfinished, and even those in their homes dropped whatever they were doing.

"Ashadu an la ilaha illallah..."

Doors swung open. People left their homes and shops, flooding into the streets. Men and women alike hurried towards the source of the call, their faces a mix of shock and hopeful anticipation.

Bilal (RA) repeated:

"Ashadu an la ilaha illallah..."

Whispers spread rapidly: "Could it be? Has the Messenger of Allah returned? Is he among us again?"

The crowd moved as one, everyone’s eyes filled with tears. They made their way toward the mosque with memories and longing.

As Bilal (RA) continued, his own tears flowed freely down his cheeks.

"Ashadu anna Muhammadan Rasulullah..."

His voice quivered. The weight of those words, the memories they carried, became overwhelming.

Bilal's (RA) voice broke, and he began to weep uncontrollably, unable to continue the Adhan.

At that moment, the realization settled over Medina.

Their beloved Prophet ﷺ had not returned.

The people stood where they were, tears streaming down their faces.

A wave of emotion swept through the crowd as they collectively remembered the days illuminated by his presence.

The streets of Medina filled with the sounds of weeping—not of despair, but of a deep, shared love and yearning.

Men and women cried openly, their hearts connected by a love more profound than any other.

Not since the day the Prophet ﷺ departed from this world had Medina witnessed such collective sorrow or had the people wept so openly.

A City United in Love and Longing

That day, Medina was enveloped in a profound shared emotion.

Bilal's (RA) Adhan had reopened a well of love in every heart.

It wasn't merely about missing the physical presence of the Prophet ﷺ; it was about the guidance, the compassion, and the light he brought into their lives—a light that continued to shine in their hearts.

May Allah bless us with hearts that are filled with love for the Prophet ﷺ. May we be among those who remember him and strive to live by his exemplary character.

Today is the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal, a day commemorating the birth—and, according to some traditions, also the passing—of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.

Let's honor the Prophet's ﷺ teachings by extending our hands to those in need. Together, we can help rebuild lives and bring comfort to our community.

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