Written for children eight and above, this story tells the life of Bilal, the first muezzin of Islam. Bilal was originally an Ethiopian, a black man, and a slave. But he was freed by Abu Bakr, who went on the be the first Muslim caliph, and the Prophet Muhammad made him the first muezzin – the man who calls the faithful to prayer – because of his beautiful voice. Bilal thus went from slavery to one of the most public roles of the new and growing religion. This beautifully illustrated book, with original drawings by Angela Desira, reveals the story behind the haunting call to prayer.

First Published 17th September 2009 by Kube Publishing