Bilal ibn Rabah (Arabic: بلال بن رباح‎) or Bilal al-Habashi (580-640 AD) was a companion of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Originally an Abyssinian (Ethiopian) Arab, he was born in Mecca and is considered as the first muezzin chosen by the prophet himself. Bilal was among the emancipated slaves freed by Abu Bakr (see Muhammad's views on slavery) and was known for his beautiful voice with which he called people to their prayers. His name can also be known as, "Bilal ibn Riyah" or "ibn Rabah". He died sometime between 638 to 642, when he was just over sixty years old.