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As for convert slaves belonging to the unbelieving Koraysh, they received the worst and
harshest punishment for their standing was by far the weakest. Punishment such as
brutal beatings followed by depravation of food and water were common, but perhaps
the most severe punishment was that of being pinned down upon the scorching hot
sands of Mecca and leaving the slave to endure the blistering heat of the sun without the
relief of even a sip of water.

Some of the physically weaker converts were unable to endure their prolonged
punishment and forced to recant. However, their reversion was not from their heart, but
just noises made by their tongues. Those who remained undetected would offer their
prayers in secret, but there were many who did not have the privilege of privacy and
their grief at not being able to offer their prayers was considerable.

Bilal, the Son of Ribah

Amongst those who suffered the torture of the burning sands was Bilal, Hamamma and
Ribah's son, who had never known what it was like to be a freeman as he had been born
into slavery.