ABSTRACT
Afterwards Abu Bakr saw him privately and counselled him. ‘ Conceal your belief from the Jews. God knows all secrets.
Hide your desire.* ‘ I repent here before your Excellence,* Bilal answered. Next day early Abu Bakr was hurrying through that same
quarter upon some business, when again he heard the cries of ‘ One!* and the swish of the scourge of thorns. Sparks and flames of anguish blazed up in his heart. Again he counselled Bilal, and Bilal again repented; but passionate love came and consumed his repentance.
