An Outline of Early Islamic History — Page 32
32 In one corner he built a shed or suffa for the poor refugees, the Muhajirs. They were without means. The Prophet provided victuals, often starving himself to feed them. The Ansars brought them dates and other eatables. They lived a life of prayer and devotion. They kept the Prophet’s company da y and night. The Prophet’s mosque was his court, his prayer - hall, and his council room. Here he trained soldiers and here he kept his prisoners of war. Here he received embassies. The call to prayer was simple in the beginning. Later the present Azan became the call for the five daily prayers and Bilal, an African convert, became the first Moazzin (caller). The Prophet gave the first place to prayer in all the duties. This, he said, was the badge of a Muslim, which distinguished him from others and led the faithful to the summit of true felicity.