Haroun Rashid's Questions and Bahlool's Answers

Haroun Rashid was returning from his journey to Hajj, and Bahlool was waiting for him on the side of the road. As soon as he saw Haroun, he loudly said three times, “Haroun! Haroun! Haroun!”

The Khalifa asked, “Who is this caller?”

The people said, “It is Bahlool.”

Haroun called Bahlool. When he came near him, the Khalifa asked, “Who am I?”

“You are that person who is responsible when other people oppress a weak person.”

Haroun started crying at this and said, “You spoke truly. Now request something form me.”

“My request is that you forgive my sins and permit me into Heaven.”

“This is beyond my control; on the other hand, I can pay your debts.”

“A debt can't be fulfilled by another debt; because you yourself are indebted to the public. Thus, return to the public their wealth. It is not decent or elegant of you to give me the wealth of others.”

The Khalifa then said, “I give the order to grant you some assets, which will be guarded, as the means of your livelihood so you can pass your life with comfort and ease.”

“We are all servants of Allah and receive salary from Him; is it possible that He may give you subsistence and forget about me?”

reference : http://www.al-islam.org/stories-of-bahlool-translated-by-kubra-jafri/haroun-rashids-questions-and-bahlools-answers

Haroun Rashid's Question About Ameen and Mamoon

One day Bahlool was going to Haroun's palace, but they coincidentally met each other. Haroun asked, “ Bahlool, where are you going?”

“I was going towards you.”

Haroun said, “I want to go to school so I can closely observe Ameen and Mamoon. If you want, you can also come with me.”

Bahlool agreed and went to school with Haroun, but at that time Ameen and Mamoon had gone outside with the teacher's permission.

Haroun asked particular questions about Ameen and Mamoon. The teacher said, “Ameen is the son of the chief of Arab women, Zubaydah, but he is very foolish and stupid. Contrarily, Mamoon is very understanding, intelligent, and full of dignity.”

Haroun said, “I don't believe you.”

The teacher put a piece of paper under the sheet of the place where Mamoon sat and a brick under Ameen's seat. A few moments later Mamoon and Ameen entered. As soon as they saw their father, they paid their respects and sat down at their places. Mamoon worriedly glanced at the ceiling, and looked to his right and left.

The teacher asked him, “What has happened to you that you are so worried?”

Mamoon answered, “From the time I left school till when I returned, either the floor got one (width of a) paper higher, or the ceiling got that much lower. Briefly, my seat is a piece of paper higher.”

Then the teacher asked Ameen, “Do you feel like that too?”

Ameen answered, “I don't feel anything at all.”

The teacher laughed, and sent the two outside again. After they left, he said to Haroun, “Thanks be to Allah that I proved my statement in front of you.”

The Khalifa said, “At least tell the reason why.”

Bahlool said, “If I get assurance of my life, I will narrate the reason.”

“I assure you. Tell whatever you know.”

Bahlool said, “There are two reasons why children are bright and intelligent. The first reason is that when a man and a woman meet with mutual love, then their child is clever, bright, and intelligent. The second reason is that when a man and a woman keep connections with (people of) different blood and race, then their child becomes wise, intelligent, and keen. This is exactly what has been experienced in the case of trees and animals; if a fruit tree is grafted with another fruit-bearing tree, then their offspring will be very delicious and refined. Also, if two animals; for example, a donkey and a horse, are bred together, then they have a mule, which is very strong, sharp, and smart.

Therefore, the lack of understanding in Ameen is because the Khalifa and Zubaydah are of one blood and lineage; but Mamoon is very bright and intelligent because his mother is of a different blood and family; and in this respect, very different from the Khalifa.”

The Khalifa laughed at Bahlool's answer and said, “You can't expect more than this from a lunatic.”

But the teacher believed Bahlool with all his heart.

reference : http://www.al-islam.org/stories-of-bahlool-translated-by-kubra-jafri/haroun-rashids-question-about-ameen-and-mamoon

Haroun Rashid and a Hunter

The Khalifa was playing chess with his wife Zubaydah one Eid day. Bahlool came near them, sat down, and watched the game. A hunter saluted them by kissing the floor. He had brought the Khalifa a very good and fat fish.

Haroun happened to be drunk at that time. He gave the order to give the hunter 4,000 dirhams as reward. Zubaydah criticized Haroun, “This amount is a lot for the hunter because everyday you have to give rewards in the forts and cities; and when you give them less than this amount they will say that they are not equal to a hunter; and if you give them more, the government treasury will be empty in a few days.”

Haroun liked Zubaydah's thought, so he asked “Now what do I do?”

“Call the hunter and ask him if the fish is a male or female. If he says it is female, say you don't like it; if he says it is male, again say you don't like it. Helpless, he will go; take his fish and reward away.”

Bahlool said to Haroun, “Don't be deceived by a woman. Don't depress the hunter.”

But Haroun didn't listen. He called the hunter and asked, “Is the fish male or female?” The hunter kissed the floor and said, “This fish is neither male nor female, actually, it is an eunuch.”

Haroun was happy with his answer. He gave the order to give him 4,000 dirhams more as reward. The hunter took them and put them in his purse. But when he was descending the palace stairs, one of the dirhams fell out on the floor; the hunter bent and picked it up. Zubaydah said to Haroun, “How low-natured is this person that he can't even part with one dirham.”

Haroun thought this behavior was bad, so he called him. Again Bahlool said, “Don't stop him.”

But Haroun didn't agree. He called the hunter and said, “How low and base is your heart that you are not ready to let the slaves have one dirham from such an amount.”

The hunter saluted again and said, “I am not base, but know how to value grace. That is why I picked up the dirham. On one side is a Quranic verse and on the other side the Khalifa's honorable and illustrious name is engraved. If it is left on the ground, then it is certain that it will come underfoot, and this is disrespectful.”

The Khalifa again became very happy and gave the order to give the hunter another 4,000 dirhams as reward.

Bahlool said, “Didn't I say don't stop him?”

Haroun said, “I am crazier than you because you stopped me three times, but I did not listen to you. By following this woman, I suffered this loss.”

Haroun Rashid's Anger and Bahlool's Forgiveness

Haroun hired a spy to ascertain Bahlool's religion and faith. A few days later the spy informed Haroun, that, according to his inquiry, Bahlool is among the friends of the Ahlul Bayt and Musa bin Jafar's very particular and faithful followers.

So Haroun called Bahlool and said, “I have heard that you are amongst the friends and lovers of Musa bin Jafar and do propaganda about his right and against me. To save your self from punishment, you have become insane.”

“If that is so, then how will you treat me?”

At this Haroun could not control his anger, and, while in this mood, ordered his slave Masroor to, “Take Bahlool's clothes off and put a donkey's saddle on his back. Put the donkey's rein in his mouth, then parade him in the palaces and their surroundings. After that, cut his head off in front of me.”

Masroor took Bahlool's clothes off; put a saddle on him, reins in his mouth, and marched him in the palaces' surroundings. Then he presented Bahlool to Haroun in that condition, so as to kill him.

Coincidentally, Jafar Barmaki was present at this time. He saw Bahlool's state and asked, “ Bahlool! What was your mistake?”

“Since I told the truth, the Khalifa gave me his own garments as a reward.”

Haroun Rashid, Jafar, and all those present laughed very much at Bahlool's answer. Then Haroun forgave Bahlool and ordered the donkey's saddle and rein to be taken off of him, and to bring nice clothes for him.

But Bahlool did not accept the clothes. He picked up his tattered clothes and left Haroun's palace.

reference : http://www.al-islam.org/stories-of-bahlool-translated-by-kubra-jafri/haroun-rashids-anger-and-bahlools-forgiveness

Haroun Asks Bahlool for Advice

One day Haroun was passing by on his way somewhere when he saw Bahlool riding a stick (as if it were a horse) and running with children. He called Bahlool who asked, “What do you want?”

Haroun said, “Criticize me.”

Bahlool said, “Look at the palaces and graves of previous Khalifas with the mind's eye. This is a great warning. You know very well that these people pass a length of time in their palaces with pleasure and enjoyment, pride and delight. Many regret and grieve over their bad deeds, and are shameful, but know nothing can be a remedy. Know that we are also hurriedly approaching these consequences.”

Bahlool's advice made Haroun uneasy. He asked, “What should I do that would make Allah happy with me?”

“That deed by which Allah's creations would be happy with you.”

“What should I do that Allah's creations would be happy with me?”

“Become just and equitable. What you don't think proper for yourself, don't think suitable for others. Listen patiently to the pleas and requests of the oppressed. Give answers nobly, prove yourself true to favors, rule with justice, and give just decisions.”

“Well done Bahlool! You have given very good advice. I give the order to fulfill your debts.”

“Debt from debt is never fulfilled. Today whatever is under your control is the public's wealth, shower it upon them and do not favor me.”

“Then request something else from me.”

“My request is that you follow my advice, but it is sad that this world's majesty and splendor has made your heart so hard that my advice will have no effect upon you.”

Then Bahlool shook his stick and said, “Move away! My horse kicks!” He remounted his stick and ran away.

reference : http://www.al-islam.org/stories-of-bahlool-translated-by-kubra-jafri/haroun-asks-bahlool-advice

Bahlool's Discussion with a Faqih

t is said that a famous Faqih of Khorasan came to Baghdad. When Haroun heard of this, he invited the Faqih to his court. He was respectfully welcomed and was seated next to Haroun and treated very importantly by Haroun. During their conversation, Bahlool arrived. Haroun told him to take a seat. The Faqih took one look at Bahlool and said to Haroun, “The Khalifa's favors and likes are strange that he likes an ordinary man and seats him close to himself.”

Bahlool understood that the Faqih was talking about him, so with all his might he turned to that man and said, “Don't be arrogant about your worthless knowledge, and don't judge my looks. I am ready to debate with you and prove to the Khalifa that you don't know anything.”

The Faqih replied, “I have heard you are insane and I won't have anything to do with crazy people.”

“I confess my insanity, but you don't acknowledge your misunderstanding.”

Haroun Rashid looked at Bahlool angrily and told him to be quiet, but Bahlool didn't listen to him and said, “If that person is so confident about his knowledge, then he should debate.”

Haroun said to the Faqih, “What is the difficulty? Ask Bahlool some question.”

He replied, “I am ready on one condition, which is that I will ask Bahlool something. If he gives a correct answer, I will give him 1,000 dinars (gold coins). If he can't answer, he will give me 1,000 dinars.

Bahlool said, “I don't have anything of worldly wealth, not even gold dinars, but I am ready; when I answer your question, I will take the money and distribute it among paupers. If I can't answer, then I will attend to you as a servant and slave.”

The man accepted these conditions and asked Bahlool, “In a house a wife is sitting with her lawful husband. In that house one person is praying Salat (prayer) and another is fasting. Someone from outside enters the house. Because of his coming, the husband and wife become unlawful for each other, the prayers and fasts also become unlawful. Can you tell me who is the person that came?”

Bahlool immediately answered, “The man that entered the house was the woman's first husband, who had gone on a journey. When a very long time had passed since he left, and news was received that he had died; according to the permission of Shariah, the woman married the man sitting next to her. She hired two people; one to fulfill her dead husband's overdue, unfulfilled prayers, and another to fulfill tardy fasts. During this time the man who had gone on the journey returned, although news of his death was widespread. Therefore, the other husband becomes unlawful as do the prayers and fasts.”

Haroun and those present became confident and praised Bahlool for solving the problem correctly. Then Bahlool said, “Now it's my turn to ask a question.”

The Faqih said, “Ask.”

Bahlool asked, “I have one jar of honey and a second full of vinegar. I want to prepare the refreshing drink Sikanjebeen. I fill one bowl with honey and another with vinegar. To make Sikanjebeen, I mix them both together. Afterwards I see that there is a mouse in it. Can you tell me if the mouse was in the honey or the vinegar jar?”

The Faqih thought for a long time, but was unsuccessful in answering.

Haroun said to Bahlool, “Now, you give the answer.”

Bahlool replied, “If this person accepts his inferior knowledge I will answer the question.”

Helpless, the Faqih confessed his inferiority.

Bahlool replied, “We should take the mouse out, wash it with water, and after it is cleaned of honey and vinegar, cut its stomach open. If the stomach contains vinegar, then believe that it fell in the vinegar jar. If it contains honey, accept that it fell in the honey.”

The entire assembly was astonished at Bahlool's intelligence and knowledge, and praised him a lot. The Faqih bowed his head, and according to the deal, Bahlool distributed the 1,000 dinars amongst Baghdad's poor.

reference : http://www.al-islam.org/stories-of-bahlool-translated-by-kubra-jafri/bahlools-discussion-faqih

Bahlool Criticizes Haroun

One day Bahlool was near Haroun. He said, “O Bahlool! Criticize me.”

Bahlool said, “O Haroun! If there is no water in the desert, you are attacked by severe thirst, and near death; what would you give for one gulp of refreshing water?”

“Gold dinars.”

“What if the master of the water does not agree to give water for dinars? Then what will you give?”

“I will give half of my kingdom.”

“After drinking the water, you get that illness in which you can't urinate. Now what will you give that One Who will cure this illness of yours?”

Haroun answered, “ The remaining half of my kingdom.”

Bahlool said, “Then don't give importance to this kingdom for it is not worth more than a drink of water. Isn't it proper that you do good with Allah's creations?”

reference: http://www.al-islam.org/stories-of-bahlool-translated-by-kubra-jafri/bahlool-criticizes-haroun

Bahlool and the Sage in Haroun Rashid's Court

Haroun sent for a certain sage of Greece. When he came, Haroun greeted him with majesty, splendor, and respect. For a few days court rulers and the great men of Baghdad came to see this philosopher. On the third day Bahlool also went with some people. In the middle of the formal and petty talk, Bahlool suddenly asked him, “ What kind of work do you do?”

The sage was aware of Bahlool's insanity, so he wanted to make him look like a fool. He answered, “I am a philosopher and I awaken the dead (people's minds).”

Bahlool replied, “Don't kill those (minds) that are alive (by giving wrong ideas). Reawakening the dead (people's minds) is your compensation for that.”

Haroun and his courtiers laughed a lot at Bahlool's answer, and the sage shamefully left Baghdad.

Reference : http://www.al-islam.org/stories-of-bahlool-translated-by-kubra-jafri/bahlool-and-sage-haroun-rashids-court

Bahlool Sits on Haroun Rashid's Throne

One day a Baghdadi businessman met Bahlool and said, “Sir Shaykh Bahlool! Give me advice as to what I should buy that would benefit me most.”

Bahlool replied, “Iron and cotton.”

The man went away and bought a lot of iron and cotton and stocked them. After a few months, he sold them and gained a lot of profit. Again he met Bahlool and said, “O Crazy Bahlool! What should I buy that would profit me?”

This time Bahlool told him to buy onions and watermelons. The businessman went and bought his entire savings worth of onions and watermelons. Just a few days later, they all rotted and caused a lot of harm. He immediately sought out Bahlool and said, “ When I first asked you for advice, you said buy iron and cotton. I profited a lot from this, but the second time what kind of advice did you give me! All my wealth was destroyed!”

Bahlool said, “The first day you addressed me as Shaykh Bahlool, and since you addressed me as an intelligent person, I advised you according to my wisdom. The second time you called me Crazy Bahlool, so I advised you like a crazy person.”

The businessman was ashamed of his behavior and understood Bahlool well.