Bahlool and Convincing Harun

Harun al-Rashid requested that someone be appointed as a judge in Baghdad. His advisors all agreed, saying, “There is no one more just than Bahlul. He should be chosen.”

The caliph ordered that Bahlul be brought before him. After meeting with Bahlul, Harun offered him the position of judge in Baghdad. Bahlul replied, “I am not worthy of this position and I do not have the qualifications to carry out such a duty.”

Harun al-Rashid said, “All the great men of Baghdad have chosen you. How can it be that you refuse?”

Bahlul answered, “I am more aware of my own circumstances. This statement is either true or false. If it is true, then I am unworthy of the position for the reasons I have given. But if it is false, then a liar is not qualified to serve as a judge.”