Bahlool and the Palace of Al-Mutawakkil

One day, Bahlool visited the palace of Al-Mutawakkil, who proudly asked him, “What do you think of my grand palace? Is it good or bad?”

Bahlool replied, “It is good, but only if it did not have two flaws.”

Curious, Al-Mutawakkil asked, “What are those two flaws?”

Bahlool answered, “If it has been built from lawful wealth, then it is an act of extravagance, and God does not love the extravagant. The Quran says:
‘And it is He who produces gardens trellised and untrellised, and date palms, and crops of different kinds of food, and olives, and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Eat of their fruit when it yields, and give its due on the day of its harvest. And do not be extravagant. Indeed, He does not like the extravagant.’ (Surah Al-An’am: 141)

And also:
‘O children of Adam, take your adornment at every masjid and eat and drink, but do not be extravagant. Indeed, He does not like the extravagant.’ (Surah Al-A’raf: 31)

“If, however, it has been built from unlawful wealth, then you are guilty of betrayal, and God does not love traitors. The Quran says:
‘If you fear treachery from a people, throw their treaty back to them on equal terms. Indeed, Allah does not like the treacherous.’ (Surah Al-Anfal: 58)

“So if this palace has been built with wealth gained through betrayal or oppression, you have betrayed the people, and betrayal is detestable in the sight of God.”

Bahlool’s words struck deeply, highlighting the importance of accountability in leadership and the morality of wealth. Al-Mutawakkil, though initially proud, was left pondering the wisdom of Bahlool’s admonition, realizing the spiritual and ethical responsibilities of his position.