Bahlool and the Chief of Police

The chief of police of Baghdad was boasting in a crowd, saying that no one had ever been able to deceive him. Bahlool, who was among the crowd, said to the chief, “Deceiving you is easy, but it’s not worth the trouble.” The chief replied, “You only say that because you can’t do it.” Bahlool responded, “Alas, I have an urgent task right now; otherwise, I would deceive you at this very moment.” The chief asked, “Would you be willing to go and return quickly to finish your task?” Bahlool said, “Yes. Stay here; I will return immediately.” Bahlool left and never returned. After two hours of waiting, the chief shouted, “This is the first time this madman has tricked me this way, wasting my time and keeping me from my work!”

These tales highlight Bahlool’s wit, humor, and wisdom, often using irony or cleverness to convey deeper moral lessons.