Bahlool and the Foolish Philosophy of the Host

One day, Bahlool was traveling through a hot and desolate desert. After a long journey, he arrived at an oasis just as the sun was setting, and night was falling. A small hut appeared nearby, and Bahlool thought to himself, “Thank God, after such exhaustion, I can rest here for the night and recover from the weariness of the journey.” He went up to the door and knocked. A man answered the door, and Bahlool greeted him, saying, “Peace be upon you. I have traveled from dawn and am very tired. If you allow me to rest in your home tonight, I would be most grateful. I am even willing to pay you for your hospitality.”

The host replied, “O traveler, come in and rest in my home. I will not take any money from you, but I will ask you some questions. For each incorrect answer, I will slap you on the face. Will you accept this condition?” Bahlool, seeing no other place to stay in the desert, reluctantly agreed. He thought to himself, “I’m not as foolish as people say, and perhaps I can answer his questions correctly and avoid the slaps.”

The host prepared a hearty meal, and both of them sat down to eat. After the meal, the host turned to Bahlool and said, “Now it is time for me to ask my questions. Tell me, what is this?” He pointed to a cat sitting in the corner, dozing. Bahlool immediately answered, “A cat,” thinking how simple the question was. But the host slapped him and said, “No, it’s purity!” They both sat quietly. The host then pointed to a glass of water and asked, “What is this?” Bahlool quickly responded, “Water!” The host again slapped him, saying, “No, it’s goodness!”

Bahlool remained silent, pondering the situation. But the host was not done. He pointed to a fire and asked, “What is this?” Bahlool answered, “Fire!” The host slapped him again, saying, “No, it’s comfort!”

By now, Bahlool was beginning to lose his patience, but the host continued. He pointed to a storage room and asked, “What is this?” Bahlool replied, “A storage room!” The host slapped him once more, saying, “No, it’s heaviness!”

At this point, Bahlool could not tolerate it anymore. He stood up and said, “O host, may I go out to the yard and breathe some fresh air? Perhaps the heat inside is affecting my mind, and I may be able to think more clearly outside and give you the correct answers.” The host, opening the door for him, said, “Very well, go ahead, but don’t take too long!”

When Bahlool stepped outside, the cat followed him. Bahlool, now very angry, caught the cat, tied some dry leaves to its tail, and set the leaves on fire. The terrified cat ran up and entered the storage room.

Bahlool then returned to the room and said to the host, “Purity took comfort, and it carried it to heaviness. Now you take goodness and make it take comfort.” The host, confused and not understanding, stared at him and then yelled, “Tell me what you are trying to say!” Bahlool replied, “Is that all the wisdom you have?” He then slapped the host four times in quick succession and said, “Now your house is burning, and soon it will be ashes. Let this be a lesson for you not to indulge in such foolish philosophy!”

With that, Bahlool packed his things and left without looking back.

This story shows Bahlool’s sharp wit in dealing with foolishness and the absurdity of people who engage in empty, nonsensical philosophical debates. By using the host’s own logic, Bahlool demonstrates how easily things can be turned upside down when one engages in meaningless talk, ultimately teaching the host a lesson in humility and practicality.