Bahlool and His Friend

A man who was once a close friend of Bahlool went to the mill with some wheat, had it ground into flour, and loaded it onto his donkey. As he neared Bahlool’s house, the donkey suddenly became lame and fell to the ground.

The man, knowing Bahlool well, called out to him and asked for help, requesting that Bahlool take his donkey and deliver the load to his home.

Bahlool, who had sworn never to lend his donkey to anyone, replied, “The donkey is not mine.”

Just then, the donkey brayed loudly.

The man said, “Your donkey is right here at home, and yet you say it’s not yours.”

Bahlool responded, “What a foolish friend you are! You’ve been my companion for fifty years, and you don’t believe what I say, but you believe the words of a donkey!”