Bahlool and the Greek Physician

Harun al-Rashid invited a special physician from Greece to serve in his court. When the physician arrived in Baghdad, Harun welcomed him with great honor and respect. For several days, the dignitaries and prominent figures of Baghdad visited the physician.

On the third day, Bahlool also went to see the physician, accompanied by a few others. During the usual exchanges of pleasantries, Bahlool suddenly asked the physician, “What is your profession?”

The physician, knowing Bahlool’s reputation as a madman, decided to mock him and replied, “I am a doctor, and I can bring the dead back to life.”

Bahlool calmly responded, “Just don’t kill the living; your skill at reviving the dead can wait!”

This witty reply caused Harun and everyone present to burst into laughter. The physician, embarrassed, left Baghdad shortly after.