Bahlool and the Pilgrimage to Karbala

It is narrated that during the reign of Al-Mutawakkil Abbasi, a caliph notorious for his intense hostility towards the Ahlul Bayt (peace be upon them), he ordered the destruction of the holy shrine of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him). He commanded that the site be plowed over and water from the Alqama River be diverted to obliterate every trace of the sacred grave. The caliph even sanctioned the killing of pilgrims who dared to visit the site.

When news of this desecration reached a righteous man named Zaid, known as “Zaid the Madman” despite his profound intellect and piety, he was overcome with sorrow. Driven by grief and love for the Ahlul Bayt, Zaid set out from Egypt, traveling barefoot and wandering aimlessly until he reached Kufa, where Bahlool resided.

Upon finding Bahlool, Zaid greeted him with warmth and respect. Surprised, Bahlool asked, “How do you know me when you have never seen me before?”

Zaid replied, “The hearts of believers are like soldiers. When they are aligned in faith, they find one another. When they differ, they remain distant.”

Bahlool then inquired, “Why have you left your city without a mount or provisions?”

Zaid explained, “I heard the tragic news that the cursed Mutawakkil has destroyed the shrine of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) and is killing those who visit it. This sorrow drove me from my home, and my tears have not ceased since.”

Bahlool responded, “I, too, am distressed and bewildered by this news.”

Zaid then said, “Come, let us journey together to Karbala and pay our respects to the shrine of the children of Ali al-Murtadha (peace be upon him).”

The two set out and eventually arrived in Karbala. To their astonishment and joy, the shrine of Imam Hussain (peace be upon him) remained untouched. Whenever the diverted water neared the grave, the earth miraculously rose, protecting the sacred site by the will of God. Witnessing this divine sign, Zaid turned to Bahlool and recited the Quranic verse:
“They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths, but Allah refuses except to perfect His light.” (Surah At-Tawbah: 32)

This journey reaffirmed their faith and demonstrated that the sanctity of divine truth cannot be obliterated by worldly oppression. The resilience of Imam Hussain’s legacy, even in the face of tyranny, became a living testament to the power of God’s will and the enduring light of righteousness.