Bahlool and the Rude Merchant

One day, a merchant from Baghdad met Bahlool in the market and said, “O Wise Bahlool, what goods should I buy to earn a great profit?”

Bahlool replied, “Buy iron and cotton.”

The merchant followed Bahlool’s advice, purchased iron and cotton, stored them, and after a few months, sold them for a large profit.

Some time later, the merchant met Bahlool again. This time, he mockingly said, “O Crazy Bahlool, what should I buy now to make a profit?”

Bahlool replied, “Buy onions and watermelons.”

The merchant, taking his advice, invested all his capital in onions and watermelons, storing them in a warehouse. However, within a short time, the produce rotted, and he suffered a huge loss.

Angry, the merchant went to Bahlool and said, “The first time I sought your advice, you told me to buy iron and cotton, and I made a profit. But this time, your suggestion ruined me! Why?”

Bahlool calmly replied, “The first time you addressed me as ‘Sheikh Bahlool’ and treated me with respect, so I gave you advice based on wisdom. The second time, you called me ‘Crazy Bahlool,’ so I gave you advice befitting a madman.”

The merchant, ashamed, understood the lesson.