Bahlool and the Throne of the Caliph

One day, Bahlool entered Harun al-Rashid’s palace and noticed the throne of the caliph unoccupied. Without hesitation, he boldly approached and sat upon it. The palace guards, shocked by his audacity, quickly descended upon him, beating him with sticks and whips until they dragged him off the throne.

When Harun arrived and saw Bahlool disheveled and crying, he asked the guards, “Why is Bahlool crying?”

The guards explained, “He sat on your throne, so we removed him.”

Harun scolded them for their harshness and consoled Bahlool. However, Bahlool turned to Harun and said, “I am not crying for myself but for you. I sat on your throne for just a few moments and endured so much pain and suffering. You, who have sat on this throne for a lifetime—how much torment and hardship must await you in this world and the next! Yet you seem oblivious to your actions and the consequences of your deeds.”

Bahlool’s profound words left Harun reflecting on the heavy responsibility of leadership and the accountability he would face in the hereafter. Once again, Bahlool used his wit and fearlessness to convey a powerful reminder to the caliph.