Bahlool and the Unskilled Poet

One day, a foolish poet, riding a lame donkey, came to Bahlool. He stopped, quickly dismounted, and while mumbling some verses to himself, said joyfully, “Fortune has favored me, for I have found someone to ask about my problem.” Bahlool asked, “What is your problem?” The poet replied, “I am a poet, and my problem is understanding the meaning of ‘Jinas’ (a rhetorical device in poetry). I want to test my skill in using ‘Jinas,’ but I do not understand its meaning. Do you know anything about it?”

Bahlool said, “I have heard that ‘Jinas’ means similarity, where two words or more appear similar in form but have different meanings, like the two words ‘Naseem’ (breeze) and ‘Na Naseem’ (not a breeze) in this verse:

‘If the breeze of union arrives, I will give him the gift of life, not silver.’

Though the words sound similar, each one has a different meaning.”

The poet asked, “Is the opposite of this also possible?” Bahlool asked, “What do you mean?” The poet explained, “Can two things, or two words, be similar in meaning but look different on the surface?” Bahlool replied, “Yes, it is possible.” The poet asked for an example, and Bahlool pointed to the lame donkey, saying, “Look at this donkey and its rider. Though they appear different in form, they are actually of the same nature—they both share one common concept. Furthermore, if you look closely, they both have a similarity: they both limp—one from its legs, the other from its intellect.”

The poet, now understanding, thanked Bahlool and, excited to test his newfound understanding, mounted his donkey and said, “Yes, now I will go and try to apply what you have explained to me.”

This story highlights Bahlool’s wit and ability to use humor to convey wisdom. He cleverly explains a complicated concept, making it accessible through a humorous and relatable example.