Bahlool’s Advice to Abdullah Mubarak

One day, Abdullah Mubarak, a famous scholar, went into the desert to seek Bahlool. When he found him, he saw Bahlool completely naked, chanting “Allah, Allah!” Abdullah approached and greeted him. Bahlool responded to the greeting, and Abdullah, out of respect, said, “O Sheikh, I beseech you to give me some advice on how I should live in this world so that I may avoid sin, for I am a sinner and cannot control my rebellious self. Show me a way to attain salvation through your blessed guidance.”

Bahlool replied, “Abdullah, I am lost and bewildered myself. What do you expect from me? If I had any wisdom, people wouldn’t call me mad. What weight do the words of a madman hold? Go seek someone wiser than me.”

Abdullah persisted, saying, “O Sheikh, a madman is often wise in his own way. The truth must be heard from even a madman. Please speak, and do not remain silent.”

Bahlool, seeing Abdullah’s sincere plea, finally lifted his head and said, “O Abdullah, I will give you advice on one condition: You must agree to four terms. If you adhere to them, I will share with you guidance that may lead you to salvation. Do you accept?”

Abdullah, eager for advice, said, “I accept. What are the conditions?”

Bahlool said: “The first condition is that when you sin, do not eat the provision that God has given you.” Abdullah, surprised, asked, “Then whose provision should I eat?” Bahlool replied, “How can you, a wise man, accept God’s provisions and then disobey His commands? Be fair with yourself. Is this the condition of true servitude?” Abdullah replied, “You are right. What is the second condition?”

Bahlool continued, “The second condition is that if you wish to sin, make sure you are not in God’s domain, for the earth belongs to God. Where can you go then?” Abdullah said, “This seems difficult, for everywhere is God’s domain.” Bahlool said, “Then how can it be that you consume His provisions, live in His realm, and still defy His commands? Judge for yourself. Is this the conduct of a true servant?” Abdullah said, “I accept this condition. What is the third condition?”

Bahlool answered, “The third condition is that if you wish to sin, hide somewhere where God cannot see you, and where He is unaware of your actions. Only then can you do whatever you wish.” Abdullah, troubled, said, “This is the most difficult condition of all. God is omniscient, and He is present everywhere, seeing and knowing all things.” Bahlool smiled and replied, “Then, as a wise man, you know that He is always present and watching. How can it be right that you eat His provisions, live in His domain, and yet disobey Him, knowing that He sees everything?” Abdullah said, “You are right. What is the fourth condition?”

Bahlool responded, “The fourth condition is that when the Angel of Death arrives to take your soul, you should tell him to wait so you can bid farewell to your family and prepare for your journey. Only then should he take your soul.” Abdullah, astonished, said, “This is the most difficult condition of all. When the Angel of Death comes, how can I ask him to wait?” Bahlool replied, “O wise man, you know that death is inevitable, and there is no escape from it. At the moment of death, the Angel of Death will give no respite, and you will have no time to prepare. As the Qur’an says, ‘When their appointed time comes, they cannot delay it for a moment, nor can they bring it forward.'”

Bahlool continued, “So, O Abdullah, listen to the words of a madman and wake up from the sleep of heedlessness. Beware of arrogance and intoxication, and focus on your hereafter. The path ahead is long and the time is short. Take from this life what you can for your afterlife, and do not delay, for tomorrow may never come. Seize today and do not neglect your hereafter, for tomorrow your wealth will be of no use to you.”

This story shows Bahlool’s profound wisdom in his simple and direct advice to Abdullah, urging him to live in accordance with God’s commands and to be mindful of the fleeting nature of life. His advice highlights the importance of sincere repentance, humility, and preparation for the afterlife.