Bahlool’s Reminder to Harun al-Rashid

One day, Bahlool stood on a path where Harun al-Rashid’s caravan was passing by. As the caliph approached, Bahlool called out loudly, three times, “Harun! Harun! Harun!”

Startled by the audacity, Harun drew aside the curtain of his carriage and demanded, “Who dares call my name in such a manner?”

His attendants replied, “It is Bahlool, the madman.” Intrigued, Harun called him over and asked, “Do you know who I am?”

Bahlool replied, “Yes, I know you. You are the one whom God will hold accountable on the Day of Judgment if anyone is wronged in the farthest east of this vast kingdom, even if you are in the farthest west. Why? Because you claim to be the ruler, entrusted with safeguarding the security and well-being of the people.”

Harun was deeply moved by Bahlool’s words and began to weep. Seeking guidance, he asked, “What do you think of my current state?”

Bahlool answered with a verse from the Quran:
“Indeed, the righteous will be in bliss, and indeed, the wicked will be in Hell.” (Surah Infitar: 13-14)

Harun, troubled, asked, “Then what about all the good deeds we do?”

Bahlool replied with another verse:
“Indeed, God accepts only from the righteous.” (Surah Maidah: 27)

Harun continued, “What about God’s vast mercy?”

Bahlool responded:
“Indeed, the mercy of God is close to the doers of good.” (Surah A’raf: 56)

Harun then asked, “And what of our kinship and relation to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)?”

Bahlool replied with yet another verse:
“Then, when the trumpet is blown, there will be no kinship among them that day, nor will they ask about one another.” (Surah Mu’minun: 101)
He added, “On that day, it will not be about lineage; only your deeds will be questioned.”

Harun, feeling increasingly anxious, asked, “What about the intercession of the Prophet for his nation?”

Bahlool answered, quoting:
“On that day, no intercession will benefit except for those whom the Merciful allows, and whose words He approves.” (Surah Taha: 109)

Finally, Harun, overwhelmed by Bahlool’s wisdom, asked, “Do you have any requests that I can fulfill for you?”

Bahlool replied, “Yes, forgive my sins and grant me entry into Paradise.”

Harun sighed, “That is not within my power. However, if you have any debts, I can pay them for you.”

Bahlool smiled and replied,
“Debt cannot be repaid with more debt. Return the wealth you have taken from the people to its rightful owners.”

Harun, humbled and chastened by Bahlool’s sharp yet profound words, remained silent. Through his fearless wit and deep understanding, Bahlool reminded the mighty caliph of the responsibilities of power, the fleeting nature of worldly life, and the eternal importance of righteousness and accountability.