Bahlul’s Wisdom: The True Use of Harun’s Horse

A man once presented a noble and swift horse to Harun al-Rashid. Everyone at the court marveled at the horse’s beauty. Harun rewarded the man generously and dismissed him.

Then Harun turned to his courtiers and asked, “Do you know what this horse is best suited for?”

One courtier replied, “Your Majesty, you could ride it for a pilgrimage.”

Another said, “It would be perfect for delivering important messages.”

Yet another suggested, “You could use it during summer retreats.”

Amid the suggestions, Bahlul stood up and said, “This horse is best used for fleeing from a bad neighbor!”