Harun’s Question About Amin and Mamun

One day, Bahlool went to Harun al-Rashid’s palace, and along the way, Harun saw him. Harun asked, “Bahlool, where are you going?” Bahlool replied, “I was coming to you.” Harun said, “I am going to the school to see how my sons, Amin and Mamun, are doing. If you would like, you can come with me.”

Bahlool agreed, and they both entered the school. However, Amin and Mamun were outside for a moment. Harun asked the teacher questions about his sons. The teacher said, “Amin, who is the son of Zubayda, is very dull and unobservant, while Mamun is sharp-witted and intelligent.” Harun did not believe it. The teacher then secretly placed a piece of paper under the rug where Mamun sat and a brick under the rug where Amin sat. After a few minutes, Amin and Mamun returned and sat down respectfully when they saw their father.

As soon as Mamun sat down, he looked around thoughtfully, staring at the ceiling and the surroundings. The teacher asked Mamun, “What is it that you’re thinking so deeply about?” Mamun replied, “Since I left the school and sat down, either the ground has risen the height of a piece of paper, or the ceiling has lowered by the same amount.” The teacher then asked Amin if he felt anything similar. Amin replied, “I don’t feel anything.”

The teacher smiled and dismissed both boys. After Amin and Mamun left, the teacher turned to Harun and said, “Thank God, my words have been proven true.” Harun asked, “Do you know why that is?” Bahlool responded, “If you give me protection, I will explain.” Harun said, “You are safe. Tell me everything you know.”

Bahlool replied, “The intelligence and agility of children are determined by two factors. The first is if the man and woman come together with a full, natural desire and passion, their child will be sharp and intelligent. The second factor is if the man and woman are of different bloodlines and races, their child will be more intelligent and strong. This is seen in trees and animals as well. For example, if two fruit trees are grafted together, the fruit on the grafted branch becomes superior. Similarly, if a donkey and a horse mate, their offspring, the mule, is very intelligent, strong, and agile. Therefore, Amin lacks sharpness because both the Caliph and Zubayda are from the same bloodline. Mamun, who is intelligent and sharp, takes after his mother, who comes from a different lineage than the Caliph’s.”

Harun laughed and said, “What can we expect from a madman but this?” However, the teacher silently agreed with Bahlool’s explanation.

These stories again highlight Bahlool’s wisdom, humor, and sharp wit, often illustrating deeper truths in a lighthearted and sometimes playful manner.