Harun’s Question to Bahlool Regarding Imam Ali (Peace Be Upon Him)

One day, Harun al-Rashid came to Bahlul, in high spirits, and asked him, “Was Ali ibn Abi Talib superior to Abbas, the uncle of the Prophet, or was Ibn Abbas superior to Ali?”

Bahlul replied, “If I speak the truth, will I be safe?”

Harun answered, “You are safe.”

Bahlul then said, “Ali (Peace Be Upon Him) is the most virtuous after Muhammad ibn Abdullah, in fact, he is superior to all previous prophets. This is because he was a man of great virtue, living a life of nobility and true faith, embodying all noble traits, and never failing in his obedience to the divine commands. His unwavering belief was so strong that he considered his life, and even the lives of his children, insignificant in comparison to following God’s commands. In all the battles, he was always at the forefront, never turning his back on the enemy. When asked why he did not fear for his life during the battles, Ali (Peace Be Upon Him) replied, ‘My fight is for the religion of God, and there is no personal gain or desire in it. My life is in God’s hands, and if I die, it is for His cause, which is the greatest honor and bliss – to die in the way of God and to be in the company of the righteous.’”

Bahlul continued, “When Imam Ali became the leader of the Muslims, he did not enjoy rest. He spent all his time serving the affairs of the Muslims and worshiping God. Not even a single coin from the treasury was spent unnecessarily, and when his brother Aqil, who had a large family, asked for more than his rightful share from the public funds, Imam Ali refused. Aqil persisted, so Imam invited him to his house. When Aqil saw the humble living conditions of the caliph, he felt ashamed to continue asking.”

Bahlul added, “Imam Ali always instructed the rulers to treat the people justly and never tolerate oppression. If a ruler was found guilty of any injustice, he was swiftly removed from his position, no matter how close they were to him.”

Harun al-Rashid, moved by Bahlul’s words, asked, “With all this virtue and greatness, why was he killed?”

Bahlul replied, “Many men of truth and righteousness have been killed, such as David, Yahya (John the Baptist), and many other prophets and righteous people who fought in the way of God.”

Harun then asked, “Tell me about the killing of Ali (Peace Be Upon Him).”

Bahlul narrated, “It is reported by Imam Zayn al-Abidin (Peace Be Upon Him) that when Ibn Muljam planned to kill Ali (Peace Be Upon Him), he had a companion with him. That cursed man fell into a deep sleep, and when Imam Ali entered the mosque, he woke up those who were sleeping and urged them to start the prayer. When the prayer began and Imam Ali went into prostration, Ibn Muljam struck him on the head, in the same spot where Amr ibn Abd al-Wud had struck him in the battle. The blow caused a severe wound, and since the sword was poisoned, Imam Ali (Peace Be Upon Him) passed away three days later. In his final moments, he turned to his children and said, ‘If I am killed by this strike, do not avenge me with more than one blow, for the killer struck me once. Do not mutilate his body.’”

Bahlul continued, “He then lost consciousness, and upon regaining his senses, he said, ‘I saw the Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him) calling me, saying that tomorrow I will be with him.’ With these words, he passed away. At that moment, the sky darkened, the earth trembled, and the sound of praise and glorification was heard from the air, which all the people knew to be the voices of the angels.”