Bahlool
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Bahlool was the common name of Wahab bin Amr (واهب ابن امر), a companion of the seventh Imam in the Shia Islamic tradition, Imam Musa Kadim. He lived in the time of the Caliph Harun Al-Rashid. Bahlool was a well known judge and scholar who came from a wealthy background.
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[edit] Becoming Bahlool
Harun had begun a crackdown against the followers of Imam Kadhim, who was at the time in prison. Wahab and a few others met the Imam and sought advice. The Imam replied with the simple Arabic letter 'Jeem'. Each of these companions took their own interpretation of the letter: Jala-ul-watan (exile), jabl (refuge in the mountains), and for Bahlool junoon (insanity).
The next day he left his wealthy life, wearing rags and came into the streets. He played in the streets with little kids using sticks and other objects. He was soon given the name Bahlool by the people of Baghdad.
[edit] Stories of Bahlool
One day Bohlool was sitting at the corner of the river, and since he was useless, he was making some flower beds like the children were. Haroun Rashid's wife Zubaydah happened to cross by. When she came near Bohlool, she asked, "Bohlool! What are you doing?" Bohlool answered, "Making Paradise." "Do you sell the gardens you have?" "Yes, I sell them." "For how many dinars?" "For 100 dinars." Since Zubaydah wanted to help Bohlool in any way she could, she immediately ordered her servant to give Bohlool 100 dinars, which he did. Bohlool said, "You don't want a receipt?" "Write it and bring it." Saying this, Zubaydah went her way. Bohlool distributed that money among the poor. In a dream that night, Zubaydah saw a big garden, the like of which she had never seen when awake. All of its houses and palaces were seven stories high and made of colored jewels and decorated with great style. The rivers were flowing and beside them flowers were blooming. Very beautiful trees were planted, servants (boys and girls) were all present and ready to be of service. Zubaydah was given the receipt, written in gold ink, and was told that this is the Garden that she had bought from Bohlool. When she awoke, Zubaydah was very happy and told Haroun about her dream. As soon as it was morning, Haroun sent someone to bring Bohlool. When Bohlool came, Haroun said, "I want you to take 100 dinars from me and sell me one of your gardens, like the one you gave Zubaydah." Bohlool gave a loud laugh and said, "Zubaydah bought it without seeing (the reward), but you heard and so want to buy it, but regretfully, I won't sell it to you."
[edit] Bahlool and a Vizier
One day a vizier said to Bohlool, "The Khalifa has made you Amir and commander of dogs, chickens, and pigs."
Bohlool replied, "Then from now on don't disobey my orders because you have become my subject."
All of the vizier's companions laughed. The vizier was very ashamed and embarrassed because of Bohlool's reply.
[edit] Haroun Asks Bohlool for Advice
One day Haroun was passing by on his way somewhere when he saw Bohlool riding a stick (as if it were a horse) and running with children. He called Bohlool who asked, "What do you want?"
Haroun said, "Criticize me."
Bohlool said, "Look at the palaces and graves of previous Khalifas with the mind's eye. This is a great warning. You know very well that these people pass a length of time in their palaces with pleasure and enjoyment, pride and delight. Many regret and grieve over their bad deeds, and are shameful, but know nothing can be a remedy. Know that we are also hurriedly approaching these consequences."
Bohlool's advice made Haroun uneasy. He asked, "What should I do that would make Allah happy with me?"
"That deed by which Allah's creations would be happy with you."
"What should I do that Allah's creations would be happy with me?"
"Become just and equitable. What you don't think proper for yourself, don't think suitable for others. Listen patiently to the pleas and requests of the oppressed. Give answers nobly, prove yourself true to favors, rule with justice, and give just decisions."
"Well done Bohlool! You have given very good advice. I give the order to fulfill your debts."
"Debt from debt is never fulfilled. Today whatever is under your control is the public's wealth, shower it upon them and do not favor me."
"Then request something else from me."
"My request is that you follow my advice, but it is sad that this world's majesty and splendor has made your heart so hard that my advice will have no effect upon you."
Then Bohlool shook his stick and said, "Move away! My horse kicks!" He remounted his stick and ran away.
