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.

[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 was soon given the name Bahlool by the people of Baghdad.