Bahlool

Bahlool was born in Kufa and his real name was Wahab bin Amr. He was one of the dearest companion of Imam Jaffar As-Sadiq(as). People used to say Bahlool the lunatic but in reality he was among the wisest man in his time. He use to teach people through his wisdom and funny ways.

Bahlool is Questioned About Shaitan

They say that an evil and unmannerly person said to Bahlool, "I have a great desire to see Shaitan." 

Bahlool said, "If you don't have a mirror in your house, then look in clean water. You will see Shaitan." 


Bahlool and the Khalifa's Food

It is said that Haroun Rashid sent some food to Bahlool. His servant brought the food to Bahlool, put it in front of him, and said, "This is the Khalifa's special food, he has sent it to you to eat." 

Bahlool placed the food in front of the dog that was sitting in the ruins of the place. The servant screamed, "Why did you give the Khalifa's food to the dog!" 
Bahlool said, "Be quiet! If the dog hears that the Khalifa sent this food, it won't eat it either." 

Bahlool Sits on Rashid's Throne

One day Bahlool arrived at Haroun's palace and saw that the throne was empty. There was no one to stop him, so he unhesitatingly and fearlessly went and sat in Haroun's place. When the court slaves saw this, they immediately started whipping him and took him off the throne. Bahlool started crying. Haroun came and saw this; he asked those nearby why Bahlool was crying. A slave told him the whole story. Haroun scolded them and tried to cheer Bahlool up. 

Bahlool said he wasn't crying at his condition, but at Haroun's condition. "I sat on the seat of Khalifate wrongfully for a few seconds and received such a beating and endured such misfortune; but you have been sitting on this throne all your life! What troubles you must receive, yet you still don't fear the consequence." 


Bahlool's Decision

An Arab beggar arrived in Baghdad. When he passed the bakery, he smelled the pleasing smells of many kinds of foods, but he didn't have any money. He took stale bread out of his bag and softened it with the steam coming out, and then ate it. 
The baker astonishingly watched this for a few moments. When his bread finished, the beggar wanted to leave. The baker stopped him and demanded money. They exchanged hot words. Coincidentally, Bahlool passed by. 

The Arab wanted Bahlool's decision. Bahlool said to the baker, "Did this person eat your food or not?" "He didn't eat the food, but certainly benefited from its steam." 

Bahlool said to him, "This is correct. Listen!" He took a few coins out of his pocket, and one by one showed them to the baker, dropped them on the ground, and then picked them up. He said to the baker, "Take the noise of these coins." 

Extremely surprised, the baker asked, "What kind of way is this to give money?" Bahlool replied, "According to my just decision, the person that sells smells and steam should, in exchange, get the noise and tinkling of coins." 

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