Friday, April 22, 2011

Why does the Quran not explain in detail such an important subject as the Greater Sins?

A Difficult Problem and its Solution
Some people raise the following objections regarding the subject of Greater Sins: -
1. Why does the Quran not explain in detail such an important subject as the Greater Sins?
2. Why are there conflicting reports from Masomeen (a.s.) with regard to the Greater Sins? Some traditions mention that the Greater Sins are five, some give the figure as seven, nine, twenty one and thirty one. One of the traditions reported from Ibne Abbas says that the total number of Greater Sins are seven hundred and seven. Let us now consider these objections so that appropriate replies can be provided. 

Reply to the First Objection
It is Allah's grace that He has not mentioned the total number of Greater Sins in the Holy Quran. There is hidden wisdom in this. Let us suppose that the fixed number of Greater Sins had been given in the Quran. Then the people would have abstained only from these sins. They would have freely committed other sins thinking that they are not doing anything against the Holy Book. In this way they would, be emboldened to perform all other types of misdeeds. Thus Allah has prohibited his creatures to avoid even the lesser sins. This is because if one becomes unmindful of the lesser sins, he will slowly be attracted to the Greater Sins too. 

To Persist in Lesser Sins is Equivalent to Committing a Greater Sin
It is an established fact that if one repeatedly commits a lesser sin he eventually becomes liable for a Greater punishment. Insha-Allah we shall explain in detail the lesser sins in the chapter of "Persistence in Lesser Sins."
By not specifying the number of Greater Sins the Almighty Allah has bestowed a favour upon the people. Had such a number been fixed, the people would have the tendency to abstain mainly from these sins. They would be inclined to regard other sins lightly and indulge in them, underestimating their seriousness. Such indulgence over a period of time makes an individual bold enough to perform other types of misdeeds. It is for this reason that Allah has commanded His creatures to avoid all types of sins, because, being unmindful of minor sins will gradually attract them towards Greater ones. It is indeed Allah's Grace that by encouraging us to abstain from all types of sins, He keeps us safe from the most dreadful ones.
Another important and subtle point that should be stressed is the fact that considering a minor sin to be minor is itself a Greater sin. No sin is to be considered insignificant and trivial. This point shall also be explained in the future. 

- Greater Sins Vol, 1

Seven Great Sins

Ibne Mehboob has mentioned in his 'Sahih' that he and his companions had written a letter to Imam Reza (a.s.) enquiring about the number of the Greater Sins. Also the method of determining their "greatness". The respected Imam (a.s.) replied thus:
"The Greater Sins are those, the performers of which have been promised (Hell) fire. If any believer abstains from these or repents for the same Allah will forgive these sins. There are seven such sins, which have been promised (Divine) punishment.
1. To kill one whose murder is prohibited.
2. To disobey parents.
3. To accept usury.
4. To return to ignorance after migration (Hijrat).
5. To accuse a chaste woman of adultery.
6. To consume wrongfully the property of orphans.
7. To flee from the battlefield.
(Wasaaelush Shia). 


Abu Samit has narrated from Imam as-Sadiq (a.s.) that he said:
The Greater Sins are;
1. To associate others (attribute partners) to Allah.
2. Killing anyone whose killing is prohibited by Shariat.
3. Wrongfully acquiring the property of orphans.
4. To disobey parents.
5. To accuse falsely a chaste woman of adultery.
6. To flee (cowardly) from the battlefield.
7. To deny any of the obligations of religion promulgated by Allah. 

Abdur Rehman Ibne Katheer has narrated from the same Masoom (a.s.) that he said:
"Not acknowledging the rights of us (Ahle Bayt) is a Greater sin."

Abi Khadija has quoted a tradition that:
"To attribute falsehood to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and the Holy Imams (a.s.) is counted among the Greater Sins." 

Sadooq (r.a.) has quoted that: "To deprive anyone of his rights (What he rightfully deserves) by not mentioning him in one's will is a Greater sin." 

The book Kanzul Ummal has mentioned in a tradition:
"Shedding blood in the precincts of the Holy Ka'ba is a Greater sin."
This is because Allah has ordained it to be a protected sanctuary.

 - Greater Sins, Vol. 1

A beautiful piece of advice


It is narrated that Imam Hussain (as), grandson of the Holy Prophet (saw), said to a man who was backbiting another before him,
'O you, stop backbiting, for it is the daily meal of the dogs of Hell.'

A person asked Allah's Messenger (may peace and blessings be upon him) who among Muslims were better. Upon this (the Holy Prophet) remarked: One from whose hand and tongue, Muslims are safe.

Commentary
Are others safe from your words (back-biting, comments, sarcasm, hurtful jokes, fitnah etc) and your deeds (retaliation, plotting etc)?

Angels stand by your side, recording your words.  It is better to be silent than to comment. "Speak good, or else be silent," says Rasulullah (saw). Busy yourself with finding your own faults, and you shall have little time to comment on others.

Angels stand by your side, recording your deeds. It is better to forgive, than to retaliate. Busy yourself with seeking forgiveness for your own soul, and you shall have little time to plot revenge or to ponder about the deeds of others. 

When others are safe from your words and deeds, it means that YOU are now safe from words and deeds that will destroy YOURSELF on Judgement Day. On that Day, Man will regret what evil he has said and done. He will be filled with relief, for all the evil which was NOT said and done. So restrain yourself, for your own good.

Will you not then take heed?

Ponder and practice.

Reward of applying Atimony (Surma)

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) says, "Surma improves eyesight, stops tears and helps hair growth."

Imam Reza (a.s) says, "A person who has faith on Allah and the day of Judgement would surely apply surma."

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) says, "Applying surma before going to bed stops watering of the eyes."

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) says, "Applying surma helps hair growth, tears dry up, spit thickens and eyesight improves."

- Sawaabul A'amaal

Reward of combing one's beard seventy times

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) says, "Shaitaan will remain aloof for next forty days from one who combs his beard seventy times."

- Sawaabul A'amaal

Reward of combing one's hair

The Holy Prophet (saw) says, "Combing one's hair keeps away plague, increases earnings and increases sexual power."

- Sawaabul A'amaal

Reward of applying Noorah

It is narrated from Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) that Amirul Momineen (a.s) said, "Noorah is an amulet and it cleans and purifies the body."

- Sawaabul A'amaal

NADEEM SARWAR KI ZINDAGI

Reward of dyeing one's hair

The Messenger of Allah (saw) got the news that some people of his community have applied saffron dye to their beards. The Holy Prophet (saw) said, "This is Islamic way of dyeing and I want to meet them" Ali (a.s) went to them and conveyed the message of the Holy Prophet (saw). They came to the Holy Prophet (saw). When the latter saw them, he said, "This is an Islamic way of dyeing." Amirul Momineen (a.s) says that when they heard this, they developed a liking for dye and applied a red dye to their beard. When the Holy Prophet (saw)got this news, he said, "This is the dye of faith, I would like to meet them." Amirul Momineen (a.s)conveyed this message to those people and they gathered near the Holy Prophet (a.s). On seeing them, the Holy Prophet (saw) said, "This is dye of faith." After hearing this saying, those people continued this deed till they lived."

The Messenger of Allah (saw) says, "The color of dye which Allah likes the most is dark black."

The Holy Prophet (saw) says, "Spending a dirham for dye is equal to spending a hundred dirhams in the way of Allah. There are fourteen benefits of applying dye - it stops air from ears, improves eyesight, softens the roots of nose, mouth smells good, jaws become strong, removes the odor of armpits, evil thoughts lessen, angels become happy, it is a cause of glad tidings for believer and suffering for a disbeliever, it is the cause of beauty, fragrance and avoidance of the hardships of grave and Munkir and Nakir would shy due to dye."

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) says, "Henna keeps away odor from man, increases one's honour and prestige, fragrances one's mouth and makes the children virtuous." He further said, "One who applies Henna from head to toe after using Norah (depilatory made of lime) his poverty would end."

Imam Musa Kazim (a.s) says, "Black dye is the cause of beauty for women and a cause of defeat of enemies."

It is narrated from Imam Musa Kazim (a.s) that the Holy Prophet (saw) said, "One who applies Noorah and dyes his body with henna Allah would keep him away from three things till he applies them again. Those three things are diseases like leprosy, leucoderma and scabies."

- Sawaabul A'amaal

Saturday, April 16, 2011

useful tips from AL-QURAN.

Recite Surah Fajr , daily after Fajr prayer ( to have a blissful day)

Recite Surah Waqiah ,daily (to get rid frm Financial probs)

Recite Surah Al –Mulk, daily (to get rid of Azab-e-Kabr)

Recite Surah Inshrah (to get rid from difficulties of life)

Recite Four Quls in the morning (to be saved frm any sort of magic n misery, especially Surah Falaq & Surah Nass)

Recite daily last 10 verses of Surah Al-Kahf (in the morning)

Recite daily verse # 35 of Surah Noor to have glowing face not only in this world but also in the hereafter.

Recite Surah Rehman (in case of any disease especially for eye problems) 
 
Read ALLAH ALMIGHTY'S Blessed name 
"YA HAFEEZO" 11 times after Fajr prayer daily or if u do its Tasbeeh then too good (ALLAH ALMIGHTY will Keep U Safe N Sound All Day By His Grace ,INSHA ALLAH TALA)

Read ALLAH ALMIGHTY'S Blessed name "YA NOOR" after every Namaz 11 TIMES n then do dam on ur both eyes (this is for strong vision).

Read ALLAH ALMIGHTY'S BLESSED NAME " YA QAWIYOO" 11 times after Isha prayer n do dam on ur head (this is for strong hairs)

Recite this 111 times after every namaz (parh kar skin pai damm kar lein)

Allahhu Al-Mussawiru Al-Maliku (this is for skin)

Recite this 313times after every namaz

Allahhu Al-Bariu' Al-Kabiru (this is for hair)

Recite Surah Al-Fatiha & Surah Quraish , before eating n drinking anything (ALLAH ALMIGHTY will Put for u health in whatever u eat ,by His Grace, INSHA ALLAH TALA).


YA-MUHSI...1000 times you will have easyness on day of judgement..( inshala)

YA-HAYY...recite it as much as you can..for a long life

YA-SAMMAD... recite is as much as you can...allah will provide his needs & as aresult he will not need others,but others will need him

YA-AKHIR.... on reciting this as much as you can you will lead a godd life & have a good death...(inshala)

YA-'AFUW...on reciting this as much as you can your sins will be forgiven..(inshala)

YA-MANI....on reciting this inshala you will have a good family life

YA-RASHID... ..recite this 1000 times between maghrib & isha ..your troubles will be cleared up..(inshala)

YA-MU'MIN... on recitation of this u'll be free form harm..(inshala)

YA-GHAFFAR.. ..recitation of this will result to the forgiving of your sins..(inshala)

YA-QAHHAR... on recitation of this one will conquer the desires of the flesh & his heart will be made free from attraction of this world & gain inner peace...he will also be freed from being wronged..(inshala)

YA-WAHHAB... ..recite this after every dua...your dua will be answered..(inshala)

YA-'ALIM.... .on reciting this your heart will become luminous,revealing divine light

YA-MU'IZZ... .recite this 140 times during monday & friday nights..you will be given dignity in the eyes of others and you will fear no one else but allah

YA-SAMI'.... recite this 100 times without speaking to anyone on thursday after the zuhr namaz...Allah the Almighty will bestow any desire on him..(inshala)

YA-BASIR...recite this 100 times between farz and the 1st sunnat of cuma (friday zuhr namaz) namaz....you will get esteem in the eyes of others..(inshala)

YA-KHABIR... .on reciting this you will inshala be freed from your dirty habbits

YA-AZIM...on reciting this you will be respected

YA-KARIM.... on reciting this inshala you will get esteem in this world and the hereafter

YA-RAQIB...on reciting this 7 times on himself..your family & property will be under Allah the Almighty's protection
 
YA-BA'ITH... .on reciting this as much as you can you will gain fear of Allah the Almighty

YA-MUHSI.... .he who is afraid of being questioned on the judgement day & repeats this name 1000 times will have easiness..(inshala)

YA-MUQIT.... if someone with a bad mannered child repeats this name into a glass of water & gives this water to the child to drink,the child will have good manners..(inshala)
 

Misconception about Imam Ali a.s and Ahle bayt

There is misconception among majority of shias that Ahle Bayt was poor etc......It  is said that if Imam Ali a.s would have kept only 10% of what he has given in charity he would have lead a lavish life....

Work and Charity
Imam `Ali (a.s.) was a hard-working man with a pleasant personality. He worked hard while farming and cultivating orchards. He developed several plots and orchards and then gave them all away for the sake of Allah.
One day, he acquired a piece of barren land outside Madinah which he wanted to cultivate. In order to do this, he decided to dig a well, he chose a suitable place and, putting his hopes in the grace of Allah, he began to dig.
Several days went by, but still there was no sign of any water coming out of the well. One day, Imam Ali picked up a pickaxe, entered the well and, using all his strength and energy, worked very hard for a while, but still there was no sign of water.
Exhausted, he came out of the well, wiped away the sweat of his brow, rested for a while, and then re-entered the well. He was swinging the pickaxe with such vigor that the sound of his breathing could be heard all around. After receiving a strong, hard blow with the pickaxe, the ground suddenly split open, and fresh, clear water bubbled up.
He climbed quickly out of what had now become a wonderful well in the dry desert which would soon turn ill the surrounding area into a lovely orchard. Soon the people gathered around to see it.
Each of them was commenting on It. "What a hard working man is Ali" one said "since `Ali is a good and generous man, "said another.
"Allah has been generous to him and given him goodness" "Ali and his descendants have become rich forever." said some.
Some congratulated Imam `Ali while some were jealous. "Bring me a paper and pen" said Ali (a.s.) and when they had done so, he sat down and wrote the following:
I have endowed this well and the land surrounding it in charity for its income to be used as follows:
1. In helping the poor and destitute.
2. In helping the travelers far away from their homes.
3. In providing the means for the marriages of orphans.
4. In providing medical care for the poor.
5. In the doing of good works of public benefit.
I have endowed this well in charity so as to seek the pleasure of Allah and the rewards of the Hereafter, and in order to be saved from the of Hell.

The Meaning of Allah


1- الإمامُ عليٌّ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ) : اللّه‏ُ مَعْناهُ المَعْبُودُ الّذِي يَأْلَهُ فِيْهِ الْخَلْقُ وَيُؤْلَهُ إلَيْهِ ، وَاللّه‏ُ هُوَ المَسْتُورُ عَنْ دَرْكِ الأبْصَارِ ، المَحْجُوبُ عَنِ الأوْهَامِ وَالخَطَرَاتِ.
1- Imam Ali (AS) said, Allah means the worshipped one, by Whom people are bewildered, and to Whom they are submissive. Allah is the One veiled from the grasp of sights, and the One hidden from imagination and contemplation.[al-Tawhid, p. 89, no. 2]
 
2- الإمامُ عليٌّ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ) ـ في تفسير قوله : اللّه‏ ـ : هُوَ الّذي يَتَألَّهُ إليهِ عِندَ الحَوائِجِ وَ الشَّدائِدِ كُلُّ مَخلوقٍ عِندَ انقِطاعِ الرَّجاءِ مِن جَميعِ مَن هُوَ دونَهُ ، وتَقَطُّعِ الأسبابِ مِن كُلِّ مَن سِواهُ.
2- Imam Ali (AS) said, Allah is the greatest name from among the names of God, Mighty and Exalted, and it is the name that cannot be used to name anyone but Allah, and no creature has ever been named with it.[Ibid. p. 231, no. 5]
 
3- الإمامُ الباقرُ (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ) : اللّه‏ُ مَعْنَاهُ المَعْبُودُ الّذِي ألِهَ الخَلْقُ عَنْ دَرْكِ مَاهِيَّتِهِ والإحَاطَةِ بِكَيْفِيَّتِهِ.
3- Imam al-Baqir (AS) said, Allah means the One who is worshipped and by Whom people are too bewildered to comprehend His essence and to fathom His identity.[Ibid. p. 89, no. 2]
 
4- الإمامُ الكاظم (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ) ـ في مَعنَى اللّه‏ ـ : اِستَولى عَلى ما دَقَّ وجَلَّ.
4- Imam al-Ridha (AS) said, In the name of Allah, Mighty and Exalted, is the attestation to His Lordship and His Oneness.[`Uyoun Akhbar al-Ridha (AS), v. 2, p. 93, no. 1]
 
5- الإمامُ الرِّضا (عَلَيهِ الّسَلامُ) : إنَّ في تَسمِيَةِ اللّه‏ِ عزّ وجلّ الإِقرارُ بِرُبوبِيَّتِهِ وتَوحيدِهِ .
5- Imam al-`Askari (AS) said, Allah is the One \to Whom every creature resorts when he is in need or in hardship, when there is no hope in anyone but Him.[Bihar al-Anwar, v. 3, p. 41, no. 16]

Bohlool, an Intelligent and Virtuous Scholar

Bohlool was born in Kufa and his real name is Wahab bin Amr. Haroun Rashid feared for the safety of his Khalifate and kingdom from the 7th Imam Musa Kazim (A.S.); therefore, he tried to destroy the Imam. Haroun thought of a trick by which he could kill the Holy Imam. He put the blame of rebellion upon the Imam and demanded a judicial decree from the pious people of his time--which included Bohlool. Everyone gave the decree except Bohlool, who opposed the decision. He immediately went to the Imam and informed him of the circumstances, and asked for advice and guidance. Then and there the Imam told him to act insanely.
Because of the situation, Bohlool acted insanely by the Imam's order. By doing this, he was saved from Haroun's punishment. Now, without any fear of danger, and in amusing ways, Bohlool protected himself from tyrannies. He insulted the notorious Khalifa and his courtiers just by talking. Nevertheless, people acknowledged his superior wisdom and excellence. Even today many of his stories are narrated in assemblies and teach the listeners valuable lessons.
According to a more popular tradition, some of the Holy Imam's companions and special friends came to him because the Khalifa was angry with them, and asked him for advice. The Imam answered with the sole letter (jim) ; all of them understood that that was it and asked no further questions.
Each person understood the Holy Imam's advice in his own different way. One person took (jim) to mean (jala watan) --exile. Another thought of (jabl) --mountain. Bohlool took it to mean (jinoon) --insanity. This is how all of the Imam's companions were saved from calamity.
Before becoming insane, Bohlool lived a life of influence and power, but after obeying the Imam's order, he turned his face away from the majesty and splendor of the world. In reality, he became crazy over Allah. He dressed in rags, preferred desolate places over Haroun's palaces, lived on a bite of stale bread. He did not accept favors from or depend upon Haroun or those like him. Bohlool considered himself better than the Khalifa and his courtiers because of his way of life.
(A Poem)
Those with kingly temperaments deserve respect from
the chiefs of the kingdom.
This is a ragged king whose slaves are great and powerful
kings like Jamsheed and Khaqan.
Today he overlooked the goodness of this world, tomorrow
he will not even give importance to Paradise.
Don't look scornfully at these beggars with no shoes on their feet!
They are dearer to wisdom than eyes which shed tears from
fear of Allah.
If Adam sold Paradise for two grains of wheat, then truly know
that these people will not buy it for even one grain.
Bohlool was sincerely devoted to Allah; he was an intelligent and virtuous scholar. He was the master of the mind and manners; he spoke with the best of answers ready on his lips; he protected his faith and the Shariah. Bohlool became insane at the Imam's command for the love of Ahlul Bayt, and so he could enforce the rights of which they had been wronged.
There was no other way for Bohlool to protect his life. For example, Haroun told his vizier, Yahya bin Khalid Barmaki, that listening to the words of Imam Jafar Sadiq's student Hisham bin Hikam --who proved Imam Musa Kazim's Imamate-- was more dangerous to him than 100,000 swords. Haroun said, "Even then it amazes me that Hisham is alive and I am in power."
Haroun planned to kill Hisham. Hisham learned of this and fled from Kufa, and hid in a friend's house, but after a short while he died.

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Ziyarat Ashura - Abathar Al-Halawaji

What is a Greater Sin?

1) All those sins are Greater which have been specifically termed as Greater in the Holy Qur'an and the traditions. The number of such sins exceeds forty and they all have been explained in the traditions of the Holy Ahlul Bayt (a.s.). The explanation of these traditions will follow later. 

2) All those sins are Greater about which the Qur'an and Hadith explicitly state that those who commit these sins will enter Hell. Or if it is not explicit then it should purport to mean the same. For example the tradition of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.):
"Certainly the Almighty Allah and His messenger disown such a person who willfully neglects prayers." 

In this tradition the punishment of Hell is not named specifically but it amounts to the same thing. Another report corroborates this assertion. Imam Muhammad Baqir (a.s.) and Imam Ja'far as-Sadiq (a.s.) said,
"All those sins are Greater (the doer of which) is promised the fire (Hell)."
There is another tradition from Imam Zadeh Abdul Azeem Hasani, which shall be quoted later. Thus we understand that there is no difference whether the promise of the Divine punishment is given in the Qur'an or in a hadith. 

3) Any sin, which is clearly Greater than a sin specified as a Greater one in the Qur'an and hadith; is also Greater. For example the killing of a person is a sin and it is clear from the Qur'an and hadith. Thus the tradition from Ibne Mahboob clearly states that the killing of a 'soul' is a Greater sin. The Qur'an has promised Divine punishment for murder. Then if any other sin is proved to be more than the killing of a person, by the verses of Qur'an or authentic reports then this sin will also be considered as a Greater sin. For example the Holy Qur'an says that to spread corruption in the world is worse than murder:
"And the (spreading of) mischief is Greater than murder."
Hence we can conclude that the spreading of disturbance must also be counted among the Greater Sins. 

4) Any sin which has all along been regarded as a Greater one by the scholars and the jurists should also be considered as 'Greater'. But it should be ascertained that such a sin has been regarded as Greater from the present time right upto the time of the Masoomeen (a.s.). Examples of these types of sins are to descerate the Holy Ka'ba, or a mosque or to throw away a copy of the Qur'an. All such acts have been regarded as the Greater Sins. Now we shall mention the traditions that explain the Greater Sins.

Reward of washing head with Jujube (Beri) leaves

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) says that the Messenger of Allah (saw) used to wash his head with jujube leaves and say, "Wash your head with jujube leaves for all the angels and prophets consider this holy. Allah will keep away evil thoughts of shaitan for seventy days from the one who washes his head with jujube leaves. That person won't commit sins and the one who does not commit sins will enter paradise."

It is narrated from Isa bin Abdullah Alawi who has narrated from his father and he in turn from his father that when the Messenger of Allah (saw) used to be sad, Jibraeel (a.s) used to come to him and say, "Wash your head with jujube leaves."

- Sawaabul A'amaal

Reward of rinsing one's mouth and nose often

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s) says, "One who rinses his mouth and nose with water often this act would be a tool of salvation and he would develop a hatred for shaitan."

- Sawaabul A'amaal

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Righteous Deeds

Declared Aba Abdillah Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq (a.s.)
" There are six things that a Muslim believer can be profited by after his death:

   1. A righteous child who seeks forgiveness for him.
   2. The Holy scripture which will be recited from.
   3. A well which he had dug (for the benefit of people).
   4. The tree which he had planted.
   5. The charity of water that he had caused to flow.
   6. A good tradition which will be followed (by people) after him."

( Reference : Khisal by Saduq, p.323, Bundle of Flowers)

The Episodes of Bohlool

It is said that Haroun Rashid sent some food to Bohlool. His servant brought the food to Bohlool, put it in front of him, and said, "This is the Khalifa's special food, he has sent it to you to eat."
Bohlool 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!"
Bohlool said, "Be quiet! If the dog hears that the Khalifa sent this food, it won't eat it either."
 
Bohlool Sits on Haroun Rashid's Throne
 
One day Bohlool 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. Bohlool started crying. Haroun came and saw this; he asked those nearby why Bohlool was crying. A slave told him the whole story. Haroun scolded them and tried to cheer Bohlool up.
Bohlool 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."
 
Bohlool and a Businessman
 
One day a Baghdadi businessman met Bohlool and said, "Sir Shaykh Bohlool! Give me advice as to what I should buy that would benefit me most."
Bohlool replied, "Iron and cotton."
The man went away and bought a lot of iron and cotton and stocked them. After a few months, he sold them and gained a lot of profit. Again he met Bohlool and said, "O Crazy Bohlool! What should I buy that would profit me?"
This time Bohlool told him to buy onions and watermelons. The businessman went and bought his entire savings worth of onions and watermelons. Just a few days later, they all rotted and caused a lot of harm. He immediately sought out Bohlool and said, " When I first asked you for advice, you said buy iron and cotton. I profited a lot from this, but the second time what kind of advice did you give me! All my wealth was destroyed!"
Bohlool said, "The first day you addressed me as Shaykh Bohlool, and since you addressed me as an intelligent person, I advised you according to my wisdom. The second time you called me Crazy Bohlool, so I advised you like a crazy person."
The businessman was ashamed of his behavior and understood Bohlool well.
 
Bohlool With His Friend
 
One day a friend of Bohlool's took some grains to grind at the mill. After grinding them, he loaded them on his donkey and started home. Near Bohlool's house, his donkey began limping and fell. He called Bohlool and said, " Give me your ass so I can take my bundle home."
Bohlool had taken an oath that he would not give his donkey to anyone, so he said, "I don't have a donkey." But then a donkey's bray was heard.
The man said to Bohlool, "You have a donkey but you said you didn't."
Bohlool replied, "You are a strange and stupid friend. Even though we have been friends for fifty years, you don't listen to me, but you listen to an ass."
 
Bohlool and the Sage in Haroun Rashid's Court
 
Haroun sent for a certain sage of Greece. When he came, Haroun greeted him with majesty, splendor, and respect. For a few days court rulers and the great men of Baghdad came to see this philosopher. On the third day Bohlool also went with some people. In the middle of the formal and petty talk, Bohlool suddenly asked him, " What kind of work do you do?"
The sage was aware of Bohlool's insanity, so he wanted to make him look like a fool. He answered, "I am a philosopher and I awaken the dead (people's minds)."
Bohlool replied, "Don't kill those (minds) that are alive (by giving wrong ideas). Reawakening the dead (people's minds) is your compensation for that."
Haroun and his courtiers laughed a lot at Bohlool's answer, and the sage shamefully left Baghdad.
 
Bohlool Criticizes Haroun
 
One day Bohlool was near Haroun. He said, "O Bohlool! Criticize me."
Bohlool said, "O Haroun! If there is no water in the desert, you are attacked by severe thirst, and near death; what would you give for one gulp of refreshing water?"
"Gold dinars."
"What if the master of the water does not agree to give water for dinars? Then what will you give?"
"I will give half of my kingdom."
"After drinking the water, you get that illness in which you can't urinate. Now what will you give that One Who will cure this illness of yours?"
Haroun answered, " The remaining half of my kingdom."
Bohlool said, "Then don't give importance to this kingdom for it is not worth more than a drink of water. Isn't it proper that you do good with Allah's creations?"
 
Bohlool's Discussion with a Faqih
 
It is said that a famous Faqih of Khorasan came to Baghdad. When Haroun heard of this, he invited the Faqih to his court. He was respectfully welcomed and was seated next to Haroun and treated very importantly by Haroun. During their conversation, Bohlool arrived. Haroun told him to take a seat. The Faqih took one look at Bohlool and said to Haroun, "The Khalifa's favors and likes are strange that he likes an ordinary man and seats him close to himself."
Bohlool understood that the Faqih was talking about him, so with all his might he turned to that man and said, "Don't be arrogant about your worthless knowledge, and don't judge my looks. I am ready to debate with you and prove to the Khalifa that you don't know anything."
The Faqih replied, "I have heard you are insane and I won't have anything to do with crazy people."
"I confess my insanity, but you don't acknowledge your misunderstanding."
Haroun Rashid looked at Bohlool angrily and told him to be quiet, but Bohlool didn't listen to him and said, "If that person is so confident about his knowledge, then he should debate."
Haroun said to the Faqih, "What is the difficulty? Ask Bohlool some question."
He replied, "I am ready on one condition, which is that I will ask Bohlool something. If he gives a correct answer, I will give him 1,000 dinars (gold coins). If he can't answer, he will give me 1,000 dinars.
Bohlool said, "I don't have anything of worldly wealth, not even gold dinars, but I am ready; when I answer your question, I will take the money and distribute it among paupers. If I can't answer, then I will attend to you as a servant and slave."
The man accepted these conditions and asked Bohlool, "In a house a wife is sitting with her lawful husband. In that house one person is praying Namaz and another is fasting. Someone from outside enters the house. Because of his coming, the husband and wife become unlawful for each other, the prayers and fasts also become unlawful. Can you tell me who is the person that came?"
Bohlool immediately answered, "The man that entered the house was the woman's first husband, who had gone on a journey. When a very long time had passed since he left, and news was received that he had died; according to the permission of Shariah, the woman married the man sitting next to her. She hired two people; one to fulfill her dead husband's overdue, unfulfilled prayers, and another to fulfill tardy fasts. During this time the man who had gone on the journey returned, although news of his death was widespread. Therefore, the other husband becomes unlawful as do the prayers and fasts."
Haroun and those present became confident and praised Bohlool for solving the problem correctly. Then Bohlool said, "Now it's my turn to ask a question."
The Faqih said, "Ask."
Bohlool asked, "I have one jar of honey and a second full of vinegar. I want to prepare the refreshing drink Sikanjebeen. I fill one bowl with honey and another with vinegar. To make Sikanjebeen, I mix them both together. Afterwards I see that there is a mouse in it. Can you tell me if the mouse was in the honey or the vinegar jar?"
The Faqih thought for a long time, but was unsuccessful in answering.
Haroun said to Bohlool, "Now, you give the answer."
Bohlool replied, "If this person accepts his inferior knowledge I will answer the question."
Helpless, the Faqih confessed his inferiority.
Bohlool replied, "We should take the mouse out, wash it with water, and after it is cleaned of honey and vinegar, cut its stomach open. If the stomach contains vinegar, then believe that it fell in the vinegar jar. If it contains honey, accept that it fell in the honey."
The entire assembly was astonished at Bohlool's intelligence and knowledge, and praised him a lot. The Faqih bowed his head, and according to the deal, Bohlool distributed the 1,000 dinars amongst Baghdad's poor.
 
Bohlool and a Slave who was Scared of the Sea
 
A Baghdadi merchant was sitting in a ship with his slave, and they were going to Basra. Bohlool and some others were also in this ship. The slave started crying because he was afraid of the ship's turbulent movements. All the travelers became annoyed at this. Bohlool asked the slave's master permission to quiet him by some advice. The merchant agreed. Bohlool immediately gave the order to throw the slave into the sea. His command was carried out. When the slave was near death, he was rescued. After that experience, the slave quietly sat in a corner of the ship.
The travelers asked Bohlool the reason why this act quieted the slave. Bohlool replied, "This slave didn't know how comfortable this ship was or what greatness and value it held. When he was thrown into the sea, he understood that this ship is a comfortable and relieving place."
 
Haroun Asks Bohlool a Question
 
One day Haroun was intoxicated and was sitting in a place on the corner of the river, busy watching the spectacle being made by the water waves. Meanwhile, Bohlool arrived. Haroun gave a drunken laugh, and then gave Bohlool a happy, warm welcome, and ordered him to sit down.
A little while later Haroun said, "Bohlool, today I am going to ask you a matter. If you give the right answer I will give you 1,000 Dinars; if you can't answer, I will give the order to throw you from this palace into the river.
Bohlool said, "I don't have any need for the Dinars, but I will accept your offer on one condition."
Haroun accepted so Bohlool said, "If I correctly answer your question then you must free 100 friends of mine that are in your prison; if I don't answer correctly, you have the right to throw me in the river."
So, Haroun asked, "If I have one goat, one wolf, and a bundle of grass, and I want to get them one by one from this side to the other side of the river; then in which order should they be taken so that the goat can't eat the grass and the wolf can't eat the goat?"
"First leave the wolf and take the goat across the river. Then come back and take the grass, leave it there, but bring the goat back. Now leave the goat here and take the wolf to the other side. Leave it there, come back alone, and then take the goat. This way one by one, they can all be safely taken across the river. Neither will the goat eat the grass, nor will the wolf eat the goat."
Haroun exclaimed, "Bravo! You gave the correct answer."
Then Bohlool told the names of his 100 friends who were all in all believers of the Holy Imam. The scribe wrote these names down; but when Haroun received the list, saw and recognized the names, he broke his promise. Later, after listening to Bohlool again, he only freed and forgave ten people.
 
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.
 
Bohlool's Advice to Fazl bin Rabi'
 
Fazl bin Rabi' was passing by on his way somewhere when he saw Bohlool sitting with his head bowed, deep in thought. Fazl loudly said, "Bohlool! What are you doing?"
Bohlool raised his head, saw Fazl, and said, "I am thinking about your end. Your resurrection will be like that of Jafar Barmaki."
Fazl's heart started beating faster because he was so frightened at these words. He said, "O Bohlool! I have heard about Jafar's death, but not from your tongue. I want you to tell me about his death without adding or hiding anything."
Bohlool said, "During the Khalifate of Mansoor's son Mehdi, Khalid Barmaki's son Yahya was Haroun Rashid's scribe and permanent reader. Soon Haroun, Yahya, and his son Jafar became very attached to each other. Haroun had so much affection for Jafar that he did his Nikah (engagement) with his sister Abbasa, but ordered Jafar not to be violent toward her. Jafar opposed Haroun's wishes and made Abbasa a concubine. When Haroun heard about this, his entire affection for Jafar was swallowed up by enmity and discord. Now, day and night he searched for an excuse to kill Jafar, and thus destroy the Barmaki family.
"Finally, one night he said to his slave Masroor, 'Tonight I want you to cut off Jafar's head off and bring it to me.'
Masroor started trembling at this and worriedly bowed his head. Haroun asked, 'Why are you so quiet, what are you thinking?'
Masroor replied, 'This is a very big deed. O! Would my death come before I would do this.'
Haroun said, 'If you don't obey my command, you will be subject to my anger and wrath, and I will beat you in such a way that even pigeons will cry for you.'
"Masroor helplessly went to Jafar's house and conveyed the tyrant Khalifa's dangerous command. Jafar said, 'Possibly the Khalifa gave this order while he was drunk, and when his mind clears, he will regret it. That is why I want you to go back and give the Khalifa news of my murder. If by morning there is no sign of regret in him, then I will, myself, bow down my head in front of your sword.'
"Masroor didn't have the courage to accept Jafar's condition. He said, 'Come with me to the curtain that separates us from the king's quarters. Maybe your love will make Haroun helpless and will change his decision.'
"Jafar agreed to Masroor's idea and walked towards his sorrowful demise. When these two arrived behind the curtain, Masroor started hiccuping and became very frightened. He went and stood in front of the Khalifa.
"Haroun asked, 'Masroor, what? What!'
"Masroor replied, 'I have brought Jafar. He is here, standing behind the curtain.'
'If you show the least bit of slowness or leniency in obeying my order, I will have you killed first!'
"There was no way to linger after these words. Masroor ran toward Jafar and cut off his head--the head of the handsome militant youth who was famous for being among the most well-mannered, and excelled in virtue and talent; he was a leader of generosity and beneficence. Masroor put Jafar's head on top of his own and presented it to Haroun. The unmerciful Khalifa did not think that this was enough, so he ordered the whole Barmaki family to be destroyed, and their entire wealth to be seized. Jafar's body was hung on the fort of Baghdad; a few days later it was burned."
Bohlool continued, "Now O Fazl! I fear for your end. I tremble at the thought that your demise may be like Jafar's."
Fazl became very frightened at Bohlool's words. He said, "Pray for my safety."
 
Fazl bin Rabi' Builds a Mosque
 
Fazl bin Rabi' had a mosque constructed in Baghdad. It was decided to place a plaque on its door. The people asked Fazl what should be written on it. Bohlool also happened to be present. He asked Fazl, "Who did you make the mosque for?"
Fazl replied, "For Allah."
Bohlool said, "If you made it for Allah, then don't inscribe your name on the plaque."
Fazl angrily said, "Why shouldn't I have my name inscribed on the tablet? People have to know who the maker of the mosque is!"
"Then have it inscribed that the maker of this mosque is Bohlool."
"I certainly will not have that written!"
"If you made this mosque for fame and self-show then you have lost your reward."
Fazl became speechless at Bohlool's words. He said, "Whatever Bohlool says, have that inscribed."
This time Bohlool said, "Have a verse from the Sacred Qur'an inscribed on the door of the mosque."
 
Bohlool and a Thief
 
One day Bohlool was wearing new shoes. He went to the mosque for prayers. He saw a man staring at his shoes. Bohlool understood that he wanted his new shoes. Helplessly, Bohlool stood for Namaz with his shoes on.
The thief said, "Namaz isn't done with shoes on."
Bohlool replied, "I won't have my Namaz, but I will have my shoes."
 
Haroun Asks Bohlool Another Question
 
One day Bohlool arrived in Haroun's court and sat in a seat equal to him during the assembly. Haroun was surprised at Bohlool's behavior, so he wanted to embarrass him. He said, "Is Bohlool ready to give an answer to my question?"
"If you don't go back upon your promise, like you did last time; I agree."
"If you immediately answer my problem, I will give you 1,000 Dinars; if you can not answer I will give the order to shave your beard and mustache and to make you ride on a donkey through Baghdad's alleys and streets with disgrace and dishonor."
"I have no need of Dinars, but on one condition I will agree to answer your question."
"What is the condition?"
"If I give the answer to your problem, I want you to give the order that insects should not bother me."
Haroun bowed his head for a moment and said, "This is impossible. Insects are not my subjects."
"Then what does that worried person hope for if he can't even compete with or control insects."
The people of the court became astonished at Bohlool's boldness and intelligence.
Haroun's expression changed at Bohlool's answers. Bohlool understood that Haroun was planning revenge, so, to please him, he said, "Now I agree to answer your question without any condition."
"Which tree is it that has an age of one year, twelve branches, and on each branch there are thirty leaves, one direction facing light while the other faces toward darkness?"
Bohlool immediately replied, "This tree represents the year, the month, and day and night because there are twelve months in a year and thirty days in a month, which are half day and half night."
"Wow! A very correct answer!" Haroun said.
All those present praised Bohlool.
 
Bohlool's Gift to the Khalifa
 
One day Haroun Rashid gave Bohlool some money and told him to distribute it amongst the poor and needy.
Bohlool took the money, but a moment later gave it back to the Khalifa, who asked the reason why he did this.
Bohlool said, "I thought a lot, but found no one more dependent and poor than the Khalifa. This is the reason why I returned the money. I see that your guards and officers stand in the shops and whip people, collect tax and revenue, and then pour them all into your treasures. So I thought that you are the most needy person, and gave the money back to you."
Bohlool and Haroun

One day Haroun Rashid asked Bohlool, "What is Allah's greatest blessing?"
"Allah's greatest blessing is the mind. Khawaja Abdullah Ansari says in his supplication, 'O Allah! Those whom You gave intelligence, what else did You not give; those whom You didn't give understanding, what did You give?' In one reliable Hadith, when Allah decided to take back His blessings from His slaves, first of all He took their intellect away. Reason is amongst subsistence. It is sorrowful that Allah took this blessing away from me."
Bohlool and Another Thief

It is said that Bohlool lived in a desolate house. Across it was a cobbler's shop which had a window opening towards the house. Bohlool collected a few dirhams and hid them in the dirt. Whenever the need came, he dug up the dirt and took out the needed coins, and buried the rest back again. As it so happened, one day when he needed some coins, he dug the earth and saw that all of his money had disappeared. He immediately understood that the cobbler, whose window faced his house, had taken the coins.
Without making any comment or commotion, Bohlool went and sat by the cobbler to chitchat. Bohlool talked so much that the cobbler became confident and not uneasy. Then Bohlool said, "Beloved friend! Please keep an account for me."
"You keep talking and I'll keep adding."
Bohlool talked about some houses and buildings, and with each he mentioned some coins. Then he said that in the house he now lived in there was buried a certain amount of coins. After that the cobbler added them all up and said that there was a total of 2,000 dinars.
Bohlool thought for a while and said, "O friend! Now I want some advice from you."
"Okay. Speak."
"I want to bury all the coins I have at other places in the house that I live in now; what do you think?"
"Very good idea. Bring all the coins you have hidden and bury them in your present house."
"I agree to this. Now I will go bring all the coins from other places to bury in that house." Saying this, Bohlool left the cobbler.
The cobbler thought to himself, "I will bury those coins I stole back where they were. When Bohlool brings the other coins, I will find them and take all of them at once." Thinking this, he returned the stolen coins to their previous place.
A few hours later, Bohlool went to his house and examined the area that he kept his money in and saw that the cobbler had reburied the coins he had stolen. Bohlool took out the coins, thanked Allah, left that house and went to another. The cobbler waited a very long time for Bohlool, but he was not going to be and could not be found. After a while the cobbler finally understood that Bohlool had tricked him, and so had got his money back.

 Bohlool and the Amir of Kufa

Ishaq bin Mohammad bin Sabah was the commander of Kufa. His wife bore him a daughter. For this reason the Amir was very sad and depressed. He stopped eating and drinking. When Bohlool heard about this he went to the Amir and said, "O Amir, why this sorrow and grief?"
"I hoped for a son, but regretfully, my wife had a daughter."
"How would you like it if Allah gave you, instead of these beautiful hands and feet, and a healthy and perfect girl, a crazy boy like me?"
The Amir of Kufa laughed uncontrollably at Bohlool's speech, thanked Allah, ate his meal and drank water, and permitted people to come and congratulate him.
 
Bohlool 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.