Kibr and the Incident of Bahlool

:Mujahidali A.R. Sheriff

2012/03/26

1350

Adopted from the book : "Pride" by : "Mujahidali A.R. Sheriff"

Once Haroon al-Rashid, the Abbaside Caliph and Bahlool were going to the Hammam (a public Bath). On the way, Haroon asked Bahlool : "What would my value be if I were a slave?"

Bahlool replied "Fifty diners."

Haroon, in an enraged voice remarked’ : "O mad man! How could that be? My own valuable clothes are worth that much or more "

Bahlool reacted to this, saying : "The value I had suggested was for your clothes otherwise you yourself are of no value at all?"

Although Haroon thought that being a caliph, his value would be more if sold as a slave he forgot that in the market of slaves, the purchasers do not see the pre-status of a slave but his present strength and ability to work actively. Haroon’s easy and lusty lifestyle would not assist him in being of any use to his master. Therefore, one should never undermine others simply on account of their possessions.

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