The Uncontrolable Flies
Haroon once told Bahlool that if he would give correct answer to a question, he would gift him with a thousand dinars in gold. Failing to give the answer, he would give instructions to shave off all his beard and moustache. Further he would be exposed before the people in the streets and bazars, mounted on an ass. To this Bahlool said:
"I do not need any worldly wealth or money from you. But if I reply correctly, then you undertake to order the flies not to harass us." Haroon after a little thought replied:
"That is not possible as the flies around were not under his control" To this Bahlool retorted:
"What could be expected from a person who has no control over tiny weak creatures like the flies?"
By this statement, Bahlool implied that one who could not control and rule over flies, how could he be expected to rule over the whole world as claimed. The true and legitimate Caliph and vicegerent of the Prophet could only be the one who had control and rule over all the creatures.
Every small or big thing should be under submission to him. As such Bahlool meant that he may not answer a question from Haroon on his stipulated conditions.
"O people! A parable is set forth, therefore listen to it: surely those whom you call upon besides Allah cannot create fly, though they should all gather for it, and should the fly snatch away anything from them, they could not take it back from i weak are the invoker and the invoked." (22:73)
Anyhow, Haroon then asked what that tree was which had twelve branches and every branch had thirty leaves, and every leaf had one side shining while another dark.
Bahlool replied:
"The tree is the year, the twelve branches are the twelve months and thirty shining and dark leaves are the thirty days of the months" Haroon and his courtiers were flabbergasted to hear this logical answer.
Other links:
A Question from Bahlool
