A Mosque Slab

It is related that Fazl bin Rabee built a mosque in Baghdad. At the time of placing a plaque on the door, he was asked what should be written on it and he expressed his desire that his name as the donor of the mosque was to appear. By chance Bahlool was present there and he asked him this question: "For whose sake have you constructed the mosque?"

Fazl replied: "For the sake of Allah"

Bahlool said: "If it is for the sake of Allah then do not mention your name on the plaque"

Hearing this, Fazl became angry and said:

"Why not mention my name on the plaque. Let people come to know who the founder of the mosque was!" Bahlool then said: "Why not mention my name then on the plaque". Fazl said: "I shall never agree to that"

Bahlool in response said "If you have built this mosque to show off and boast your name, you will forego your reward from Allah." Hearing this, Fazl became dumb-founded and maintained silence. Thereafter he said:

"Whatever Bahlool suggests, you may inscribe on the plaque." At that junction Bahlool instructed that a verse from the Holy Qur'an be inscribed on the plaque and placed on the door of the mosque.

"And that the mosques are Allah's, therefore call not upon any one with Allah :"( 72:18)

Taken from the book “The Moral Stories (Part 2)”‌‌‌

Author: Ahmed .H. Sheriff

Other links:

Bahlool Outstanding Wisdom