Hadhrat Bahlul Dana ‎رضي الله عنه

Hadhrat Bahlul Dana رضي الله عنه

Bismillah , let us immerse in the ocean of tales about Hazrath Bahlul Dana رضي الله عنه
Bahlūl, also known as Wāhab ibn Amr, a celebrated figure of divine wisdom and knowledge. He was a blessed companion of Musa al-Kadhim رضي الله عنه , his soul carried an aura of spirituality and a heart bathing in divine light.

Bahlūl lived in a time of grandeur, contemporarily to the Caliph Hārūn al-Rashīd رضي الله عنه . Born into prosperity, Bahlūl chose the path of wisdom over material wealth. His wealthy background merely a backdrop to the enlightening path he walked upon. Despite riches, he sought and imparted knowledge, openly sharing his wisdom with others.

Bahlūl — a symbol of devotion to truth and pious living. His name still resonates in our hearts, reminding us of his unyielding devotion to fairness, knowledge, and spirituality. His life's path— a beautiful reminder of our obligation to walk on the path of righteousness regardless of our circumstances. He was blessed with the divine light of wisdom from Allah, and he chose to share this light in his unique manner.

He roamed the streets of Baghdad, utilizing every opportunity to instill moral values and to challenge the rampant injustice.

With parables and stories, Bahlool Dana reached out to hearts and minds. Bahlool Dana رضي الله عنه embodied resistance, wisdom, and deep faith, intertwined with simplicity and humility. One story in particular resonates deeply and is often told .

One day Bahlool رضي الله عنه was sitting at the corner of the river, and since he was useless, he was making some flower beds like the children were. Haroun Rashid's wife Zubaydah happened to cross by. When she came near Bahlool, she asked, “ Bahlool! What are you doing?”

Bahlool answered, “Making Paradise.”

“Do you sell the gardens you have?”

“Yes, I sell them.”

“For how many dinars?”

“For 100 dinars.”

Since Zubaydah wanted to help Bahlool in any way she could, she immediately ordered her servant to give Bahlool 100 dinars, which he did.

Bahlool said, “You don't want a receipt?”

“Write it and bring it.” Saying this, Zubaydah went her way.

Bahlool distributed that money among the poor.

In a dream that night, Zubaydah saw a big garden, the like of which she had never seen when awake. All of its houses and palaces were seven stories high and made of colored jewels and decorated with great style. The rivers were flowing and beside them flowers were blooming. Very beautiful trees were planted, servants (boys and girls) were all present and ready to be of service. Zubaydah was given the receipt, written in gold ink, and was told that this is the Garden that she had bought from Bahlool.

When she awoke, Zubaydah was very happy and told Haroun about her dream. As soon as it was morning, Haroun sent someone to bring Bahlool.

When Bahlool came, Haroun said, “I want you to take 100 dinars from me and sell me one of your gardens, like the one you gave Zubaydah.”

Bahlool said it was now 200 dinars, the king responded “but yesterday my wife purchased it for a cheaper price. Bahlul responded “Zubaydah bought it without seeing (the reward). You know what u are getting”.

Harun aL Rashid paid for it . Bahlul then threw the coins in the river behind him . After a while someone approached him and asked him:”why do you throw the coins in the river?”.

His response paraphrased : “ there is a town down the banks of the river where they have no source of income. ALLAH has given me permission to sell pieces of heaven , the money is thrown into the river , the fish eat the coin and the fisherman catch the fish with gold coins and that’s how they attain their sustenance “. ALLAH mercy Allhamdullilah .


Let his life inspire us to live passionately for the cause of justice and righteousness, and remind us to seek wisdom even in the unlikeliest places. Such is the grandeur of Hazrath Bahlool Dana. May Allah instill in us the wisdom of Bahlool Dana and guide us on the righteous path. Ameen!