Download PDF: [S] Behlul Daan’s advice to the Sultan

It is mentioned that once the famous Sultan, Sultan Harun Rashid, travelled to perform Hajj and there was also a large group of people from Baghdad that also accompanied him.

 

On his return, while passing through Kufah, Harun Rashid noticed that there were some children that were troubling the great Saint, Hadrat Sayyiduna Behlul Daana – may Allah be pleased with him. As the Sultan neared this area, the children ran away. Harun Rashid was also riding one of the finest camels around. He was also draped in fine royal clothing and was surrounded by fine royal covering.

 

When the great Saint saw him, he shouted out, “O Ameerul Mo’mineen” twice.

 

Sultan Harun Rashid replied, “Labbaik Ya Behlul, Labbaik.”

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Behlul Daana – may Allah be pleased with him – declared, “It was mentioned to me by Ayman bin Naa’il who heard from Qudamah bin Abdullah who mentions, ‘I once saw the Sayyiduna Rasoolullah – may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him – at Mina and his saddle was extremely old. He also never disturbed the people by making them move out of the way.’ Therefore, O Ameerul Mo’mineen, it is better for you to display humility and modesty compared to pride and boast.”

 

When the Khalifah heard these words, he began to weep. His tears fell to the ground and he asked the great Saint to give him further advice.

 

Hadrat Sayyiduna Behlul Daana – may Allah be pleased with him – stated, “O Ameerul Mo’mineen! Whoever has been given wealth, riches, beauty and goodness and he spends his wealth in the Path of Allah and protects his good looks from Haraam, in the Divine register, he is recorded as being among the Abraar.”

 

When the Khalifah heard these words, he remarked, “You have indeed mentioned very noble words and they are words which should be rewarded.”

 

However, the great Saint replied that this wealth should be returned to those from whom it was taken from in the first place. In this manner, the Saint refused to accept anything from the Sultan. (Roud Ar Riyaheen)