I shall borrow it for now and repay it later.

I shall borrow it for now and repay it later.’ “I left the house with that money, but as I was about to purchase the item which I needed, I said to myself: “How do I know I shall be able to repay this debt later?” I wavered and then all of a sudden decided against going ahead with the purchase.

As soon as I returned home, I put the money back in its place.”[^6] The Caliph’s Food Once, in a gathering of Harun Rashid (the fifth ‘Abbasid Caliph), which included a number of aristocrats, the conversation drifted towards Buhul and his insanity. When it was time for lunch, a king’s luncheon was spread out, and a delicacy especially prepared for Harun was placed before him.

Harun handed this food to one of his slaves and ordered him to take the food to Buhul, in the hope of drawing him towards himself with this benevolent act. When the slave brought the food before Buhul, who was seated in the ruins of a broken down house, he noticed that some dogs nearby were tearing apart and eating the carcass of a dead donkey. Buhul refused to accept the food. “Place the food before the dogs,” he said to the slave.

“This is the Caliph’s special food and he has sent it to you out of his respect for you. Do not insult the Caliph!” ordered the slave.

Buhul responded, “Lower your voice for if the dogs come to know of this, even they would refuse to eat this food.” (Since, with regards to the riches at the Caliph’s disposal, it is not known which part of it is lawful and which part is not.)[^7] ‘Aqil Once, ‘Aqil, the brother of Imam ‘Ali (as), seeking some monetary help, asked the Imam (as) to give him something because he was poor.

The Imam (as) said, “Be patient till I distribute the money amongst the other Muslims for then, I shall give you your share too.” But when ‘Aqil persisted with his request, the Imam (as) said to a person: “Take ‘Aqil by the hand towards the market and ask him to force open the lock of one of the shops and take away everything from it!” ‘Aqil immediately asked, “You want me to be arrested as a thief?” “And by giving you money from the public treasury of the Muslims you want me to be looked upon as a thief?” the Imam (as) retorted.

“I shall go to Mua’wiyah,” replied ‘Aqil. Imam ‘Ali (as) suggested to him to do as he pleased.