Buying Bahlul’s Houses

بِسۡمِ ٱللهِ ٱلرَّحۡمَـٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

The following is adapted from a swuhbah from Shaykh Muhammad Nazhim Adil al-Haqqani (q.s.). 

One day, Bahlul was sitting in the palace gardens, when the Caliph’s wife saw him and asked what he was doing.  “I am building houses,” he replied. 

“Can you sell one to me?” she asked. 

“Yes, for one gold coin.” 

She bought it and went away.  That night, she both dreamt that they were in Paradise looking at the wonderful palace which she had been given for one gold piece.  Bahlul had a relationship with the Prophet (s.a.w.), awake or sleeping.  All the awliya’ are in constant contact with the Prophet (s.a.w.).  Bahlul had been ordered to perform some charity and needed a gold coin.  Her reward for giving it was a palace in Paradise. 

Caliph Harun, hearing of the dream, came to Bahlul the next morning.  “What are you doing?” he asked Bahlul. 

“I am building houses,” he replied. 

“Would you sell me one?” 

“Yes, the price is 2,000 gold coins.” 

Caliph Harun said, “What!  Why?  You were selling them yesterday for only one gold coin.” 

“She bought it without looking,” Bahlul explained.  “Now, it has gotten expensive.” 

This means belief is in hidden things.  If they could see it first, everyone would believe.  There is a value in believing in veiled things.  Now, there are so many arguments against this.  In all religions, there are groups arising that oppose belief.  In Islam, there are people saying that the only reality is what we feel and see.  They deny the existence of saints.  This is from Satan and is intended to destroy faith.  If there is no faith, then no life for people.