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CAST Bahlool the Wise Qazi of Baghdad Jabir the Traveller Qasim the Local Resident Muhammad, son of the Qazi Ibrahim, son of the Qazi Monkey 1 Monkey 2 Supporting Roles
Scene
1 - The Market of Baghdad. Narrator: [ Baghdad was the capital of the Muslim Empire in
the time of the Bani Abbas rulers. It was a beautiful city and many travellers
stopped at Baghdad before continuing their journeys. Our story starts with Jabir,
a traveller who has packed all his belongings to go to Syria. He has just
reached Baghdad and is admiring the beautiful city. One of the local residents,
Qasim, stops to speak with the stranger...] Qasim:
Salaamun Alaykum, brother. You look lost. My name is Qasim. Can I help
you at all? (Qasim offers his hand and Jabir shakes it.) Jabir:
Alaykum Salaam wa Rahmatullah. My name is Jabir. I have just arrived in
Baghdad, but I am not staying very long. I have a long way to go before I reach
Syria. Qasim:
Be very careful, Jabir. I hear there are a lot of thieves on the way. Jabir:
Oh dear! I am carrying my life savings with me. What shall I do? Qazi:
Well, I think you should leave them here with someone you can trust.
There is nobody more trustworthy in Baghdad than the Qazi. Everybody leaves
things with him for safekeeping and people say he is very honest. If you like, I
will take you to his house. Jabir: I
think that is a very good idea! -------------------------------- Scene Change
-------------------------------- Scene 2 - The House of the
Qazi. Narrator: [ The Qazi of Baghdad was famous. He used to
answer the people's questions and solve their problems. Although he had some
knowledge, he was not really a man of God. He was a crafty man, hired by the
king Haroon Rashid, to keep him informed of everything that went on in the city.
Our story continues at the house of the Qazi. When Qasim and Jabir came to his
house, the Qazi was sitting with some people. When the Qazi was free, Qasim came
forward to speak with him... ] Qasim:
Salamun Alaykum, respected Qazi. I would like to introduce you to Jabir,
a traveller who has a small problem. Qazi:
Alaykum Salaam, Qasim. Small problems, big problems, we will solve them
all. Tell me what troubles you Jabir. Jabir:
It is a private matter. Qazi:
In that case, perhaps our companions will excuse us. (Everybody leaves) Qazi:
Now, how can I help you? Jabir:
I am going to Syria, but I am afraid that thieves will steal my gold. Qazi:
Gold eh? What gold? Jabir:
Well I have two pots of gold coins. It is my entire wealth. I was advised
to leave it with you because you are an honest man. Qazi:
You received very good advice. I have no interest in worldly goods. You
can leave your valuables there with everybody else's things. Whenever you return
you only have to come back and take it. Jabir:
Thank you very much for your kindness. You have taken a weight off my
mind! Qazi:
Do not worry, young man. Have a safe journey. -------------------------------- Scene Change
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Scene
3 - A Meeting of the Qazi and Bahlool. Narrator: [ Bahlool the Wise was thought by many people to
be slightly mad. He acted funny and said some strange things. In truth, he was
not mad at all. He was actually one of the most intelligent disciples of our 6th
Holy Imam (A.S.). He behaved as a mad man to escape the oppression of the cruel
rulers of the Bani Abbas. However, some people knew of his piety and knowledge.
The Qazi was one such person. Whenever he met Bahlool, the Qazi would bring up
the same topic.... ] Qazi:
Is that you, Bahlool? How are you today? Bahlool:
I am not fine at all. In fact, I feel rather strange. Qazi:
Oh come on Bahlool! You cannot fool me with that act. I know that your
teacher was the city of knowledge, Ja'far as-Sadiq (A.S.). Bahlool:
I have seen many cities. Qazi:
Please Bahlool, teach my two young boys what your master taught you.
Muhammad and Ibrahim are now 10 and 12 years of age. I want them to grow up as
learned men. I will give you anything you ask. Bahlool
Always the same talk! How can a fool like me teach anybody anything?
Leave me alone and go back to your master, Haroon Rashid. (Bahlool walks away and the Qazi raises his hand in despair.) -------------------------------- Scene Change
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Scene
4 - Jabir the Traveller Returns to Baghdad. Narrator: [ Two years passed. Finally, Jabir returned
from Syria. He had decided that he did not want to live in Syria. Perhaps in
Baghdad he could start a new life. But first he had to collect his gold from the
Qazi. We pick up the story as Jabir enters the house of the Qazi...] Jabir:
Salaamun Alaykum, respectable Qazi. Do you remember me? Qazi:
Alaykum Salaam, young man. Who are you? Jabir:
It is me, Jabir! I left my valuables with you two years ago. Qazi:
I am afraid I do not remember. So many people leave their things here. Go
and look amongst the things over there and see if you can find your belongings. Jabir:
Here they are! Phew! For a minute there I was a bit worried! Qazi:
Oh you found it? Good. Please check that your seals are intact so that
you can be sure that nobody has tampered with the pots. (Jabir checks the seals and begins to open one pot) Jabir:
The seals are fine. Let me give you something for your kindness.... Oh my
God! Qazi:
Are you alright Jabir? You look like you have seen a ghost! Jabir:
But, but.. Where are my gold coins? This pot has honey! (He opens the other pot) Jabir:
And so has this one! Qazi:
Let me see! (He inspects the contents of one pot and then turns to his companions) Qazi:
Mashallah! Subhanallah! Golden coins have been transformed into golden
honey! It is a miracle! We must glorify the power of Allah (S.W.T.) and thank
Him for allowing us to witness such a wonder! Companions: Subhanallah, Mashallah, What a miracle! Jabir:
Miracle? Miracle, what miracle? I've been cheated. Why you... (Jabir grabs the Qazi while the companions try to pull him away) Jabir:
You scoundrel, you rogue, you thief! I should have taken my chances with
the highway robbers! Qazi:
Get a grip on yourself, Jabir! Are you denying that Allah (S.W.T.) has
the power to change your gold into fresh honey? Think yourself lucky to be
involved in this great miracle. Jabir:
It will be a miracle if you can still walk when I have finished with you! (Jabir lunges for the Qazi, but the companions hold him back. The Qazi
stands up and points his finger at Jabir) Qazi:
Control yourself young man! Do you know what Haroon Rashid will do to you
for attacking me. Go away before I decide to take the matter further. (Jabir sees that he is powerless, and leaves) -------------------------------- Scene Change
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Scene
5 - Bahlool meets Jabir and the Qazi at the Market. Narrator: [ Jabir was shocked by his experience with
the Qazi. He walked aimlessly around Baghdad's market-place, racking his brains
for a way to get back his wealth. However, he soon realised that the Qazi was
powerful as well as dishonest. He would not hesitate to imprison Jabir if he
tried to approach the Qazi's house again. He was sitting in the market,
helplessly thinking about his bad luck when along came Bahlool...] Bahlool:
What troubles you my brother? Why do you sit there as if all the world's
problems rest on your shoulders? Jabir:
Go away, you simple-minded person. Leave me to my misery. Bahlool:
The Holy Prophet (S) has said that if you see a Muslim brother in
difficulty, go to his aid. You never know, I might be able to help you. Jabir:
Nobody can help me. But there is no harm in telling you I suppose... Narrator: [ Jabir then narrated to Bahlool his entire
experience with the Qazi. Bahlool listened and then said...] Bahlool:
I will do what I can to help you. Here is some money to pay for your food
and lodging. Go and get a room in the inn and stay there for one month till I
get you. Jabir:
Thank you for your kindness. But what will you do and how will I pay you
back? Bahlool:
Do not worry. Leave things to me now. Pay be back when you are able. Narrator: [ Jabir leaves and Bahlool hangs around the
market waiting to see if the Qazi will come. His luck is in. The Qazi arrives
for some shopping with his two sons Muhammad and Ibrahim. On seeing Bahlool the
Qazi rushes to him...] Qazi:
Ah Bahlool! How are you today? Bahlool:
I am well. I see your boys are growing up! Qazi:
Yes, yes but I am worried about their education. If only you would accept
my request to teach them something that you have learnt from your master. Please
will you not reconsider? Bahlool:
You are embarrassing me. I cannot teach them anything. Qazi:
You don't expect me to believe your pretence do you? Of course you can
teach them. Bahlool:
Well, if you insist, I shall certainly try. But there is one condition. Qazi:
Anything, anything. Bahlool:
You must leave the boys with me for one month without seeing them. Only
then will you notice the difference in them. Qazi:
Agreed Bahlool. You have made me a very happy man. Here take the boys
with you now, before you change your mind. (The boys wish farewell to their father and accompany Bahlool to his
house.) -------------------------------- Scene Change
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Scene
6 - The Qazi comes to visit his sons. Narrator: [ One month later the Qazi knocked at the
door of Bahlool's house. He was eager to see how far his sons ha progressed.
Bahlool opened the door and welcomed him in...] Bahlool:
Salaamun Alaykum dear Qazi. How are you? Qazi:
Alaykum Salaam, Bahlool. I am fine. Bahlool:
Please sit down. Qazi:
Thank you. Now Bahlool, what is the progress of my children? Have you
noticed any difference any them? Bahlool:
Oh yes, there has been quite a difference. In fact you may have
difficulty recognising them as the same boys you left with me a month ago. Qazi:
Excellent, excellent. Where are they? I want to ask them some questions
to test their new knowledge. Bahlool:
Of course. Muhammad! Ibrahim! Come in and greet your father. He is eager
to see you. (At Bahlool's shout, two monkeys scamper into the room. They proceed
towards the bewildered Qazi and kiss his hand. The shocked Qazi jumps up.) Qazi:
Allahu Akbar! What madness is this Bahlool? Where did these animals come
from? Bahlool:
What do you mean, dear Qazi? Why, these are your sons. That is Muhammad
and there is Ibrahim. Qazi:
You are truly mad and you want to make me insane too! Where are my boys?
What has happened to them? Bahlool:
Ah I see. You mean the miracle. Qazi:
What are you talking about? Bahlool:
The morning after they arrived, I notice that the boys had turned into
monkeys. Mashallah! I said. Subhanallah! I said. What a miracle! I began to
glorify the power of Allah (S.W.T.). After I got over the shock I continued to
teach them as I had promised. Qazi:
I don't think I will get over this shock. You are trying to make a monkey
out of me as well Bahlool! Bahlool:
No, no Qazi. Think yourself lucky to have witnessed such a great miracle.
Why don't you take the boys home now. Qazi:
Are you crazy? My wife will kill me! You are lying Bahlool. Bahlool:
Are you denying that Allah (S.W.T.) has the power to change your sons
into monkeys? Qazi:
Allah would never do that! Bahlool:
Why not? I hear He recently changed golden coins into golden honey. Why
not boys into monkeys? Qazi:
Oh Allah, forgive me! I have been a greedy man. You would not deprive a
foolish old man of his dear sons, would you Bahlool? Bahlool:
I think that depends on whether Jabir's honey changes to gold coins
again. Qazi:
The young man will have his money again right away. Now please Bahlool,
what about my boys? Bahlool:
They have been in the next room all along. And they have studied well in
the past month. Muhammad! Ibrahim! Come and see your father. (The boys come in to hug their father) Narrator: [ The gold was returned to the grateful
Jabir. The Qazi became a wiser and more honest man. He realised the torture he
had put Jabir through and sincerely apologised. He became a better man. As for
Bahlool, he continued to act as a mad man and only a few people knew of his
cleverness. We hope you enjoyed this play. Wassalaamu Alaykum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa
Barakaatuh. ] |