It happened once upon a time that the Caliph Harun al Rashid was riding with some ministers, and they happened upon the figure of Bahlool sitting under a tree. Bahlool was very thin, and wearing only rags. Seeing his condition, Harun said to him, “Bahlool, do you have a friend in the world?”

Bahlool replied, “The one who fills my belly is my friend.”

Harun smiled. “Is that all it takes to be your friend? Then if I would fill your belly, I would become your best friend?”

“‘If’ you would fill my belly?” Bahlool answered. “Friendship is not based on ‘ifs’ and promises.”