What is the truth about Bahlul the Madman, and is it true that he debated Abu Hanifa on the three issues?

Bahlul is a well-known figure, classified among the wise madmen, and he has good sayings and stories. He lived during the reign of the Abbasid Caliph Harun al-Rashid and died in the year 192 AH. It is claimed that he sat with Ja'far al-Sadiq, and therefore Shiites consider him one of their prominent figures, asserting that he feigned madness by order of their imams.

As for the circulating story about his debate with Abu Hanifa concerning doctrines such as the torment of Satan by fire and the vision of Allah, it is a false story for several reasons:

1. Source of the story: It was circulated by the Shiites, and its oldest source is the book "Majalis al-Mu'minin" by the Shiite al-Tustari, who died in 1019 AH, without mentioning any chain of narration (isnad). 2. Content of the story: It contains later Shiite beliefs that were not known during the time of Ja'far al-Sadiq, who was a Salafi Imam. Actions of servants: Abu Hanifa attributes the actions of servants to them in terms of acquisition, and to Allah in terms of creation and destiny, which does not contradict the texts of revelation. The Rafidha (Shiites) diverged from this belief after their interaction with the Mu'tazila. Vision of Allah: The story attributes to Abu Hanifa the statement that believers will see Allah on the Day of Judgment, which is a sound belief agreed upon by the Salaf, and Ja'far al-Sadiq was not known to deny it. 3. Torment of Satan: Abu Hanifa is an Imam who would not deny what is explicitly stated in numerous Quranic verses, namely that Satan's ultimate destination is Hellfire. 4. Historical circumstances: Abu Hanifa resided in Kufa and was not alive during the time of Harun al-Rashid when Bahlul lived in Baghdad. Furthermore, the story contains clear falsehoods, such as Abu Hanifa running after a madman and the claim that Bahlul was a relative of the Caliph, none of which have any basis.

The report is not authentic, and signs of falsehood are apparent in it.