Mulla Nasruddin was once brought before a judge by a man to whom he owed some money.<>
The creditor said to the judge: <>
“This man owes me 500 dinars which are long overdue. <>
I request your excellency to order him to pay me immediately, without further delay.”<>
“I do owe him money,” said the Mulla, “and I intend to pay him. I’ll sell my cow and horse if necessary, but it’ll take time.”<>
“He is lying,” said the other man. <>
“He doesn’t have a cow or horse or anything of value for that matter. I am told he doesn’t even have food in his house!”<>
“When he knows I am so poor, O Judge,” said the Mulla, “ask him how he expects me to pay him immediately.”<>
The judge dismissed the case.<>
