Story Summary
Discover the wit of Nasrudin and the Judge. When faced with a legal battle, Mulla Nasrudin uses a clever trick involving a 'bribe' to win his court case.
Mulla Nasrudin was once involved in a lawsuit against a wealthy and influential man. Knowing that the presiding judge was notoriously corrupt and expected bribes, Nasrudin arrived at the courtroom carrying a large, heavy clay jar sealed with cloth. He placed the jar directly in the judge's line of sight and left it there for the duration of the trial. Throughout the proceedings, the judge's eyes frequently wandered to the jar, imagining it was filled with gold coins or expensive honey. Swayed by the prospect of a magnificent gift, the judge summarily ruled in Nasrudin's favor, dismissing the wealthy man's claims. After the court adjourned, the judge pulled Nasrudin aside and whispered, 'So, my friend, what is in the jar you brought for me?' Nasrudin uncovered the jar to reveal it was packed to the brim with common stones. 'I brought these,' Nasrudin replied calmly, 'because if you had ruled against me, I intended to throw them at your head!'
The Moral
Justice motivated by greed is fragile, and those who seek bribes are often blinded by their own desires.
“A judge who looks for a gift in a jar often finds exactly what he deserves.”
Fun Fact
Mulla Nasrudin is known by different names across the world, including Gjuha in Albania and Afanti in China. UNESCO declared 1996–1997 the International Nasreddin Hodja Year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Nasrudin and the Judge?
The story highlights that a corrupt person’s greed is their own undoing. It teaches that justice should be based on truth rather than the expectation of material gain.
Who is Mulla Nasrudin in Sufi culture?
Mulla Nasrudin is a folk character used in Sufi teaching stories to illustrate human folly or wisdom. He is often depicted as a 'wise fool' who uses humor to reveal deep spiritual truths.
What was inside Nasrudin's jar?
The jar was filled with heavy stones, though the judge assumed it contained a bribe like gold or honey. Nasrudin used the weight of the jar to trick the judge's greedy imagination.
Why did the judge rule in Nasrudin's favor?
The judge was corrupt and assumed Nasrudin had brought a valuable bribe in the sealed jar. He ruled in Nasrudin's favor purely out of greed, expecting to receive the jar as a gift.
What does this story teach about justice?
It serves as a critique of corrupt legal systems where outcomes are bought rather than earned. Nasrudin's actions expose the judge's lack of integrity through a humorous and threatening twist.
Is Mulla Nasrudin a real historical figure?
While some believe he lived in 13th-century Turkey, he is primarily a legendary figure whose stories have been adapted across the Middle East, Central Asia, and Europe.
