This story of Mullah Nasrudin was so funny, I had to put it on my blog. (grinning)
The dervish Nasrudin entered a formal reception area and seated himself at the foremost elegant chair. The Chief of the Guard approached and said: “Sir, those places are reserved for guests of honor.”
“Oh, I am more than a mere guest,” replied Nasrudin confidently.
“Oh, so are you a diplomat?”
“Far more than that!”
“Really? So you are a minister, perhaps?”
“No, bigger than that too.”
“Oho! So you must be the King himself, sir,” said the Chief sarcastically.
“Higher than that!”
“What?! Are you higher than the King?! Nobody is higher than the King in this village!”
“Now you have it. I am nobody!” said Nasrudin.
Interpretations
- This is the prime interpretation of the story.
- One should show regard for those of humble means.
- Even a person of no consequence can be Hodja.
- Cleverness opens doors.
- Some words can have more than one meaning. A seemingly slight shift in context can make the base noble.
- Elevation comes through the abandonment of ego.
- Healthy society is circular, i.e when you are at the top you are at the bottom. eg.: Government serves leader, leader serves people, people serves government… Conversely linear systems are unhealthy.
- All men are made equal under the eyes of god
- Beware of the clever tongued, they can twist things mightily
- The one who empties himself of himself, attains the highest position in the sight of Allah.
