The Heaven or Hell ?
Once, King Badusha and Hoja (a quick-witted courtier, often referred to as Nasreddin Hoja) were sitting on the palace veranda, amusing themselves with conversation.
During their chat, King Badusha asked, "Hoja, in your opinion, when I die, will my soul go to Heaven or to Hell?"
Immediately, the truth came to Hoja's mind. Without hiding it, Hoja said, "Your Majesty, after your death, you will go to Hell."
The King had never expected such an answer. The King grew furious. "How dare you say that? Give me a clear explanation!"
It was then that Hoja grasped the gravity of his words. If he portrayed the King as guilty, punishment was certain! Suddenly, another clever idea struck Hoja.
Hoja replied, "Your Majesty, the poor souls whom you sentenced to death have filled Heaven to the brim. Therefore, since there is no space left in Heaven, you will temporarily have to go to Hell!"
The King thought that, because of his greatness, numerous people had reached Heaven. However, Hoja cleverly presented the same fact—that the King's punishment for executing the innocent would be residence in Hell.
Comments