Missive #821 Published 30 Oct 2026

163. The Eagle Jaliz

A scholar was boasting about his knowledge of Islamic traditions. What color was Mohammad’s horse? The scholar knew. What is the favorite food of the angels? He knew that too.
Eager to display his knowledge, Nasruddin shouted out, “Jaliz!”
The scholar stared at him coldly. “Is that some kind of name?”
“It’s the name of the eagle who swooped down and carried Moses away,” replied Nasruddin.
“But there is no record of an eagle swooping down and carrying Moses away.”
“Well,” retorted Nasruddin, “then Jaliz is the name of the eagle who did not swoop down and carry Moses away.”

Missive #817 Published 23 Oct 2026

162. The Turban of a Scholar

People who could not read would sometimes bring letters to Nasruddin so that he could read the letters to them.
One man had brought Nasruddin a letter to read, but the handwriting was terrible.
“This is the worst handwriting I have ever seen,” said Nasruddin. “I can’t read this letter.”
The man was indignant. “You wear the turban of a scholar, but you can’t even read a simple letter from my brother.”
Nasruddin pulled the turban off his head and threw it at the man. “Go ahead! Take the turban,” he said, “and see if you can do any better!”