When Azrail (The Angel of Death) comes
Nasreddin Hodja


Once Hodja was seriously ill, with his last breath he lay in his bed at home. His wife was very concerned and came to his bed crying. When Hodja saw her crying, he said to her,
- Why are you crying my dear? Go put on your best clothes, do your hair nicely, put some color on your face and smile.
- But why? she asked. Hodja, I can't do that, not while you're in pain!
Hodja smiled at her and said,
- My dear, I want you to do it. If Azrail (The Angel of Death) comes, he will see how beatiful you are in these fine clothes, looking like an angel or a peacock, he might take you along instead of me and leave me here.