Tamerlane's price - I (During a deep conversation with Tamerlane, Tamerlane demanded:Hodja you are, a learned and wise man. If I were a serf for sale, how much would you bid?)
One day Tamerlane, while having a chat with Hodja, he was speaking extravagantly in a sort of "I thrown my sword from here, its tip danced in Halabiye". He was so exaggerating that a flea became a camel. Hodja was very bored. Finally, he exaggerated more than him by making a camel a strange enormous animal:
-The truth of the matter, I had many camels before. But I've never seen such a camel i have now. If I say "walk", it does. If I say "fly", it does. Unfortunately, it can read but can not write, like my small child!
Tamerlane was very amazed:
-Please let me see this creature!
Hodja remaining imperturbed:
-Your Majesty, said the Hodja, todays I am teaching first parts of namaz (namaz=is the Moslem ritual prayer). If God wills, when I come next year again, it will kneel in front of you!
Tamerlane anxiously waited for the meeting day in next year.
As the day came, Hodja:
-Sir, Don't ask. Once it begun to read the Quran, loved so much, and now insisting on by continuosly saying "I will be hafiz!" (hafiz is one who has memorized the Quran). Next year, God willing, as it'll know the Quran thoroughly you will listen to its voice by your heart!
said the Hodja and left the tent of Tamerlane.
While Tamerlane was waiting anxiously for the next year, Hodja's wife and friends worrying about his life;
-Hodja, are you playing with your blood? Tamerlane, adage one, will not believe your lie at the end. Stop playing!
Hodja replies;
-See here, why so panic! Long time till next year. Till then, either the camel may die or me or Tamerlane!
SallalLahou alaihi wasalam
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