Mulla was waiting to enter the Bukhara city gates when the captain of the soldiers shouted, “What’s your name?” “Mulla Nasruddin,” said Mulla, “A kind man saved me from some thieves. As I couldn’t remember my name, he gave me his name and a donkey to ride on.” “Why didn’t you remember your name?” asked the captain. “The donkey kicked me when I tried remembering. Besides, the borrowed name was proving lucky for me. And whoever pronounces it also gets lucky,” said Mulla. “Yes, our Sultan is lucky because you will pay tax for two people. One for Mulla Nasruddin and another for whoever you are!” mocked the captain, empting Mulla’s purse. Just then, a soldier gave the news that he had been transferred to the gate of Sultan’s court. By sheer coincidence, Mulla Nasruddin had proved lucky as he had claimed to be. The captain returned Mulla’s money and let him go into the city.
The Lucky Name
