Nasrudin was collecting firewood in the mountains. He was cursing himself for traveling so far from home without having thought to pack anything to eat, when a stranger appeared and cried: “My brother is very ill. Where can I find a doctor?”

“I am a doctor,” replied Nasrudin, and he was immediately led to the patient’s house. On entering, he was given a large bowl of pulao and a pot of green tea. When he had finished his meal, he turned his attentions to the sick man. “Cover him with more blankets and place his feet in iced water,” he told the patient’s wife before leaving the house. He had hardly gone a few yards when the man caught up with him. “So much for your medical advice! My brother has just expired!” “That is unfortunate,” replied Nasrudin, “but look on the bright side. If I had not had that pulao, I might have died too!”