Matter of Time And Place Summary and Analysis

In the teaching story of almost the same name, 'A Matter of Time, Not Place', the Mullah Nasrudin is asked by a wandering traveler that he wants to borrow the Mullah's rope, which is lying coiled in front of him. The Mullah Nasrudin replies that he cannot, that it is already in use. The wandering traveler is angry, saying that it is not in use, it is just lying there, to which the Mullah Nasrudin replies: It is being used like this; to lie there until he wants to lend it.

Although this story shows the same hallmarks of many Nasrudin stories (with the message that it seems a little unfair), the message behind the teaching story appears to be worthwhile to consider: the wandering traveler was mistaken when he believes that just...