It happened once upon a time that Mullah Nasruddin owed a certain businessman a sum of money, but as he was chronically without funds, he was unable to pay his debt.

Nevertheless, the businessman was very persistent, coming to Nasruddin’s house at all hours of the day and night, demanding payment, but always without getting even a penny in return. Finally, one day, he said, “Nasruddin, I can wait no longer. Either you pay me now, or we go to court. And then you will have to deal with the judge – he won’t be as patient as I have been, I assure you!”

“But the court is in the next village,” Nasruddin replied. “I am an elderly mullah, I can’t possibly walk so far.”

“It’s no excuse, ” the businessman snapped. “You can ride my horse.” And he ran and brought his horse for Nasruddin to ride on. When Nasruddin opened the door, though, he said, “No, it’s too cold to go out. I have no coat.”

“Then I will get you a coat!” the businessman raged. “These delays won’t save you. You’re not going to escape your day in court!”

Soon, they were heading for the next village, Nasruddin seated on the businessman’s horse and wearing his fine coat, with the businessman trotting along on foot beside him.

When they got to the court, the businessman told the judge that Nasruddin owed him a sum of money, and that he had refused all requests to repay it. The judge looked at Nasruddin, and said, “What do you have to say in the matter?”

“Your honour,” Nasruddin said, “this man has a peculiar form of delusion. He believes that everything I have belongs to him.”

“Really?” said the judge.

“Yes,” said the Mullah. “For example, he will tell you that the horse on which I came here is his.”

“But it IS my horse,” protested the businessman.

“You see?” said Nasruddin. “And he will also say that the coat I am wearing belongs to him.”

“It DOES belong to me,” said the businessman angrily.

“Just as I told your honour,” said Nasruddin to the judge. “It is a tragic case.”

“I understand,” said the judge. “The matter is dismissed.”