It happened once that Mullah Nasruddin was visiting a very wealthy man. The man said to Nasruddin, “Mullah, as you are so learned, I want to show you something that I am sure you will appreciate.”

He led the Mullah into another room, where there was lying an open coffin. “You see, Mullah,” said the man, “I believe that we should prepare for the inevitable, and so I have ordered this coffin for the day I must leave this world.”

“I see,” Nasruddin said, nodding noncommittally.

“And please observe,” the man went on, “I have spared no expense. This is the best coffin money can buy. Imported wood, of course, carved by master craftsmen, and look at these fine silver handles. Inside, silk of the highest quality. Isn’t it a work of art?”

“Certainly,” said Nasruddin.

“Now I appeal to your learning, Mullah,” the man said. “Have I overlooked anything? Is anything missing from this coffin?”

“Yes,” said Nasruddin, “one thing. The occupant.”