The Honest Cadi

A robber who had plundered a merchant of one thousand pieces of gold was brought before the Cadi. The Cadi asked him if he had anything to say as to why he should not be decapitated.

"Your Honour," replied the robber, "I could do no otherwise than take the money, for Allah made me that way."

The Cadi considered this and said, "Your defense is both ingenious and sound. I must acquit you of criminality. Unfortunately, Allah has made me so that I must also take off your head—unless," he added thoughtfully, "you offer me half of the gold, for He has made me weak under temptation."

At this, the robber handed over five hundred pieces of gold to the Cadi.

"Good," said the Cadi with a satisfied nod. "I shall now remove but one half of your head. To show my trust in your discretion, I shall leave intact the half you talk with."