The teacher took a basket of radishes he had collected from his garden to Timur. On the way he ran into a neighbour. Neighbour advised "Give up take figs instead of radishes "
The teacher listened. He came out with a basket of figs in his hand. Timur summoned one of his men and ordered him to throw the figs in the basket one by one in Hodja's face.
As the figs came to his face the teacher began to give thanks "O Lord thank goodness!" Timur wondered and asked why he was thankful.
The teacher replied:
"What would happen to me if I hadn't listened to the neighbour and brought the radishes? I'm thankful for that."