The Story of Joha and the Turnips

Once Joha went to pay homage to the Caliph and as the custom required he took with him a present – a basketful of nabq/nabug [lotus jujube], which by common consent was a very humble fruit. Naturally, the Caliph was offended, and ordered that Joha be stoned with every nabq fruit he brought with him. Each time he was hit by one, Joha would say, ‘Alhamdu lil-lah wal-shukr’ [May God be praised and thanked]. The Caliph was surprised and asked for an explanation. Joha told him that he was thanking God that he had listened to his wife, who suggested the nabq, as opposed to his initial choice, turnips.