A legendary Muslim who is said to have lived in the eighth century, Juha (who is sometimes called Goha and Abu Nuwas) has been the subject of jokes and comic stories throughout the Muslim world for centuries. The following anecdote demonstrates how this comic figure often exposes the foibles of others:

Goha went to the public baths in the town. As usual, he was poorly dressed and so the attendants did not treat him with any respect. He was given only the smallest piece of soap and a little towel that didn't look very clean. During his time in the baths he was not served tea and cakes like the other customers. In fact, the attendants made it obvious they would not mind if they never saw him there again. But when he left the baths Goha gave the two attendants a...