It happened once upon a time that a student came to ask a question of Mullah Nasruddin.  “Please, can you tell me the meaning of fate, Mullah?  Its workings are inexplicable, and it seems to be a subject shrouded in mystery.”

The Mullah stroked his beard thoughtfully, and then, holding up a bony finger, said, “Assumptions.”

“Assumptions, Mulllah?  What do you mean?”

“When things go well, you assume it is justice because you deserve it. Or if you don’t deserve it, you assume it is luck. But when things go badly, you assume it is fate.”