It happened once upon a time that Mullah Nasruddin was working in the home of a businessman, doing whatever was necessary. But one day his employer became irritated with him.

“Nasruddin,” he scolded, “you don’t plan ahead! If I tell you to make a pilaff, you go to the market once to get rice, and then again to get vegetables, and then a third time to get spices, a fourth time to get the meat, and one more time to get oil! If you would think ahead, you could take one trip to the market and get everything done at once.”

“Thank you, your honour,” Nasruddin replied humbly, “I will try to learn this lesson.”

The next day, the businessman complained of a terrible headache, and sent Nasruddin to the pharmacist to get some medicine. “And be quick,” he commanded, “my head is pounding.”

In spite of the urgency, though, it took Nasruddin a long time to return, and when he finally appeared in the courtyard, the businessman was surprised to see that the Mullah had brought some men with him.

“Nasruddin, what took you so long? Where is the medicine? And who are these people?”

“The medicine is here,” said Nasruddin, handing his employer a small packet. “But in case you need something different, here is the pharmacist ready to suggest alternatives. And if pills and powders don’t work, this gentleman is the doctor. And if the doctor is unable to solve the problem, here is the Imam to say prayers for God’s mercy, may He always protect you, your honour.”

“I see. And who is that?” the businessman demanded, pointing to a man with a measuring tape.

“Ah, said Nasruddin, “he is here to measure you, in case a coffin is required.”