Murshid Hidayat Inayat-Khan remembered this story from his childhood, and often would refer to it.

It happened one evening that two of God’s creatures, a camel and a donkey, met and decided to be friends. As they wandered together, talking of one thing and another, they came upon a farmer’s field full of ripe grain, and the donkey felt great hunger at the sight.

“Uncle Camel,” said the donkey, “you are stronger than I.  Only break through the fence, and we can enjoy a fine meal from this grain.”

“Shall we not be in trouble if we do that?” asked the camel.

“Not at all,” replied the donkey.  “The sun and the rain that makes the grain grow falls on our backs, too. Has it not grown for our benefit? Just use your fine legs, Uncle Camel, given to you by the Creator, and we will have a feast.” “Very well, brother Donkey,” said the camel, and with little effort he pushed through the fence.  Then the camel and the donkey had a great banquet, in the course of which they trampled most of the grain to the ground.

When they had eaten their fill, the donkey said, “Uncle Camel, after such a fine meal, I feel the urge to sing.” The camel said, “Brother Donkey, I do not think that is wise. Surely we will waken the farmer.”  “No, Uncle Camel,” said the donkey, “our lullabies will only make him sleep more soundly.  Will you join me?” And the donkey began to bray.

But of course the noise of the donkey did waken the farmer, and he quickly came running with a large stick.  The donkey ran off and made his escape, but the camel was severely beaten by the farmer before he managed to get away.

Later, the two animals met again, and the donkey, with fond memories of the evening they had spent together, suggested they go wandering again.  The camel replied, “Thank you, Brother Donkey, but I would rather not.  I see now that your way is not my way, and to follow my way is better.”