It is a well known fact, recognised by many learned students of history, that the fortunes of Mullah Nasruddin were more variable than the weather. He knew some days of plenty, and plenty of days of nothing. Once, during a period of unusual poverty, Nasruddin heard a knock at the door, and when he opened it, was greeted by a beggar clad in rags.

“Mullah,” said the beggar, “Allah has directed me to this house for a good meal.”

“I am sorry,” the Mullah replied, “but you have the wrong house. Look,” he said, stepping out of the door and pointing at a nearby mosque, “Allah lives there.”