It happened once upon a time that a man came to see Mullah Nasruddin, and to ask his advice about his son.

“Mullah,” said the man, “my son is driving me crazy.  He is not a boy anymore–he should find some work.  But he has unusual ideas–and no matter what I say, he doesn’t do anything!”

“What do you want him to do?” asked Nasruddin.

“He could work with me,” said the man.  “I have a small butcher shop.  I need the help.  But he says he has higher goals!  Couldn’t you talk to him for me?”

The Mullah agreed, and the next day, the butcher’s son came for a visit.

“You are a man, now,” Nasruddin said seriously. “To earn a living is a duty.  What do you want to do with yourself?”  To his astonishment, the young man replied very earnestly, “I feel it is God’s plan that I become an imam!”

As an imam is a very learned and respected person, who makes judgments of all kinds and leads various religious services, it surprised Nasruddin that the butcher’s son would aim so high.

“Well, very good,” he told the young man.  “A very fine goal.  If it is your destiny, then you must work hard and study to accomplish what God has planned for you.”

But the young man leaned forward and said, “No, Mullah. I don’t need to study.”

“Why not?”

“I have applied logic to the situation,” the young man said with satisfaction. “As an Imam would, for God has given me an ability!  If it is God’s will, and my destiny is truly to be an imam, then what could prevent it?  The Lord of the heavens and the earth is all powerful and nothing can stand against His decree. So, I don’t need to do anything.  And if it is not His will, and he intends me to be ignorant, then no amount of study will have any effect.  So again, I don’t need to do anything!”

Nasruddin digested this piece of reasoning, and then said, “Nevertheless, let me advise you–there is one thing that you should do.”

“Oh?” said the young man.  “What is that?”

“Go and learn something from your father about the butcher’s trade,” said Nasruddin sadly.  “If God has given this thought power over your mind, it is proof that He intends you to be an idiot.”