Once a Molvi, a Priest and a Rabbi got together to discuss how each of them ‘made money’.
The Molvi had the first go as Friday comes earlier than the other two’s religious days and he said the following;
“During the Friday sermons as the collection box is passed around I extol the virtues of spending in the path of Allah and how handsomely they will be rewarded in the Hereafter. When the collection box has passed everybody, only then I wind up my sermon and lead the prayers.
Once everyone has gone I count the money collected very carefully and keep 10% for myself for my efforts.”
Hearing this Rabbi was livid and beyond himself. “You are a thief of God. I am so upset hearing this. How could you decide for yourself this 10% thing? “
Next it was Rabbi’s turn but he excused himself saying that he had not yet recovered from the shock, he requested the Priest to speak instead.
The Priest said that he did the same as the Molvi but blushingly added that he ‘charged’ 5% more for his services as he had to pay for the Sunday roast.
The Rabbi was in an uncontrollable fit again and was shouting on top of his voice. “I knew all along that you both are frauds and you both have no fear of God. How dare you decide for yourselves how much to charge?
After sometime when the Rabbi had ‘recovered from the two shocks’ he in very distinct superior tone said the following: “Unlike you both my task is very difficult. Even though the Jews are ‘loaded’ it is very difficult to get the money out of them. Muslims and Christian pay up, but with Jews parting with money is very difficult. It is just like squeezing water out of a rock. I being faithful servant of God keep on hammering the message home till they have paid up. After all I am collecting this money for God’s sake.
After everyone has gone I diligently count all the money and securely wrap them up in a table cloth. Then I beseech God that I have faithfully collected the money only for Him and for no other reason. I just remind Him that being human I have my needs too but shall not decide for myself how much I must charge for my ‘services’.
Then I toss the table cloth full of money Heavenwards with my entire strength saying;” Lord, this is all for you, keep all that you need and decide yourself what is there for me.”
God being generous that He is, always let’s me have the lot. It’s important for you both to know, unlike you it was not me who decided how much I can have”
