‘Brother,’ said Mulla Nasrudin to a neighbor, ‘I am collecting to pay the debt of a poor man who cannot meet his obligations.’

‘Very laudable,’ said the other, and gave him a coin. ‘Who is this person?’

‘Me,’ said Nasrudin, as he hurried away.

A few weeks later he was at the door again.

‘I suppose you are calling about a debt,’ said the now-cynical neighbor.

‘I am.’

I suppose someone can’t pay a debt, and you want a contribution?’

‘That is so.’

‘I suppose it is you who owe the money?’

‘Not this time.’

‘Well, I am glad to hear it. Take this contribution.’

Nasrudin pocketed the money.

‘Just one thing, Mulla. What prompts your humanitarian sentiments in this particular case?’

‘Ah, you see… I am the creditor!’