A haughty aristocrat fell into a well, and hung suspended just above the water, praying and shouting for help.
After some time another man came along and said:
‘Take my hand, and I will pull you out.’
‘One moment,’ said the trapped man, reverting to habit, I must first know your name.’
‘My name, if it is of any importance, is Omar, son of Zaid, of the Tribe of Hashim.’
‘Of course it is of importance,’ said the nobleman, taking his hand, ‘but I must know whether you trace your descent through Ali Raza or Musa Kazim.’
‘Well if you must, you must. I’ll go and look it up,’ said Omar. He let go of the hand and returned home to consult his pedigree.
When he got back the other man had drowned.
