Nasruddin and the Ship's Passengers

Nasruddin was working on a ship, but he still made sure to say his daily prayers. The passengers all laughed at him, though, and they did not say their prayers.
Then, a sudden storm blew up and the ship was in danger of sinking. All the passengers began to pray loudly to God.
"O God," each passenger shouted, "you are great and merciful! Spare us! Please! I'll be a good Muslim! I'll dedicate my life to your service!"
After a while, Nasruddin shouted, "I see land ahead. We're saved!" And then he added, "You can stop your pretended devotions now."

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Inspired by: Mulla's Donkey and Other Friends by Mehdi Nakosteen, p. 135.
Notes: The story also appears in The Sufis by Idries Shah, free to read online at the Idries Shah Foundation.

I included this book in Tiny Tales of Nasruddin.