This one comes from the Baghdadee forum:
"Saddam's Mosqu's Khateeb "Shiekh Ali" dies and waits in line at the "Janna" Gates. Just ahead of him is a guy in casual shalwar (the loose outfit worn in the Middle East, Pakistan, et. al.). Malak (angel) addresses this guy, "Who are you, so that I may know whether or not to admit you to Heaven?"
The guy replies, "I'm Kaka Ali, Mini Bus driver from Kefri, Iraq."
Malak consults his list, smiles and says to Kaka Ali, "Enter into the Kingdom."
So the Iraqi driver enters Heaven and the Sheikh Ali is next in line. He stands erect. Without being asked, he proclaims, "I am Sheikh Ali Imam of Jama in Baghdad for the last 33 years during the Saddam God bless him!"
Malak consults his list and says, "I'm sorry, you're on the waiting list. You have to pass some tests before you get entry to the Kingdom of Heaven."
Shikh says, "Just a minute. That man was a Mini Bus driver, and you issued him instant entry! But I have to go through more tests. How can this be? Please double check the names."
Malak says, "Up here, Imam, we go by results. While you preached, people slept; while he drove, people prayed."
Now there's a joke that would work in a lot of other places, from Egypt, Israel and Iran to Quebec and even Latin America. Definitely a good one to have on call if you travel abroad.
I've already heard that one in several different contexts.
The first time I saw it was in the comic strip Gordo by Gus Arriola. In that version two Catholic priest come before the Pearly Gates where Saint Peter tells them they will have to wait a century before they can enter Heaven.
A bit later Gordo (a tour bus driver) shows up and is immediately allowed entry. A bit incensed the priests complain about this, and demand to know why he, a lowly bus driver, is allowed to go before them.
To which Saint Peter replies, "Because he, in a single trip, scared the hell out of more people than you 2 in twenty years of preaching."
I don't get out much. Thanks for the new chuckle.
well appreciated by someone who has been on some awful cab rides.
That would even be true in the U.S.!
I've sat through enough boring sermons in my life.