Some years later, they chatted after having dinner together. They discussed the gifts they were able to give their elderly father who lived far away in another city.
The first said, "I had a big house built for Baba."
The second said, " I had a hundred thousand dollar theatre built in the house."
The third said, "I had my Mercedes dealer deliver an SL600 to him."
The fourth said, "You know how Baba loved reading the Quran and you know he can't read anymore because he can't see very well. Well, I met this Qari who told me about a parrot that can recite the entire Quran. It took twenty Qaris 12 years to teach him. I had to pledge to contribute $100,000 a year for twenty years to the Mosque, but it was worth it. Papa just has to name the Sura and Ayat and the parrot will recite it."
The other brothers were impressed.
After the holidays Mula Nasruddin sent out his Thank You notes.
He wrote: "Abdul-Bari, the house you built is so huge I live in only one room, but I have to clean the whole house. Thanks anyway."
"Abdul-Hakim, I am too old to travel. I stay home, I have my groceries delivered, so I never use the Mercedes. The thought was good. Thanks."
"Abdul-Fattah, you gave me an expensive theatre with Dolby sound, it could hold 50 people, but all of my friends are dead, I've lost my hearing and I'm nearly blind. I'll never use it. Thank you for the gesture just the same."
"Dearest Abdul-Jabbar, you were the only son to have the good sense to give a little thought to your gift. The chicken was delicious. Thank you."
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