Issue nº 68

The new entrepreneurs  |  Before God

     An old man sold toys in the Baghdad market. Knowing that his sight was not quite perfect, his customers sometimes paid him with fake money.
     The old man discovered the ruse, but did not say anything. In his prayers he asked God to forgive those who cheated him. "Perhaps they're short of money and want to buy presents for their children," he said to himself.
     The time passed and the old man died. Standing before the gates of Heaven, he prayed once more:
     - Lord! - he said. - I am a sinner. I did many wrong things, I am no better than the false coins I was paid. Forgive me!
     At that moment the gates swung open and a Voice was heard:
     - Forgive what? How can I judge someone who all through his life never once passed judgment on others?