This is a story from Basra, Iraq. Author unknown:

Once upon a time there lived in Basra a ‘Master’. His ‘servant’ used to go daily to the Market to purchase fresh vegetables. The ‘Master’ was kind and did not make a fuss when the ‘servant’ took his time and usually liked to gossip a bit with the shopkeepers.

One day however hardly had he reached the market the ‘servant’ came running back home and – out of breath – said:  “Master, Master, please give me a camel!’ .   The ‘master’ asked what was going on and the ‘servant’ explained:

” I went to the market as usual to find the freshest vegetables for you. But just when I reached there I met the Angel of Death and he recognized me and said:  ‘Hussain, what are you doing here’?

And that is why I run home and PLEASE Master, give me a camel I want to go to Samarra’.

Well, the ‘master’ gave him the camel.    –     Sitting alone at home the ‘master’ reflected that his ‘servant’ was always truthful and he decided to go to the market and see himself what was going on.

And, yes, the Angel of Death was there.   The ‘master’ confronted him and said:  “Why did you have to scare my ‘servant’ so much?’

The Angel of Death apologized and said:   “I am sorry. Actually I was so surprised to see him here, because I have an appointment with him tonight in Samarra”.