A perfect son
I have long wanted to write an article dedicated to a son. Of course, as a mother of two children, I want my offspring to be a joy for us parents in both worlds. I want them to be obedient, smart and kind. But while my daughter is still little, I expect much from my son who is elder.
We visited some friends not long ago. They have three boys in their family. Now let me tell you about their eldest son, Said. He is a thoughtful, serious, obedient and well-read boy. He tries to please his parents and help them all the time. It is a dream to have such a son! It was his behavior that impressed me so much that I decided to write a little article about him so that, by the will of God, the example of this boy would inspire other children.
Said is 13 years old. He is the eldest in the family. On the day when we visited them, Said did not neglect his mother. He was in the kitchen all the time, helping to serve guests with food and drinks, washing dishes and doing all that his parents asked. In all this, however, Said is not a mummy’s boy at all.
He takes part in sports, attends various classes and courses and helps his father in his business. When talking about his responsibilities around the house, Said listed the following: washing dishes, cleaning, taking out the rubbish, helping mum and dad, buying groceries and looking after his younger brothers.
“The most important thing for me is to know that Almighty God and my parents are pleased with me. It’s not difficult for me to carry out the instructions of my mom and dad and it’s even a joy for me,” says Said.
He is unique for the good nature that he shows in taking care of his mother. In helping his father in his business, Said earns enough money for personal spending. But he spends money not only on himself. For example, he bought his mother a bag and shoes and invited her to a café on her birthday.
Moreover, on the anniversary of the family life of his mother and father, he prepared a surprise for them. The young boy arranged a romantic evening for his parents at home, buying candles and various goodies. But that is not all. Said’s grandmother added the spiritual side of his character to my description of the boy.
It turned out that the whole month of Ramadan he maintained the fast and performed taraweeh prayers. Moreover, the boy performs obligatory prayers and attends Islamic lessons. Well, it may sound incredible but we really have such children nowadays. When I got home, I told my son about Said. I hope, if God wills, that my son will please us parents, as well. Of course, he also tries to help us a lot but often needs to be forced to do it.
In our friends’ family I saw a completely different kind of child’s obedience to his parents. Their son Said fulfilled all his duties with joy, rushed to please his parents and did everything with pleasure and ease! Almighty God encourages the believer to treat his parents in the best possible way.
Therefore, first of all, a believer should be grateful to the Almighty and to all those who have done good for him as well. And, of course, parents are ones who deserve gratitude and kindness from their children.
The Koran pays special attention to this fact (meaning): “For your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And honour your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them (even) ‘ugh’ nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully.
And be humble with them out of mercy and pray, ‘My Lord! Be merciful to them as they raised me when I was young.’ Your Lord knows best what is within yourselves. If you are righteous, He is certainly All-Forgiving to those who (constantly) turn to Him.” (Sura al-Isra, ayat 23-25).
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also pointed to the importance of a good attitude towards parents, as the Lord’s most beloved deed after timely prayer. Ibn Masoud (may God be pleased with him) asked the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), “What are the deeds most beloved to God?” He said, “Praying at the proper time.”
He asked, “What next?” He said, “Being good to your parents.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim). Parents usually try to ensure their children are well-fed and healthy and give the best years of their life to the upbringing of their offspring. From the first days of appearance in this life, a child is surrounded by care, love and affection. Everything that a person has, his happiness and life, he owes to his parents.
The contentment of parents is a guarantee of the contentment of the Almighty. May Almighty God help our children to be obedient and kind and may they become a joy for us in both worlds! Amin.
SAIDA IBRAGIMOVA As-Salam correspondent
