SUFFERING THE PANGS OF SEPARATION FROM CHILDREN

Serving parents has become a worn-out concept today. Parents can only watch with regret as their children progress, realizing that the shade of the tree they painstakingly planted does not extend to them.

A senior Muslim merchant was asked by someone  about his 95-year lifespan, spanning almost a century. They inquired about his learnings and experiences throughout this long journey. After a brief silence, he replied with great solemnity, “No experiences. Just born, grew up, ventured into business, got married, and had children. I devoted myself to settling my children. Now, in the twilight of my life, I suffer the pangs of separation from children and await death.”

This narrative resonates with nearly all households in the present age. Almost all parents give their children too much attention, pouring all their love and effort into shaping their futures. However, in the end, many face disloyalty from them as their children depart to forge independent lives. The concept of serving parents has become worn out in modern times. Parents can only watch with regret as their children progress, realizing that the shade of the tree they painstakingly planted does not extend to them.

Prophet Muhammad’s narration captures this reality: “A time will come when children will treat their friends with kindness and behave poorly with their parents.” (Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 2210). This saying aptly reflects the present situation prevailing globally. The most tragic aspect is experienced by those who spend their entire lives striving to bring happiness to their children, only to receive sorrow in return. Such parents exemplify the notion that sacrificing one’s hereafter for the world of others leads to the greatest loss. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith No. 3966)