THERE IS AN INHERITANCE FOR HIM AS WELL
Most fathers believe wealth and property are the most significant inheritance they can leave for their children. The truth is that the most valuable legacy a father can bestow upon their children is moral inheritance.
Karim Bukhsh was a simple, religious man. He lived in the village, earning an average income. When he passed away at the age of 65, he left four children without any significant property to bequeath to them. Following their father’s demise, the eldest son, Rahim Bukhsh, moved to the city for livelihood. There, he started a small business with limited capital.
Rahim Bukhsh did not inherit material wealth from his father. However, he inherited something more valuable—contentment, simplicity, and the ability to work diligently without complaint. These qualities proved to be immensely advantageous for Rahim Bukhsh. Despite having an average income, his simplicity and contentment propelled him forward. His temperament of avoiding conflicts and disputes further aided his progress. He gained the favour and support of everyone around him. Though his progress was gradual, it was unwavering.
While Rahim Baksh’s business may have been modest, his integrity, selflessness, and honesty earned him the respect one would associate with a person of great stature. Despite having limited capital, people in the market would say to him, “Mian ji, take as much merchandise as you need. Do not worry about payment. It can come later.” Occasionally, he faced disagreements but remained silent rather than retaliating against those who wronged him. He focused on his business and offered prayers for their well-being. Whenever negative thoughts crossed his mind, he would envision his father’s innocent face, reminding him that engaging in dishonest dealings or conflicts would harm his father’s soul in the grave. This thought swiftly suppressed his emotions, and he resumed following the path of progress, the same path his father had shown him.
Their business expanded, necessitating additional help. Consequently, he decided to involve his brothers. Gradually, all four brothers moved to the city. Over time, their business flourished, establishing four permanent branches, each entrusted to one brother. While they would gather, dine, and socialize together from a business point of view, each brother operated his branch independently.
After a while, Rahim Baksh, the eldest brother and the business owner, noticed that his other brothers were not exhibiting the same level of commitment as he had expected, considering their responsibility. Rahim Bukhsh had to make one of the two choices: either assume complete control of the business and severe ties with his brothers, resulting in lifelong enmity, or allow the current state of affairs to persist, including mutual grievances, and eventually divide the business with bitter memories.
Rahim Baksh pondered over this dilemma for a few days. Subsequently, he gathered all the brothers and openly discussed the matter with them. He expressed gratitude to God for the absence of major issues thus far and proposed the best course of action: each brother would assume individual responsibility for one business. This way, their father’s soul would find peace, and Rahim Baksh believed it would bring blessings to everyone. The other three brothers were grateful for his generosity and agreed to abide by his decision. After a brief discussion, they opted to draw lots to determine the assignment of each brother to a specific business.
Now, all four brothers are engaged in their respective businesses, working diligently from morning till evening, often accompanied by their children. Surprisingly, their relationships have improved even more than before. They willingly assist one another and have established separate residences. However, Rahim Baksh remains the same elder brother he always was. No brother ever denies a request made by another, and when there is a need in one household, the women and children from all four families join forces to fulfil it, treating it as a collective responsibility.
Most fathers believe that the most significant inheritance they can leave for their children is wealth and property, focusing solely on worldly possessions. However, the truth is that the most valuable legacy a father can bestow upon their children is a principled life. It is through imparting these lessons that children learn to place trust in their hard work, engage in their pursuits by avoiding conflicts, be content with their rightful share, prioritize future possibilities over immediate benefits, embrace realism instead of indulging in fantasies, and understand that moral inheritance surpasses material wealth. Unfortunately, only a few fathers are aware of this profound reality.
