19 The father

Third person's p.o.v

As soon as Humeyra left, ustadh Dhul Qarnain felt lonely. He had been tested with all sort of tests in life but Humeyra was his greatest blessings. He knew her ever since she was born. He saw her grow up from a happy and carefree child to a serious and lonely adult. He knew her pain and her sorrows. He witnessed her crumble and raise from nobody to somebody. He saw different shades of her emotions and knew that she was an introvert. He adopted her after her parents passed away. He prayed for her health and prosperity. He have been observing her interaction with ustadh Hamdan for the few months that they worked together and came to a conclusion that they were attracted to each other but Humeyra was holding back her emotions. On the other hand Hamdan was in love. Huh. He sighed. May Allah make it easier for us all. He thought. Today when he looked at his daughter, he saw the longing in her eyes. The longing for her blood parents and siblings. He saw the pain behind her smile and a broken heart behind her words. How I wish I could help her out of her self-created jail. He was there to witness how her ten year old self started working to save money. He was not that well off so he could only pay her fees, provide her shelter and feed her but she was matured for her age. She was very ambitious and had all the information she needed to grow after her wings were cut off. She started crawling instead of giving up until she made a name for herself at the age of 16.Given that she was then only a minor, she made investments in my name and built her own empire under my name. This was not only for her protection but also for her to at least live the humble life her parents taught her to live. It was not that easy though as she suffered a trauma from witnessing the tragic death of her family. It was a blow to her at such a tender age but she kept the pain hidden and ensured she worked non-stop to get to where she was.Currently,she is the wealthiest person in the country but only her trusted lawyer and I know that she is the real owner of the chains of hotels, companies, salons, boutiques as well as half of the shipping companies in the country .To the world, it's the old man Dhul Qarnain bin khidr that owns all the wealth , if only they knew the truth. His only wish is for her happiness. He wished to find a man that would make her let out all the sorrow she buried the day her family was buried. He wished and prayed for her heart to find its home again. He prayed for her peace of mind and tranquility of heart. He was brought out of his thoughts by a knock on the door. "Come in", he said.

Asalamu aleikum warahmatullahi wabarakatu ustadh Dhul Qarnain, greeted ustadh Hamdan.

Wa aleikum salaam warahmatullahi wabarakatu. Replied the sheikh.

The two men sat down and had a very long discussion which had a lot of emotions involved. The father and the to be son in law. By the end of the conversation ustadh Dhul Qarnain was content that he would witness his daughter's wedding. He was also eager to see his beautiful angel happy after a long time. It was all up to Hamdan what the outcome would be.

Hamdan left the office with a mission to get back what he lost courtesy of his arrogance and ignorance. He had a full proof plan that by the grace of Allah would get him back his love .All he had to do was implement every step to perfection. If he was not careful enough his plan would backfire on him and cause havoc not only for him but for his heart too .After the lengthy talk ,what ustadh Dhul Qarnain omitted was to inform Hamdan that Sidra and Humeyra are one and the same person for he felt he had no right to expose his angel's secret.

Thinking about it, he smiled. She was still a genius. Once a genius always a genius. She managed to make him love her vices as Humeyra and virtues as Sidra. The cunning little bunny. He couldn't hold back his laughter as he thought about it.In deed, no man can out run his destiny. No matter how far you go, it will catch up with you. May Allah protect my baby.He made a silent prayer.

Rights of Parents according to Quran and Sunnah

The Quranic commandments and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) guide us in this matter of respecting parents with love, respect, and kindness.

Allah mentions that human beings must recognize their parents and that this is second only to the recognition of Allah Himself. In Holy Quran Allah Almighty beautifully explained: "And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as] 'uff' [i.e., an expression of irritation or disapproval] and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say: 'My Lord! Have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.'" (Quran 17:23-24)

In Holy Quran respect of parents is mentioned about eleven times, Allah Almighty has mentioned in every instance to recognize and to appreciate love and care that your parents gave to you. Regarding this Allah says in Holy Quran: "And We have enjoined upon man goodness to parents…" (Quran 29:8 & 46:15)

The children must pray for parents saying, as Allah Almighty teaches us in the verse:"…My Lord and Sustainer! Be kind and have mercy on them as they cherished, nurtured and sustained me in childhood." (Quran 17:24). From this verse, we came to know that must continue praying for parents even after they die. Such prayer will be regarded as a continuous charity as the Prophet (SAW), told us. As being grateful to Allah Almighty is a form of worship which earns divine rewards, it can, therefore, be said that being grateful to one's parents also earns divine rewards.

There are some traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) about treatment with parents in the best way are mentioned below:

If someone is rude and disrespectful towards his parents, hurt them by saying insulting remarks or cause them grief or misery in any manner, then he shall find his place in Hell. Once someone asked the Holy Prophet (SAW): "What right does parents have over their children?" He answered: "They are your heaven and hell." (Ibn Majah).

Our duties to our parents extend even after their death. One of the best ways to honor our parents when they are gone is by being kind to their friends. Holy Prophet (SAW) said about it: " The best act of righteousness is that a man should maintain good relations with his father's loved ones." (Sahih Muslim)

In another Hadith Holy Prophet (SAW) said: "No child can compensate his father unless he finds him as a slave, buys him, and sets him free." (Sahih Muslim)

The Prophet (SAW) placed kindness and respect towards parents just after the prayer offered on time as the prayer is the base of Islam. 'Abdullah Ibn Masood, said: "I asked the Prophet (SAW) which deed is most liked by Allah. He said: 'Prayer offered on time.'I asked him: 'Then what? He (SAW) said: 'Kindness and respect towards parents.'…" (Al-Bukhari)

Let us pray to Allah (SWT) that we do our best to respect our parents, honor them, be kind to them, and please them so that we may gain the love of Allah Almighty. May Allah (SWT) grant us the Divine success that we may come be regarded amongst those who have been good towards their parents. May also Almighty Allah guide us to be respectful, loving and kind to our parents and so that we always stay humble and respectful regardless of the power, wealth, position and influence we may possess. Ameen!