It was a Saturday. Ameer was @ home.As it was a weekend , he didn’t have school and he was busy memorizing some hadiths for his school Islamic competition.Ameer was struggling to keep each and every word in his mind yet he failed to do so as something was disturbing him badly… Last years’ worst incident had a great impact on this little boy. He was always taken back to the past days , the beautiful moments he spent with his grand ma. He cherished the bond between him self and his grand ma… While recalling the past Ameer remembered the way Allah has emphasized on the importance of caring for our elders… Allah says in the Holy Quran: “Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour. And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: “My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.”” (Surah Al Isra’ 17:23-24) “We have enjoined on the human beings to be kind to his parents. In pain did their mother bore them and in pain did she give them birth.” (Surah Ahqaf 46:15) In hadith Narrated by Abu Huraira: A man came to Allah’s Apostle and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?” The Prophet said, “your mother.” The man said. “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “your mother.” The man further said, “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “your mother.” The man asked for the fourth time, “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “your father.” (Sahih Bukhari, Book #73, Hadith #2) Ameer ,being the only child was too lucky to be the pet of his parents. He received all the comforts and care from them. His happiness increased further after the arrival of his grand ma. With time Ameer became more intimate with her and it was obvious that he was so fond of that old lady Everyday he spared his free time to spend with his granny. He enjoyed talking to her while taking her for an evening walk. sometimes he told her about the incidents happened @ school while lying down on his grand ma,s bed. This intimacy between the grand son n grand ma angered his parents . They didnt like him being so closed to his granny. the more they saw him with that old lady , more the angry they got. So they started accusing n cursing that helpless poor old lady. Ameer began to worry when he saw them disrespecting his grand ma One friday night, the night before the ramazan festival Ameer was lying on his granny,s bed and was relating some stories. Suddenly, his dad entered the room and threw a disgusting look on his granny,s face and started shouting at her. It was terrible for there was a war of ugly words spat out form his dad,s mouth.. Ameer couldn’t simply stand the situation he ran hastily toward his room n lay down on his bed. His whole night was spent in tears . His heart got pricked when he pondered over the hadiths and quranic verses about showing respect towards elders. Allah says in the Quran “Respect the womb that bore you.” (Surah Nisa 4:1) “You have to be kind to your parents.” (Surah A’nam 6:151) In Hadith: Narrated by Abdullah ibn Amr ibn al-’As: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Those who do not show mercy to our young ones and do not realise the right of our elders are not from us.”” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book #41, Hadith #4925) Narrated by Abu Musa al-Ash’ari: “The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Glorifying Allah involves showing honour to a grey-haired Muslim and to one who can expound the Quran, but not to one who acts extravagantly regarding it, or turns away from it, and showing honour to a just ruler.”” (Sunan Abu Dawud, Book #41 The following day , he met his parents @ the dining room. They were having their breakfast. At once he caught the sight of his grand ma,s empty chair where his granny used to sit.. He panicked and ran toward her room. for his surprise the door still remained to be closed… He gently called for her but no answer…… He coldn’t wait anymore . He opened the door with all his strength…. He couldn’t believe his eyes, his loving grand ma was lying down on the floor,still and eyes were closed . He went closer, hugged her tightly and tried his best to wake her up… Having heard their son,s weeping Ameer,s parents came towards him… Within an hour A doctor was called and they made it clear that his grand ma has gone forever and ever from this world… for her life was taken by a minor attack last night.. Ameer sadly observed the guilt ridden faces of his parents…. He wondered whether they will be ever forgiven by Allah (swt) for treating his grand ma in amean way….the thought disturbed him further.. . ………………. END…………… By Shaira Iqbal……….:)