CARE GIVING
Parenthood is a profound and selfless journey that transforms lives forever. It’s a blend of unconditional love, countless sacrifice and caretaking etc where parents pour out their hearts and souls into nurturing and guiding their children. Through the ups and downs of life, parenthood remains a constant source of inspiration, motivation, and joy–reminding us that the greatest gift we can give to our children is the gift of ourselves.
Undoubtedly has much been written on this subject till now but I believe this humble article of mine, though not so scholarly, will act as an eye-opener for all of us not to neglect our parents who devote their lifetime only for their kids. In noble Quran (29:8), Allah (SWT) has says, “We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents…” At one more place it is mentioned in Quran (17:24, “And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them [parents] as they brought me up [when I was] small.’”. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) has said that an affectionate look of a child towards his parents is an act of worship.”
Imam Jafar Al-Sadiq (in Biharul Anwar) is of the opinion that goodness towards one’s parents is an indication of a person’s excellent cognizance of Allah (SWT). This is because there is no worship that can take a person towards the happiness of Allah (SWT) faster than exhibiting respect towards his parents for the sake of Allah (SWT).
As we navigate the complexities of life, we easily get trapped in our own struggles, forgetting the sacrifices that have shaped us into the individuals we are today. Our parents, the pillars of our existence, have selflessly devoted themselves in providing us the best possible comforts of life. Their unwavering dedication, unconditional love, and countless sacrifices have been the driving force behind our growth, success and happiness.
From the moment we take our first breath, our parents embark on a lifelong journey of sacrifices, preferring our needs over their own. They work tirelessly to offer us everything, be it the best education, healthcare, clothes and opportunities that set us right on our life’s track. They embrace countless compromises, just to ensure their children’s well-being and happiness.
According to James Baldwin, “Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” The sleepless nights, the endless worries, and the selfless devotion of our parents are often overlooked and unappreciated. We take their love and support for granted, assuming that it will always be there. But that’s not true. However, the truth is that their sacrifices act as the strongest foundation upon which our lives get built. Without their unwavering commitment, we would not be what we are today.
How apt it is to quote here an American novelist and screenwriter Nicholas Sparks who says, “What it’s like to be a parent: It’s one of the hardest things you’ll ever do but in exchange it teaches you the meaning of unconditional love.” As we grow older, we begin to realize the magnitude of our parents’ sacrifices. We see the wrinkles on their faces; the hair turned grey, bodies gone frail and became bent and the weariness in their eyes. We understand that their sacrifices were not just financial or material, but emotional and physical as well. They have given us their all, and continue to give us, asking for nothing in return.
It’s essential that we acknowledge and appreciate the sacrifices of our parents. We must recognize the value of their love, support, and devotion. We should express our gratitude through small gestures, like helping with household chores, listening to their concerns in old age, and spending quality time with them. We must also strive to make our parents feel proud. We should work hard to achieve our goals, pursue our passions, and prove ourselves as responsible, compassionate, and successful individuals in the society. By doing so, we can repay the debt we owe to our parents to a greater extent.
(The author is PhD Research Scholar and Social Activist from Syedpora, Rafiabad. Feedback: [email protected])
