four-year-old grandson. The old man's hands trembled,his eyesight was
blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table.
But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made
eating difficult.Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he
grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth. The son and
daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. We must do something
about Grandfather," said the son.I've had enough of his spilled milk,
noisy eating, and food on the floor. So the husband and wife set a
small table in the corner.There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest
of thefamily enjoyed dinner. Since Grandfather had broken a dish or
two, his food was served in a wooden bowl.
When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a
tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had
for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.
The four-year-old watchedit all in silence. One evening before supper,
thefather noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He
asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the
boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat
yourfood when I grow up." Thefour-year-old smiled and went back to
work.
The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears
started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both
knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's
hand and gently led him back tothe family table. For the remainder of
his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason,
neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was
dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.
Allah mentions in Surah Al Isra 17:23-24
And your Lord has decreedthat you worship none butHim. And that you be
dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age
in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them
but addressthem in terms of honour.
And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy,
and say: "My Lord! Bestowon them Your Mercy as they did bring me up
when I was small."
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