Wrinkles, Hunchback, and Old Age for You 13 June 2006
Its celebration is not as great as celebrating mother day, however the occasion still exists to remember a person who has a family with children. Call him father, daddy – it does not matter what title or name you call him, he still represents a human being who possesses a great responsibility towards his family. In Malay society, a father is looked upon as the head of a family who is respected greatly, not just to be responsible to seek a living for his family but also as an educator of Islamic knowledge.
As a writer of almost 11 years, the loss of a person named ´father´ is as if life is incomplete. Even though there is a day specially set aside in honour of a father, but the memory and the service of a father to the writer, will be remembered right to the end of the writer´s life. Islam makes it obligatory for a father to look after and to protect his family as well as to instil within them sufficient Islamic knowledge so that they may be able to face the challenges ahead. A father is like a captain of a ship. If the ship is not steered properly, the ship will be breached, with its occupants killed. If a father is not capable of leading his family, confusion and biasness will prevail at home.
The experience of the writer with her father exposed her to how great is the responsibility of a man. Even though the relationship between the writer and her father was that intimate, just as it was with her mother, however, the loss is still felt to this day. Have you ever wondered why a man named father become quickly very old, having wrinkles on his face and quickly ends up hunchback? Most probably not. Truly, through their wrinkles and oldness, are we able to witness their responsibilities which are indeed huge.
The truth is, the moment a man is created, it has been written, declaring him a leader of his family, as well as a pillar of support to his family, to which he will always strive to defend each end, so that his family feels peace, shaded and protected from all kinds of threats. His shoulders were created strong to protect his whole family.
Desire was granted to him so that he will always strive to acquire a mouthful of food through his own efforts, lawfully and pure, so that his family will not be left stranded, even though at times he may receive abuses from his children. Supported by strength and metal prowess, it is taboo for him to be defeated; for the sake of his family he is prepared to allow his skin to be burnt by the sun; for the sake of his family, he is willing to allow himself to be soaking wet in cold chilly weather; struck with wind and rain, he willingly allows his strength to be spent for the sake of his family, and he always remembers, the moment everyone waits for his return, with the hope of receiving the fruits of his pure labour.
His efforts are honoured, his determination and diligence, which will cause him to always strive to heal and to support his family without any biasness, even though every step of his life is filled with tiredness and illness, which often attacks him. Weaved into his feelings is the insistence to strive for the sake of love for his family, in all circumstances and situations, even though his children may hurt his feelings. No matter what his feelings are, he feels at peace at the time when he sees his children asleep.
Alongside this, his feelings generate confidence at the time when he taps the shoulder so that it may always possess affection and love for one another.
He makes use of his wisdom and forgiveness to provide meaning and awareness towards his children, concerning moments now and to come, even though it is often objected to by his children. Hs wisdom and forgiveness is bestowed upon him to provide knowledge and awareness, that a wife which is good, is a wife that always loyal to her husband; a wife that is good is a wife that always understands, and together with her husband, faces life whether it is good or full of sorrow, even though often his wisdom will test her loyalty, which has been bestowed upon her, so that she may stand firmly, bear patiently, with love and devotion.
And the stillness of his face, is proof that a man is always striving with all his mind to seek and to present ways so that his family can live happily, and his weathered bent body is proof that as a responsible man towards his whole family, he has exerted every effort, every expression, every bit of strength, completely as the head of his family; a pillar of strength, so that it may be used in the best of ways. This is his only asset owned by him, even though his responsibilities are a trust in this world and in the hereafter.
Such is the greatness of a father´s contributions and responsibilities. Even though as children we are required to honour our mother three times more than our father, however, do not look upon one´s father´s sacrifices with just one eye. This is because if only mothers were to be present in this world, it will not be possible for us to be here without our fathers. In the event your father is still alive, do not hesitate to make him feel happy. When your father is no longer present, do not terminate the relationship that has gone by. And supplicate Allah always, so that He may look after him well. Truly, the supplications of a righteous child incurs the blessings if Allah. Ameen.
Islamic Da'wah Foundation Malaysia ,
Kompleks Pusat Islam, Jalan Perdana
50480, Kuala Lumpur Tel : 603-22746077 Fax : 603-22732330
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