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By Abdellatif Sharaa
is a phrase I heard so much when I was in my teens. I had many ideas and things I wanted to do - many of them influenced by friends and others - and because of adolescent stubbornness, ignorance and selfishness. Barely 18, my late father decided to send me to Britain for university and I obliged, although deep in my heart I did not want to go, because I wanted to be around my "friends".
So without my father's knowledge I applied to some universities, and luckily enough, all applications were rejected because I was late in applying or because of no available spots. So a simple 'no' kept me in Britain, and it took me some time to settle down and accept the fact that my studies will be in the place where my father sent me. Later, while I was doing my A levels, I had an opportunity to go to the US, and I did not look back since.
My father's insistence proved fruitful, as he believed that being around some of the guys will not take me anywhere, and I must be as far as possible from them. And for sure I was far - very far. At that time communications were not as easy as now - almost next to zero - and that was a blessing.
Yes, parents know better! Believe me they have that instinct, and everything they do comes from the bottom of their hearts, out of love and care for you. They are ready to sacrifice everything for the sake of your comfort and happiness. Parents are the closest persons to their children. They are the most deserving people for companionship, love and gratitude. Whatever children do for their parents, they will never be able to pay back even a very small portion of what they deserve. Parents have countless rights that we should always embrace and keep in mind. One should never disobey them or be rough with them and should always be respectful in their presence.
I am proud of what my parents have done to me. They taught me how to be secure and have a peaceful state of mind. I am writing this to remind every single person out there to give their parents all they deserve and more, because once we miss them, regret for not fulfilling our duties towards them will be deep and painful. If you cannot visit your parents daily, please pick the phone and call them mornings and evenings, because the hello will make and keep them happy, and it is all what they ask for from you.
Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran: "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"; do not repel them but speak to them a noble word". (17:23)
