Few years back..I went to my son’s school to pay for his school books. He was in fifth standard. I passed by the corridor and felt the spring of the early days of the Academic year. It was June’s week. In every classroom, there were piles of new books on the teacher’s table. There was an air of happiness of new books. I walked in my son’s class and the scene was same.
Every time a name was announced a student got up and went to the teacher and received a pile of books and he struggled to lift it while returning to his desk. Many students were standing as if their name was the next to be announced. I sat beside my son and watched the lively class. But there were two boys on the bench with their chin down watching the things going around. I noted them, they wore uniforms that weren't ironed and were dark with eyes sunk in, hair running here and there on their face. “Why are these two guys sitting dull?” I inquired from my son. He said ” they are not getting books.” Before I ask why, my son continued,” They are the grandsons of our school maid. Their mother has died and their father got remarried, so the sons stay with their mother’s mother…”, “And she must also be a widow right?” I asked. “Yes and works here”..
I have known that lady in the school who sweeps..but I was unaware that her responsibilities were of this size. When I left, I passed by that old lady, who was sitting on the corner of the stair case and there was no expression on her face. It was an embarrassing moment for me while passing by as I was unable to do anything though the lady was unaware of my plight.
The rest of my day passed restlessly. Those were the days when I didn’t earn much. I could not even afford to spend 2000 Rupees for two orphans ! I could perceive the mental state of those two boys who did not buy new books when the rest of the school was busy in celebrating ” the new book day”.
I have a few close friends and relatives who bail me out whenever I need some cash to help the needy. They never ask me why . At that time I didn’t not have such friends, but a small and a close one. I planned to take money from one of them and pay for the boys. But I was hesitant. Those who don’t know let me tell you…it is very embarrassing to ask for monetary help from people even if it is for some needy or a just cause.
For the next few days I kept on asking my son if any miracle happened.Did someone pay for them? The answer was a big fat and a heavy NO. That was the time I regretted not being a rich man. Otherwise, I have at times walked down for two miles for not even being able to afford a bus fare. Yet I never missed money. But this was a different case. What if I die and next year my son sits in that manner along with those two boys ?It was a frightening thought.
Then some one paid for those two boys, and I was glad to know of it. But I could understand the fun they missed out on the day when every one received new books and they were the only two who did not.
The following week my son came home early. It was not a half day then why did he come so soon? “Someone died ” my son said. “Who ?”.. “Those two boys in my class ..they went to sea shore after the school and were drowned. One got drowned first so the other jumped in to save his brother! “That was a thunderbolt, with more to come…”Their bodies were fished out yesterday evening and they died hugging each other..” Extremely painful. What would be the plight of that old lady ? How many deaths is she going to experience before she herself passes away? First her husband, then her daughter and now two grand children at the same time ! Innalillahi wainnailaihi raje’oon.
The old lady still continues to sweep the school and watch other children growing up before her eyes and missing her grand children who would have passed their schooling by now…NO wonder Islam emphasizes a lot of virtues on the upbringing of orphans and the sponsoring widows!
Author : Nisaar Nadiadwala writes on Islam and Muslims.
SOURCE:
Islamic Reflections [Facebook]
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