Web of Life

Recently ‘Children’s Day’ was held a grand scale. They have Mothers’ Day, Fathers’ Day and for that matter ‘Grandmothers’ Day’. Why do we have to remember mothers, fathers and grandmothers only once a year? Isn’t it a fact that they should be remembered every day of the year, as long as they live?

Aren’t these days dedicated to them a mere eyewash?

Quite recently, my fifteen-year-old grandson wrote to me from abroad: "Belated Mothers’ day wishes. But as I said hitherto everyday should be ‘Mothers’ Day’ and ‘Grandmothers’ day’ for that matter."

Why are the aged not remembered everyday with love, respect and affection?

Children owe a lot to parents, who brought them to this world and looked after them. Are they being cared for by their children or left to fend for themselves?

Elders are not in need of benefits in cash or kind only, but most of all they need care and affection. It is this that brings happiness and contentment in the evening of their life. ‘Happiness is not in riches but in a contented life’ as envisaged by the Holy Prophet (sal) of Islam.

Aren’t ‘Mothers’ Day’ remembrances etc. the innovations of present day thinking and values.

In the past, there was no such things and parents were well looked after, as it was within their rights to be looked after and cared for as such.

It was natural for parents to be looked after and cared for as they should be and not for any other reason. Human relationships and ties were well established and maintained, as they ought to be.

This also created the extended family, which was in existence in some cases, and was how life existed among people in the good old times.

But things have changed drastically today and where does all this lead to, when family life itself is in disarray?

Can we expect a better way of life for both parents and children?