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In this gathering, on this occasion,
All have worn the prettiest of
clothes,
The clothes of `Eid.
Children have become like a beautiful
garden,
The colors of their clothes. What is
with these colors?
How beautiful and delightful they are
when mixed together!
They are like butterflies flying from
branch to branch.
Except for him!
Who is he?
Everyone is rejoicing, smiling,
laughing,
Children are playing, running here and
there. This child ... What is wrong with him?
His face bears deep grief; he attempts
to hide by drawing a sweet smile on his lips.
O my honorable brother!
Let me ask you a question before you
rejoice with your children on `Eid,
Before the river of love flows from
you to your beloved children on `Eid,
Before you kiss your child between his
eyes,
After he has worn his beautiful
clothes on `Eid …
Have you ever seen such child?
Has your tender, warm, comforting hand
ever patted the head of an orphan
Whose orphanhood has deprived him of
sleep
And whose eyes burn with tears on the
feast day because of not seeing his father?
Has he ever felt the warmth of your
hand taking away some of his feeling of orphanhood and
sadness?
Has he ever heard your tender voice
removing the silence of his loneliness?
Have you ever tried to play with him
like your own dear child?
How unmindful we are of these
children!
How stingy we are in giving our love
… even on `Eid!
On `Eid … your child … yes, your
child
Your loved one is crying in pain and
plunged in grief, but cannot find a warm hug to hold him or a
warm hand to wipe away his tears.
Like millions of children, he craves
for a piece of candy but cannot find it …
He wishes for a small toy to play with
like other children but …
Where is the one who used to make his
wishes come true?
Where is the one who used to bring him
toys and candy?
Where is the one who used to play with
him daily, especially on `Eid?
Where is the one who used to carry him
on his shoulders?
He is now under the earth … wrapped
up in forgetfulness.
He has become only a memory.
Imagine your child in such a situation
… imagine him an orphan,
Lost, lonely, and crying.
He has lost his father before `Eid!
Tell me what you feel now
Tell me what you feel if your child
loses you on `Eid,
And tell me, by your Lord,
What do you wish your child to be
given on that glorious day
And on the rest of the days if he
becomes an orphan?
Wait … don't answer … but consider
…
Consider and contemplate this verse
before the sun rises on `Eid.
Recite it before that splendid day is
over.
Allah the Clement, the Benevolent, the
Bounteous, the Most Compassionate says, [And let those fear
(in their behaviour toward orphans) who if they left behind
them weak offspring would be afraid for them. So let them mind
their duty to Allah, and speak justly] (An-Nisaa' 4:9).
Recite it once again … Contemplate
it … Is your heart grieved for your dear child?
Will you be grieved if harm befalls
him?
Will you feel pain if poverty befalls
him?
Will you feel sorrow if hunger and
pain befall him?
What will you feel then if he becomes
an orphan?
Therefore
Give compassion, grant love,
Cure the sorrow of the needy with
benevolence,
Pat the orphan's head on `Eid and on
the other days, too,
For, by my Lord, it is a great reward
and a profitable trade.
(And Allah is of infinite bounty)
(Al-Baqarah 2:105). |
