Letter to My Son

Dear  Son,

I know I’m writing this a bit early for you to fully comprehend. But in these times of uncertainty no-one knows tomorrow so it is better one documents these things in case of my absence when I won’t be there to talk to you. Every parent's expectation and prayers is to hand over the 'baton' of the relay of life to their offspring. 

So first let me start by saying that I want you to never forget that I love you my son and I hope that Allah grants me the opportunity to see you become an independent, courageous, balanced, educated and literate grown man. And  know that your mother has this feeling even more than I can ever attempt to equal.

I want you to also know that I personally expect you to follow your own path with our guidance as your parents. We believe that you have the capacity to do so much in this world and only you can stop yourself from being as great as you want to be. I have dreams that I’ve held in my heart since I was younger than you that I have not let go and I expect you will also build your dreams and earnestly pursue them with conviction.

Remember that Family is key, so never let them go. At the human level your mother is the only person that is supposed to command your total unquestioning devotion. As for your sisters, they are a trust unto you so treat them kindly and handle them with care like the precious diamonds that they are. The female is a sacred creature that must be honored. We males are rugged and have been gifted the capacity to absorb rigor in order that we may provide the structure that will support them. But make no mistake that you are as ‘strong’ as the female for they have a greater capacity to withstand and relieve the rigors of life which is evident in why you and I are not the ones who bear the ‘duty’ and ‘honor’ of child-bearing.
 
So also remember that women are not ‘possessions’ to be ‘used’ as you wish. They have their own unique personalities like you and I have. They dream, aspire and envision what the world should be. Accord them respect by recognizing them and supporting them.

There’s so much already that is being passed to you in forms of values, good manners and lessons of life. I will thus not dwell too much on these. All I will reiterate is that you hold on to those ‘universal’ values that have proven to stand the test of time and do not be swayed by ‘new ideas’, for nothing is really 'new' in this world. We are merely recycling what we have met on ground; thus it is ‘renew-all.’

I implore you to develop your character by holding yourself accountable and being true to your principles. Avoid all things that will corrupt you and weaken your spirit. And most importantly ALWAYS, ALWAYS have hope and draw inspiration from the Almighty’s Mercy and Beneficence.

Never surrender your individuality because it is what defines you. Develop a critical mind; in order not to be tricked by the ravages of these perilous times that has ‘plenty’ as being actually ‘less’ while ‘contentment’ will actually serve you more. And be balanced in EVERYTHING you do.

For now, I will stop here as I hope that it is a continuous conversation we will be having as much as Allah grants us the favor of Time in our sojourn.

 
Haidarwali 201512161218hrs