Page 53 - The Secret Behind Our Trials

The Muslim of Difficult Times
and bad. But what happens when the wife becomes paralyzed
below the waist due to an accident and thus cannot walk or do any-
thing for herself? What will her husband do? Perhaps he will stay
with her for a while and help. But when he realizes that this is a per-
manent situation and one from which he will never benefit, every-
thing suddenly changes. This example clearly shows how
unbelievers regard loyalty, fidelity, and friendship: When the profit
goes, the connection ends. Most of those who do not abandon their
spouse in such a situation stay because they are afraid of what their
friends may think, not out of love and compassion for the handi-
capped spouse. On the surface, they appear dedicated and loyal, but
they never feel real compassion and empathy for their spouse when
he or she most needs it.
Another frequently encountered situation seen in unbelieving
societies that are far from the Qur'an's morality is how young people
behave toward their elderly parents. For years, their families met
their every need; but when their parents become old and their limbs
do not support them any more, the young people do not show their
parents the same loyalty and attention. They feel fettered by their
elderly parents and usually put them in an old people's home.
However, as in everything else, Muslims show the same loyalty in
how they treat their family members. They feed their parents but may
not eat themselves, and will take great care to meet all of their needs.
Allah describes how Muslims must behave toward their parents:
Your Lord has decreed that you should worship none but
Him, and that you should show kindness to your parents.
Whether one or both of them reach old age with you, do not
say "Ugh!" to them out of irritation, and do not be harsh with
them; rather, speak to them with gentleness and generosity.
(Surat al-Isra', 23)

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