A Son’s Reverence

Long ago, in the serene town of Najaf, there lived a young man named Shihab, a devoted son and student of Islamic scholarship. He resided in the humble home of his parents, his father a renowned scholar and his mother a paragon of kindness. Shihab held his parents in the deepest regard, treating their every word as a commandment and their every need as a duty. One warm afternoon, as the aroma of freshly prepared lunch wafted through their home, Shihab’s mother called out to him. “Shihab,” she said, her voice gentle yet firm, “go and call your father. Lunch is ready.”

Eager to fulfil her request, Shihab walked to his father’s study. As he pushed open the door, he found his father resting. His weary face betrayed the signs of hours spent in study and devotion. His eyes were closed, and his chest rose and fell with the steady rhythm of peaceful slumber. Shihab hesitated. His mother’s words echoed in his mind, but so too did the innate respect he felt for his father. To disturb him now, so soon after he had drifted into sleep, seemed unkind. Yet, to ignore his mother’s request was unthinkable. For a moment, he stood there, grappling with his dilemma. Then, an idea sparked in his mind—a way to fulfil his duty to his mother while preserving his respect for his father. He knelt down beside his father’s bed and gently, ever so gently, began to kiss his father’s feet. Each kiss was imbued with love, respect, and a silent prayer. Slowly, his father stirred. His eyes fluttered open, and he looked down to see his son, Shihab, kneeling before him.

“Shihab, my son,” his father said, his voice filled with both surprise and affection, “what are you doing?” Shihab looked up, his eyes sincere. “Mother asked me to call you for lunch, Father. I saw you were resting and didn’t want to disturb you abruptly. I thought this might be a gentle way to wake you.” His father’s eyes softened with pride and emotion. He placed his hand on Shihab’s head and said, “May Allah bless you, my son. May He make you a servant of the Ahlul Bayt, a true devotee of the Prophet’s family.” From that day onwards, his father’s heartfelt prayer became a guiding light in Shihab’s life. He grew to become Ayatollah Mar’ashi Najafi, a revered scholar and a devout servant of the Ahlul Bayt. Every letter he signed bore the words, “The servant of the Ahlul Bayt, Sayyid Shihabuddin Hussaini Mar’ashi Najafi,” a testament to the moment when a simple act of respect and love brought down blessings from the heavens.

On this Father’s Day, let us reflect on the power of reverence and devotion to our parents. For in serving them, we not only earn their prayers but also the boundless grace of the Almighty.