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A man came to the Prophet (saw) in order to complain about his father. He said to the Prophet, my father does not ask my permission and he uses my wealth. The Prophet summoned for his father to be brought to him. When the father, learnt that his son had reported him to the Prophet, he was very hurt, and proceeded towards the Prophet, saying a few poetry.
During the era of the Prophet, poetry was very famous. By the time he reached the Prophet, Angel Jibril, had already informed the Prophet(saw) of the poetry; and told the Prophet that Allah has commanded him to leave the case aside for the time being and ask him about the poetry he was reciting on his way to him.
The Prophet told the father, we will deal with the case later, first tell me about the poetry you were reciting on your way to me?
He was a sincere companion of the Prophet. Hearing this, he began to cry and said: “Those words that I hardly brought to my tongue, my ears hardly hears it and Allah (SWT) already knows about it”.
The Prophet told him to recite the poetry. The translation which goes thus: “O my beloved son! The day you were born, that’s the day my hardship began. You cried and we couldn’t sleep. You didn’t eat, neither did we. You became sick and I ran around with you to different doctors. Sometimes, to a pious personality so that he may blow on you, so that you may not die. Whereas, death is one thing and sickness another. To save you from the heat of summer, I worked day and night so that my child should be cold.
I worked hard in the winter so that you may not freeze, but rather be at ease. Whatever I earn was for you. Whatever I saved, was for you. In order for you to see your youth, I worked day and night until my bones become weak. Then old age knocked on my door whilst you became strong, I became hunched back, while you stand straight and firm.
I hope that you will grow up and achieve whatever you want.
Nevertheless, now I will spend my last moments like this. What is this, that a man grows up and his attitude changes and his eyes reaches his head(pride). You speak in such a way as if a mountain is put on your chest (arrogance). You speak in such a manner, not even a servant is spoken to in that manner.
I have put in 30 years of efforts to be lied to, that I am your father- but your servant. Even a servant gets one meal a day. Take me to be your servant and give me one meal for the day.
While saying this, he looked up and saw that the Prophet was crying, so much that his blessed beard was wet. The Prophet stood up and told the son, I don’t ever want to see you again. You and your wealth belongs to your father (3ce).
Ganiyu Oyebanjo
Senior Special Assistant On Religious Matters to Kosofe Local Government Chairman
Chairmanship Aspirant Kosofe Local Government
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