Nature Never Forgets
In today’s world, every action we take—good or bad—leaves a lasting impact. As we race toward a future driven by technology and innovation, we often overlook the emotional and ethical costs of progress. Among the most painful signs of this disconnect is the growing number of old age homes—spaces that now shelter the very parents who once sheltered us, who never let us out of their sight when we were children.
Thankfully, in Jammu and Kashmir, this trend has not yet taken deep root. But in many parts of India, adult children are increasingly unable—or unwilling—to care for their aging parents. This speaks not just of logistical constraints, but a broader erosion of empathy and duty.
For Muslims, the Holy Qur’an outlines two fundamental obligations: Haqooq-ul-Allah (duties towards God) and Haqooq-ul-Ibad (duties towards fellow humans). The latter begins with our parents. Their sacrifices, silent endurance, and boundless love cannot be repaid, yet what they seek in return is simple—respect, care, and warmth. To serve them with a kind face is among the most beloved acts in the eyes of Allah.
Yet elder neglect and abuse are on the rise. Against this backdrop, the Moul Mouj Foundation has launched the initiative “Elders Deserve Better”, offering free medical care and support to abandoned or overlooked elderly parents in Kashmir.
Recently, a moving short film titled “Ghanta Ghar” was screened in Srinagar—a collaborative effort between the Moul Mouj Foundation, young Kashmiri filmmaker Qadeer Khan, and a team of socially conscious individuals. Shot at Lal Chowk, the film features an elderly father and his estranged son. The father, once left in an old age home, meets his son again in the heart of the city. Through heartfelt dialogue and the gentle strains of traditional Kashmiri music, the father helps his son rediscover the timeless wisdom that only parents can offer—wisdom far more enduring than anything a search engine can deliver.
The screening was attended by doctors, civil society members, and young people. Several speakers—physicians and social workers—urged society to bridge the emotional gap with our elders. They reminded us that elderly care begins not with grand gestures, but with simple, sincere presence—listening to them, spending time, and smiling with them. Sometimes, a smile can heal more than medicine.
Today, we often believe more in algorithms than in the lived wisdom of our parents. This disconnect is not just heartbreaking—it’s dangerous. As one speaker put it: “God may forgive His creation, but nature never lets injustice go unpunished.” If we abandon our parents today, we should not expect our children to stand by us tomorrow.
The time to reflect is now. Let us not wait for regret to teach us what love and gratitude could have shown us earlier. Let us care for our elders—not out of obligation, but out of reverence. Because truly, nature never forgives when love is betrayed.
Ayaan saroori is a freelance writer and Columnist.
