The Tragic Decline of Parental Reverence in Kashmir: A Reflection on Our Dying Conscience
Peerzada Masarat Shah
It is both shocking and heartbreaking to witness the state of moral decay in our society today. The recent incidents in Kashmir, where parents are abandoned, left to seek shelter in old age homes, and even denied the respect of a proper funeral, are nothing less than a sign of a dead conscience. Have we lost all sense of humanity? Have we truly become just bodies without souls, lifeless and devoid of compassion?
A Lesson from the Past:
The situation reminds me of a story we once studied in school, which depicted an old tradition in Japan. According to this custom, when a man’s father grew old, he was taken to a distant jungle and thrown off a mountain, as was the accepted rule of that time. However, one day, as a son carried out this act, he noticed his father breaking sticks along the way and placing them on the ground. When asked why, the father replied, “I am leaving these behind so you may not lose your way while returning home.”
This deeply moved the son, making him realize the cruelty of this tradition. He refused to follow it, and in doing so, he changed the fate of the generations to come—his own sons did not throw him off the mountain when he aged. The lesson here is clear: breaking the cycle of cruelty requires courage, but it can reshape society for the better.
The Reality in Kashmir:
Sadly, what was once an ancient, distant practice is now being mirrored in our own society. The way some children abandon their parents, disrespect them, and leave them helpless in their old age is nothing short of disgraceful. There was a time when Kashmir was known for its deep-rooted family values and unshakable respect for elders. Today, however, we witness parents being treated as burdens rather than blessings.
Instead of serving their aging parents with love, children discard them. Many elderly parents now live in fear—fear of being abandoned, mistreated, or dying alone. They watch these incidents unfold, praying they do not meet the same fate. Is this what our culture and faith have taught us?
The Role of Religious Scholars:
To all the scholars, clerics, and religious figures who debate over maslaks (sects) and engage in verbal battles over minor issues—where is your voice on this matter? What is the use of your sermons if they do not address the most fundamental teachings of Islam, which emphasize kindness to parents?
The Qur’an and Hadith are filled with verses and teachings that highlight the status of parents:
- “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.” (Surah Luqman 31:14)
- Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Paradise lies under the feet of mothers.”
Yet, despite these divine reminders, we fail to act. Instead of using Friday sermons and religious gatherings to reinforce these values, many clerics waste time in sectarian disputes. It does not matter whether someone belongs to Barelvi, Ahle Hadith, or Jamaat—what matters is that sons today have committed an unthinkable act. Will we continue to remain silent?
A Call for Introspection:
Religious groups often go door to door, inviting people to pray, but do they ever check whether an elderly mother or father has been left alone in a dark corner of that very home? What is the use of wearing attar, applying surma, and frequenting mosques if we ignore the cries of our own parents?
“How can we claim to be righteous when our own homes are filled with neglect?”
A Salute to Those Who Care:
Amidst this darkness, there are still rays of hope. The team at @KYC has set an example by providing shelter to abandoned parents and treating them with the love and dignity they deserve. Their selfless service is commendable, and may Allah reward them abundantly.
Time for a Change
If we do not break this cycle now, future generations will continue this shameful tradition. One day, the same fate may befall those who commit these acts today. Wav ba wav, loan ba loan—what goes around, comes around.
The question is—will we wake up before it is too late? Or will we continue to walk this path of moral death? The choice is ours, and the time to act is now.
