A Sister of 7 brothers

I am the only sister among seven brothers. Six of my brothers reached high positions in life, but the seventh—perhaps struck by an evil eye—remained behind. He was the most loving, compassionate, and supportive brother to me. His name was Zaman. He was the second child after me; the rest were younger. Through my mother’s prayers, all my brothers achieved respectable statuses. Zaman also received those prayers, and my mother loved him the most.

After completing intermediate education (FA), Zaman joined the police force. He wished to continue his studies, but it was my father’s dream that one of his sons become a police officer. My mother was against this decision, but due to my father’s insistence, Zaman had to join the police. Before he joined, my mother advised him, “Son, you have joined the police, but always remember your hereafter. Never earn unlawful money.”

Zaman held onto these words tightly. He served in the police department for ten years and never once accepted a single penny of corruption. After my mother’s death, Zaman became heartbroken and resigned from his job. Because of his honesty, he could never settle in one place for long. His bravery was well known. Once, he arrested a criminal who tried to bribe him with a large sum of money. When Zaman refused, the criminal threatened him, saying he would kill him after being released. Zaman slapped him and handed him over.

Six months later, Zaman was transferred. One day, he saw the same criminal roaming freely. The man said, “Inspector, I have seen many police officers, but none like you. I respect you. If you ever need help, let me know.” Zaman replied calmly, “Just fix yourself.” Later, that criminal was killed in a police encounter.

When Zaman told my mother about this incident, she prayed, “O Allah, grant every mother righteous children. Only You know which unfortunate mother gave birth to that criminal. May Allah forgive him.

My mother was a gentle and pious woman. Whenever her sons went out on risky duties, she would remain in prostration, yet on the phone she would tell them, “Do not step back. Show bravery, not cowardice, or I will not forgive you.” She stayed in a constant state of ablution, saying she prayed for her children’s safety at every moment.

Before her death, she gathered all her children and said she wanted to give her inherited jewelry to orphan girls. We all agreed wholeheartedly. That jewelry was given for the weddings of four orphan girls. At that time, six brothers were married; only Zaman remained unmarried. My mother was searching for a suitable match for him, but life gave her no time.

After her death, Zaman left his job permanently. My father, after remarrying, became distant and eventually expelled Zaman from the house for refusing a marriage proposal linked to wealth and influence. Zaman refused, saying such wealth was a trade of hellfire and against Islam.

He left home, took a small job, and lived in a rented room. Later, with friends’ support, he went to Saudi Arabia. At first, he struggled but eventually found a good job. He moved into a bigger house and became stable. I encouraged him to marry, and finally, he married his friend’s sister. I thanked Allah that my brother’s life finally settled.

True success is not measured by rank, wealth, or position, but by integrity, patience, and loyalty to one’s values. Relationships, prayers of parents, and honest choices protect a person even when life becomes difficult. When principles are upheld with sincerity, hardships eventually turn into stability and respect.