The Handprint on the Wall

Introduction

Old age is a stage of life that every human must face. Just as we once entered this world as helpless children, our parents and elders guided us, cared for us, and solved our problems with love and patience.

Now, as they grow old, it becomes our duty to care for them, respect them, and provide comfort in their final years.

As we reflect on this truth, let us read a real story of a young man and his father — a story that carries a powerful lesson for all of us.

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The Real Story

A young man narrates:

“When I got married, my father was already old and weak. We had built a beautiful house with walls freshly painted in lovely colors. But whenever my father came out of his room, he would place his hand on the wall for support, because of his weakness. His hand would leave marks on the paint, and my wife often complained: ‘Tell your father not to touch the walls, he is spoiling the paint.’

One day, I myself saw my father placing his hand on the wall. I became upset and said to him, ‘Father, please don’t put your hand on the wall. You are ruining the paint.’

After that, my father stopped touching the wall. But only a few days later, he fell, broke his foot, and became bedridden. His health deteriorated, and soon after, he passed away.”

The young man continues:

“After my father’s death, I called a painter and told him to repaint the walls. But before I could finish, my little son came running and said, ‘No! Don’t paint over this wall. These are the handprints of my grandfather!’

The painter, who was a very wise man, said to me: ‘Do not be sad. Instead of erasing these marks, I will turn them into a beautiful design.’

And he did. The wall looked even more beautiful, and whenever I looked at it, I remembered my father with love.”

Years passed, and the young man himself grew old and weak. He recalls:

“One day, as I was leaving my room, I leaned on the wall just like my father once did. Suddenly, my son saw me. I became frightened, thinking he would scold me the same way I had scolded my father years ago. But when he came running, he held my shoulder and said: ‘Father, don’t worry. Put your hand on the wall. These walls are built for you, and if you lean on them, they will only become more precious.’

Another time, as I sat on my bed, my little granddaughter came home from school. She was so happy and said: ‘Grandpa, today I won a big prize!’ She then showed me her notebook. On the pages, she had drawn the same handprints of my father that were once on the wall.

Her teacher had written: ‘Blessed are those children who belong to families where parents and grandparents are loved and respected.’”

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Reflection

This story is more than just words — it is a reminder that the love, sacrifice, and presence of our parents are priceless.

When they grow weak, they need the same care and patience they once showed us in childhood. What we give to them today is exactly what we will receive from our own children tomorrow.

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Final Message

I sincerely request you all: take care of your parents and elders. Look after their health, their clothing, and their medicines. Remember, if these parents had not been there, you would not be here today.

Think for a moment: when a mother raises her child with love, sleepless nights, and countless sacrifices — is it fair to leave her or the father alone in old age?

Never hand over your parents to others for care; it is your responsibility. Because one day, you too will become a parent, and your children will treat you the same way you treated your parents.

As a Pashto proverb wisely says: “What you sow, you shall reap. Whatever you do, will return to you.”

May Allah bless all our parents and grant us the strength to honor them.

Da Allah pa aman (In God’s protection).