Fifth culprit

They were all five standing with their heads bowed. They had been seized by the disciples of Satan and brought before Satan’s court. All five were astonished, wondering what crime they had committed that led them here.

Saturday, 28 March 2020

Begum Salma Muhammad Aqeel Shah

All five stood with their heads lowered. Satan’s followers had captured them and brought them to Satan’s court. The five were confused as to what crime they had been charged with. Suddenly, from behind a black curtain, a voice echoed with a devilish laugh:

“State the crime of Criminal Number One.”

“Master! He committed the crime of serving his parents day and night. He took care of them in every possible way and became their support in old age.”

A satanic laugh echoed again, followed by silence.

“What is the crime of Criminal Number Two?”

“He has a heart full of love and compassion. Because of this, he took responsibility for his late brother’s children and widowed sister-in-law. He loved their children more than his own and provided them with excellent education—until they were able to stand on their own feet. This is his crime.”

Once again, a devilish laugh rang out.

“What crime has Criminal Number Three committed?”

The third criminal stood helplessly.

“Master! His crime is that he rebelled against his family, brought his sister from the village to the city for education, gave her immense love along with higher education, and married her into a respectable family. This is his crime.”

“And for what crime has Criminal Number Four been arrested?”

“Master! This criminal developed a strong passion for serving humanity. He established a training center where people could learn skills and start their own businesses. In this way, he helped countless people become responsible members of society. This is his crime.”

“Enough! Enough! My head will burst. The number of such criminals is increasing, and our work is becoming more difficult.”

“Master! The fifth criminal still remains.”

“Stop it! Stop it! I cannot hear any more of these so-called achievements. Take them all away, give each of them a hundred lashes, and lock them in dark cells so that the obsession with goodness leaves their minds.”

All five cried out together, “No! We have committed no crime. Do not beat us! Do not beat us!”

Saboor woke up from sleep in a state of anxiety.

“My God! What kind of dream was this?”

He got out of bed and went toward his grandfather’s room, but his grandfather had gone out after the Fajr prayer for some fresh air. Saboor lay down on his grandfather’s bed and waited for him.

As his grandfather entered the room, he said, “Saboor, my child! What is the matter today? Even though it’s a holiday, you woke up so early. Are you worried about something?”

“Grandfather, please sit down first, then I will tell you.”

When his grandfather sat on the bed, Saboor said, “Grandfather, I saw a very strange dream today. I am extremely disturbed. How can such things happen?”

His grandfather replied, “My child, tell me what it was, only then can I respond.”

Saboor then narrated his dream. After listening, his grandfather looked at him thoughtfully with a gentle smile.

“Truly, Grandfather, I am very worried.”

“Saboor, my child, there is nothing to worry about. No matter how difficult circumstances become, one must stand by truth and righteousness.”

“What do you mean, Grandfather?”

“In Satan’s eyes, every good person is his enemy. We should never step back from our duty. In Satan’s eyes, I too am a criminal.”

“How is that?” Saboor asked.

“You already know the stories of four of the five criminals from your dream. I did not want to tell you, but now I will tell you the story of the fifth criminal.”

“What do you mean, Grandfather?”

“Listen. When Pakistan was created, many people migrated. Traveling at that time was extremely dangerous. The enemy was thirsty for our blood. Some people managed to escape the storm of violence and reached refugee camps. Many families were torn apart—some lost parents, others were separated from their children.

In one refugee camp, there were two small orphaned children, a boy and a girl. Your late grandmother and I embraced them and raised them like our own children. Life was difficult at first. I started a small business, and God blessed it. Prosperity came. When those two children grew up, we married them into respectable families.”

Saboor listened attentively and suddenly asked, “Where are those two children now?”

“One of them is Dr. Masroor, your father. The other is your aunt, who is a professor at a girls’ college.”

Saboor’s mouth remained open in astonishment.

“Grandfather! If I had not seen this dream, I would never have known your greatness.”

Smiling, his grandfather said, “You may call me the fifth criminal from your dream.”

Saboor sat for a long time with his head resting on his grandfather’s chest—a place filled with warmth, love, and deep peace.