Self‑Respect

“I’m not a beggar; I work hard. I don’t extend my hand in front of anyone. My mother says that those who ask for help will have no flesh on their face on the Day of Judgment.”

On a bright morning, Omar walked toward his parked car in the park, carrying pizza for his children. As he approached, a boy of about twelve or thirteen rushed toward him, trying to sell a toy. “No, thank you, my children are older—they don’t play with such toys,” Omar said politely, trying to decline.

The boy’s eyes dimmed for a moment, but then he reassured himself. He asked curiously, “Do you study?”

Omar paused, interest piqued. “I do, but if I study all the time, who will take care of my younger brother and sister’s small needs?” he replied sincerely. “My mother and I work. She does household work, and I work in a workshop during the day and sell items in the evening. My younger siblings go to school. I want them to have a better life than I did, to study and achieve more. That’s why we work so hard.”

He tried to hand the boy some money from his wallet. “Take it, please.”

“I’m not a beggar,” the boy said firmly. “I work hard. I don’t stretch my hand in front of anyone. My mother always says that those who do so will have no flesh on their face on Judgment Day. You want me to beg in front of strangers so that my face is ruined in the Hereafter?”

Omar felt a jolt of respect. He admired the boy’s self-respect. “Alright,” he said with a smile, “tell me, how much is one toy?”

“Fifty rupees,” the boy replied.

Omar thought for a moment and then purchased all ten toys. “I’ll keep one for my housemaid’s son. The rest, you can distribute to children around your neighborhood,” he instructed. The boy smiled and left.

As Omar drove away, memories of his own past flooded him. He recalled his childhood when his father worked in a factory and, during Omar’s eighth grade, lost both legs in an accident. Despite being crippled, his father never allowed disability to become weakness. He refused to beg. Instead, he placed food and supplies at the front door of homes and sold them, ensuring his family’s survival. Omar’s mother sewed clothes for others to contribute.

Omar, still a student, worked diligently. He delivered newspapers on his bicycle before school, tutored children after school, and studied in the evenings. The family, united in effort, began running the “vehicle of life” together. Their perseverance and resilience were extraordinary.

Years passed. Omar earned an MBA and secured a job at a reputable firm. His mother arranged his marriage with her niece. Today, he has two sons, whom he teaches the value of hard work and integrity. Though both his parents have passed away, their lessons of patience, dedication, and self-respect remain his guiding principles.

Seeing the boy earlier in the park reminded Omar that self-respect still thrives in the world. There are still children who, despite hardships, maintain dignity and refuse to beg. This realization warmed his heart and inspired him.

A phone call interrupted his thoughts. “Yes, my children! I’ll be there soon,” he said, smiling. Omar reassured his children before starting the car and driving away from the parking lot, grateful that the values his parents instilled in him continued to shine in others.

This story is a testament to the power of self-respect, perseverance, and family values. It highlights how dignity and hard work can triumph over adversity, and how parents’ guidance can shape the character of the next generation. Omar’s life demonstrates that even in hardship, integrity and self-reliance are priceless virtues.