rickshaw driver

A rickshaw driver in Lahore attempted suicide along with his wife and daughters. This poor family living in the Shahpur area of  Lahore took toxic pills as life became impossible for them. All of us must have read the news or have seen it on tv. Do we feel responsible for this horrific incidence?

Now that she has lost her husband and three innocent girls she will receive one million rupees ‘compensation’ from the Chief Minister of Punjab. Compensation for staying alive when her loved ones have left her. Think of the mother who has seen her children hungry and thirsty in  front of her eyes and she is given such a huge amount of money after she has lost them. She will not be able to swallow a single bite without them. Can we provide timely help when and where it is needed?

This must not be the only incidence when inflation is rising and cost of living has become unbearable. Imagine how many families are dying a silent death. Even the middle class can either pay their bills or eat…. tough choices to make.

crowded markets

On the other hand we witness all hotels, restaurants and markets teeming with people. Looking at them one wonders if there is poverty in our country at all. We can make a difference by giving up a little bit. Like we can order one less dish in a hotel and that can easily buy a family 10 kg bag of flour. We all can decide to give away the money of one ordinary suit which ranges around Rs 500 to 2000. This is a small amount for those who have money and for the have-nots it can take care of multiple needs. Can we do it?

Secondly the people who lived around the ill fated family were aware of their sufferings but may have not done anything. Yes they did inform the police when the poor family lost their hope and lives. This is why neighbors are considered to be as important as our brothers and sisters. If only we are better connected with the people living in our neighborhood we can avoid such accidents in future.

Our prophet Hazrat Muhammad (May Allah shower his peace and blessings on him) said: “By Allah, they don’t believe! By Allah, they don’t believe!” When asked who they are, he replied, “Those whose neighbours aren’t safe from their harm.” [Bukhari and Muslim]

Abu Dharr (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) commanded me thus, “O Abu Dharr! Whenever you prepare a broth, put plenty of water in it, and and give some of it to your neighbours”. [Muslim].

bn `Umar and `Aishah (May Allah be pleased with them) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Jibril kept recommending treating neighbours with kindness until I thought he would assign a share of inheritance”.[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

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