From Father to Son: The Story of the Top Graduate
In a modest village in the Egyptian
countryside, where hearts are pure and life is simple, a man sat contemplating
a paper in his hands, sealed with a blue stamp. It was the fruit of more than a
quarter of a century of effort, sleepless nights, and hard work — his
bachelor’s degree. Yet instead of celebrating it, he tore it apart and went on
his way, setting out for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
There, his days changed colors between one
job and another — sometimes a carpenter, other times a plumber, and at others,
a builder. Despite the physical strain of such labor, it was easier on his
conscience than working in a field where he saw sin between the lines, and
deceit within the words.
Years passed heavily until one special day
arrived — a day when he would reap another kind of fruit: his eldest son
completed his university journey with distinction, graduating top of his class
with honors. Yet the son’s joy was incomplete, for the father who had
sacrificed so much and torn up his own degree had passed away more than ten
years earlier. The son’s success stood as a living testament that the seeds of
diligence never die, even if the sower is gone.
But what was the story of this father who
tore up his university degree? Why did he do it? And how did his son manage to
become the top of his class? What lessons can we draw from this story?
The Son’s Success
Rooted in His Father’s Piety
Some fathers think that only they
themselves will reap the fruits of their piety and fear of Allah, but Allah
tells us that the blessings of such deeds extend to one’s children as well. “And let those [executors and guardians] fear [injustice]
as if they [themselves] had left weak offspring behind and feared for them. So
let them fear Allah and speak words of appropriate justice.” (An-Nisa 9)
This man, who tore up his degree, was
mindful of Allah in every word and deed. When he graduated from the Faculty of
Law and went to court to handle his first case, he was shocked by the deceit,
manipulation, and distortion of truth he witnessed — so much so that he
renounced years of hard work and study. Despite how rare university degrees
were back then, how prestigious their holders were, and how abundant their job
opportunities could be, he tore up his certificate, freeing himself from any
association with sin. Soon after, he left his homeland to seek a livelihood
that pleased Allah, satisfied his conscience, and provided for his family
without humiliation or moral compromise.
What Have You Planted
in Your Children?
This father, whose heart was filled with
piety, could only plant the same seeds in his children — fear of Allah,
sincerity, awareness of being watched by Him, and the pursuit of knowledge that
leads to Paradise. He taught them honesty, humility, and helping others. He
reminded them that everyone has a mission chosen by Allah and must fulfill it
with excellence. His son, though only ten years old when his father passed
away, vowed to realize the dream his father had for him.
And you — what have you planted in your children?
Everyone Falls, but
Few Rise Again
The son carried his father’s message with
honor. He loved learning and respected scholars, advancing year after year. But
no success lasts forever — everyone stumbles; the true test lies in who gets
back up.
In his teenage years, he was distracted by
entertainment and idle company — friends who cared nothing for study or
discipline. His grades declined gradually until, at the end of his first year
in high school, he failed one subject for the first time in his life.
Turning Back to Allah
When he heard of his failure, he fled to
the place his father used to take him — the mosque. His father had always told
him: “The Owner of this place is Generous; if you ask Him, He will give; if
you’re in hardship, He will rescue you.” He entered with his right foot,
repeating his father’s words. After performing ablution and praying, he
admitted his negligence, repented, and promised Allah to return to the right
path — to strive once more and never neglect his duties again.
The Influence of
Companionship
Before leaving the mosque, he vowed to
leave behind bad company and find friends who would lift him toward excellence.
Soon, he surrounded himself with a group of righteous companions — bound by faith,
mutual encouragement, and shared dreams. They motivated each other; when one
faltered, the rest carried him forward. They were united by a single oath: We
will succeed together, or not at all.
Dua`a’: The First
Rule of Success
With renewed determination, the young man
and his friends rose to the top by the end of high school. When he entered
university, unfamiliar with its system and challenges, he held fast to one
habit — supplication. Not a single prayer
passed without him saying: “O Allah, I ask You to make me the top of my
class.”
Alongside his dua`a’, he worked hard,
attended his lectures, chose his companions wisely, and never forgot his
father’s words — to remain diligent, upright, and God-conscious in all his
actions.
Reaching the Top Is
Easier Than Staying There
At the end of his first university year,
results were announced — and he was first in his entire class. He could hardly
believe it, but his heart was at peace, trusting that when a servant shows a
little effort, Allah rewards with abundant grace.
He knew maintaining success would be harder
than achieving it, so he doubled his effort and strengthened his prayer,
realizing that his family’s hopes now rested on his continued success.
Helping Others Never
Decreases Your Share
Throughout his university years, his
performance fluctuated slightly — sometimes ranking first, other times a few
points behind. Yet this only increased his determination. Despite the pressure,
he never hesitated to help others — sharing notes, offering explanations, or
guiding classmates. His father had instilled in him the belief that helping
others never diminishes one’s blessings — it multiplies them.
Focus on the Effort, Not the Outcome
He completed his university studies fully
focused on effort, not results — knowing that outcomes belong to Allah. He
didn’t worry about tomorrow because Allah had already promised to take care of
it. His only regret was time wasted without benefit or a moment of heedlessness
in worship.
He believed that reward matches effort,
and that Allah never wastes the reward of those who do good. Thus, Allah
crowned his journey with distinction — graduating first in his class with
honors, a shining fruit of his father’s sincere planting.
Let this story be a reminder for parents —
to plant righteousness in their children — and for children, to continue
nurturing those seeds until they bloom in ways that delight the eyes of their
parents, in this life or the next.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Read Also:
-
4 Steps to Develop Self-Discipline
