Hadhrat Hakimul Ummat Maulana Ashraf Ali Thanvi (rahmatullah alayh), narrates the following awe-inspiring episode in which there is a great lesson for reflection. A man who was a resident of the town of Gawaaliya, India, spared no efforts in the English education of his son. (In those days of political serfdom) it was considered a honour to be educated along the lines of the British rulers). He expended a considerable sum of money in his son’s worldly education.

After attaining the limits of English education which the institutions in India could offer, the Father despatched his son to London to obtain the highest qualifications in English education. The son passed his examinations in London with flying colours, but upon returning to India he became seriously ill.

His condition deteriorated until he (the son) was on the verge of death. The father, stricken with sorrow and misery, sat at the bedside of his dying son and wailed:

“O my son! I have spent 25 thousand rupees in your education, but I have nor seen the fruit of my efforts.”

The son in the last stages of life suddenly opened his eyes and exclaimed:

“O my beloved father! Why do you wail and cry now? When you observe me in the Aakhirah burning in the Fire of Jahannum then you may truly cry. You, by spending these 25 thousand rupees have made the arrangements for my fall into Jahannum.

You have purchased Jahannum for me with this sum. Because you have kept me ignorant of the education of the Deen. At this time I am witnessing the futility of all my education. The Angels of death are at hand. You, by expending such a large sum, have not befriended me, but you have displayed that you are my enemy manifest.” (Wa’zul Hudaa)