“Assalamu alaikum, Shaikh Ibrahim,” greeted Yusuf.
“Wa alaikum assalam, son. Please come inside and make yourself comfortable,” replied Shaikh Sahib.
Yusuf was meeting Shaikh Ibrahim for the first time. He was an Islamic scholar and the imam of the mosque.
Yusuf was deeply troubled by an important decision and could not think clearly about it. He had discussed it with his friend Amir, who advised him to seek guidance from Shaikh Ibrahim, known for helping people in distress.
As Yusuf entered the room, he noticed its simplicity. On one wall was a shelf filled with the Holy Quran, books of tafseer, and hadith collections. On the opposite wall hung a beautifully handcrafted calligraphy piece. It was so captivating that he kept staring at it, not realising that Shaikh Sahib was observing him.
“It was a gift from an old friend,” said Shaikh Ibrahim with a smile.
“It’s beautiful, a true piece of art,” Yusuf replied.
“Only a few can truly see its beauty,” said Shaikh Ibrahim, noticing his interest.
“He must be an amazing artist,” Yusuf added.
“Please, sit down,” Shaikh said gently.
“Which verse is this, Shaikh Sahib?” Yusuf asked, pointing towards the calligraphy.
“That is the 13th verse from Surah Al-Hujurat (49:13),” and then told Yusuf its translation. Then Shaikh Sahib noticed the confusion on Yusuf’s face. “What troubles you, son?”
“I am unable to make the most important decision of my life. My choice will shape my future. I want to follow my own path, but I also want to fulfil my parents’ dream.”
Yusuf was a talented boy. His God-gifted skill in Arabic calligraphy was exceptional. His artwork had won first prize in the All Pakistan Arts Competition, and he had been offered a scholarship to study at Shaikh Hamdullah School of Calligraphy in Ankara, Turkey. However, his parents dreamed of seeing him become a doctor.
After listening carefully, Shaikh Ibrahim walked to his shelf and returned with a bundle of handwritten poetry.
“I once wanted to be a poet,” he said. “Allah blessed me with the ability to turn words into verses. But after my father’s passing, my mother wished for me to take his place as the imam. I could not refuse her, so I followed her wish. Over time, my poetry found a new direction — praising Allah and His Messenger (PBUH).”
He paused and looked at Yusuf before continuing, “Life can hold more than one path. You can be good at more than one thing. Honouring your parents’ wishes brings stability and sometimes that stability helps your own dreams grow.”
Yusuf thought deeply, “You are right, Shaikh Sahib. I can fulfil my parents’ dream and not give up on mine. Thank you, you have relieved me of my burden.”
Yusuf followed his parents’ wishes and studied medicine with dedication. He wore the white coat, listened to patients and healed wounds. His parents were proud.
But he never let go of his passion. Late at night, after long hospital shifts, he returned to his desk. His calligraphy grew more refined, blending the precision of a surgeon with the soul of an artist.
With time, he saved enough to attend the calligraphy school in Ankara. He worked during the day and studied in the evenings. Soon, his work was exhibited and admired. He became known not only for healing bodies, but also for creating art that touched hearts.
Yusuf had fulfilled two dreams — his parents’ and his own.
Published in Dawn, Young World, April 4th, 2026
