At first glance, the image seemed to show a father sleeping peacefully with his son beside him. But when I read the caption attached to the photo, my heart sank. You might feel the same way—but the reality is far more heartbreaking.
This is a photo of the late Saqib Shah from Haripur, a brilliant mathematics teacher who was also pursuing his PhD. He was a gentle and refined soul, and a father of four children. Every night, this little boy would fall asleep in his father’s lap.
One evening, while returning from the Isha prayer, Saqib Shah was bitten by a snake. He spent the entire night in the hospital fighting for his life, while his son waited for him at home. At dawn, when the call to prayer echoed, his lifeless body was brought back home. Unaware of what had happened, the child—as he did every morning—went to his father, laid his head on his shoulder, and gently ran his fingers through his beard before falling asleep.
This image captures that exact moment. The emotions it evokes are beyond words. The child has no idea that this is the last time he will sleep beside his father. Life presents such unimaginable trials. Just thinking about it is overwhelming.
May Allah Almighty forgive Saqib Shah and grant him a place in Jannat-ul-Firdous. May He also bless his grieving family—especially his four children and widow—with patience and strength.
