Aashir Khalil
In a world where most family disputes in court revolve around inheritance or property, a rare and emotional case from Saudi Arabia has moved people across the country and beyond.
Two brothers stood before a judge in Al-Asiyah, Qassim—not because of money or land, but because each insisted on caring for their very elderly mother, as reported by the Saudi Expatriates. Allah said in the Quran (17:23) about caring for your parents, especially when they grow old:
And honour your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them ˹even˺ ‘ugh,’ nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully.
Dispute born from love, not conflict
The older brother, Hizam Al-Ghamdi, had spent years devoting his life to his mother. He never married and did not seek work, saying he wanted to stay at her side at every moment. To him, serving her was his purpose and joy.
His younger brother also wanted to take responsibility. He believed that Hizam, already advanced in age, needed rest after many years of caring for their mother.
What united them was not rivalry, but love.
The courtroom became emotional as both men pleaded, not for wealth or status, but for the honor of serving the woman who raised them.
The mother’s heartfelt response
The judge asked for the mother to come in since he couldn’t settle the case. She was over 100 years old, but when asked to pick between her sons, she did so clearly:
“Each one is like my left and right eyes.”
Her words stunned the court and reflected the profound bond between mother and children.
The judge’s final decision
Since the mother could not choose and both sons were sincere, the judge based his ruling on practicality.
He gave custody to the younger, married brother, explaining that:
He had sons and daughters who could assist in caregiving. And he had the physical strength needed to look after their elderly mother.
The ruling was not meant to diminish Hizam’s sacrifice but to ensure the best support for the mother.
A heartbreaking reaction
When the decision was announced, Hizam wept—not out of anger or pride, but from sorrow at losing the chance to continue serving the mother he considered his life. Even court officials were moved by his sincere grief.
Despite the verdict, Hizam continued to hold on to his mother until she eventually passed away while under his care.
A story that resurfaced online
Although this story happened long ago, it recently resurfaced and went viral on the platform X (formerly Twitter), capturing widespread admiration. Many described it as one of the most beautiful examples of devotion, sacrifice, and the strength of family ties.
A rare example in today’s world
At a time when many court cases involve children neglecting their parents, this case stands out.
It demonstrates the persistence of love, duty, and righteousness, and the fact that people’s deep care can sometimes lead to disputes.
