The older the better?

Last month I went for a normal medical check-up and my doctor told me that he had detected cancer cells in my blood. I was told that my cancer is at stage 3 and I can go on for another, say, about 3 months. While on the one hand, I was laughing to myself, saying this doctor is trying to play GOD, on the other hand, I begun thinking really hard as to how I am going to dispose off my properties. I rather go peacefully after settling all issues instead of turning in my grave with my siblings and family arguing and fighting over who should get what.

One week after receiving the horrifying news, I decided to call all my siblings to my house so that I could inform them the manner in which, how and where I want myself buried and who should administer my estate. Obviously, I had in mind my daughter, being my only child, to be the administrator my estate.

On the appointed date all my siblings came without fail. Some came with tears in their eyes and some showed no emotions at all. I am not the favorite younger brother to some of my elders. I don’t blame them as I always had been outspoken saying things they do not want to hear right on their faces.

As I was about to read my so called will, my neighbor, who, in the first place had no business being amongst my siblings, suggested something which really annoyed me. Who the hell is he to tell me to reconsider appointing my daughter, who is hardly 18 years in age, as my administrator. Yes, that is what he actually told me in the presence of my siblings. He suggested that my elder brother, who is now about 65 years old, be appointed my administrator although he knew very well that my siblings had earlier agreed to my suggestion that my daughter be appointed.

My daughter has no experience he said. My daughter had not gone through thick and thin with me like my brother had. My daughter does not know the meaning of hardship. She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Therefore, according to this idiotic neighbor of mine, my brother should be given the role instead of my daughter.

I looked around and realized that some of my siblings were nodding in agreement. Infact a majority of my siblings were in agreement with this bastard neighbor of mine. Suddenly, I heard the words I feared most – Harris we feel that this gentlemen neighbor of your is right. Gentleman? Oh my GOD!!!

You must appreciate Harris, that while your daughter is too young to shoulder this heavy responsibility, your daughter will also not remain with your family forever. She will soon marry and will move out with her husband. All your property will then be inherited by a complete stranger. We feel that your elder brother should be appointed as administrator to ensure that all properties of you remain within instead of, one day, your properties going without. Under whatever circumstances, we will ensure that after your demise, your daughter and widow will be taken care of.

I was left with no choice but to agree with my useless neighbor and my fickle minded siblings. Sorry sweetheart, your uncles and aunties have been brainwashed to drop you and there is nothing Papa can do about it.

See how fickle man can be? See how man can have this perception that an older person is always better compared to a young one? Is there any guarantee that the suggested older person will be a better administrator? You be the judge as I will not be around to see what happens next.

Assalamualaikum …