Moral Inheritance

for his family. Whatever meagre resources he had went into the small business he set up there. Karim Bakhsh may have left no money to his family, but what he did bequeath to them was of inestimable value. What he left to them was an idea of contentment— simple living and avoidance of confrontations. By virtue of his adherence to these ideals, Rahim managed to make slow but steady progress, despite his initial investment being negligible. His innate desire to avoid clashes was a major factor in smoothing the path for his business to go forward. Needless to say, everyone was happy with him. Everyone helped him in times of need. In spite of Rahim’s resources being limited, he never lacked credit, thanks to his fair dealing and his reputation for always fulfilling his promises. Whenever there was any friction, he would pray for anyone who wronged him. Whenever he was tempted to do anything dishonest or unfair, the innocent face of his father would appear before him and he would be keenly aware of how his wrongdoing would torment the spirit of his poor father in his grave. Such thoughts immediately caused him to dismiss all temptations from his mind and he would regain sufficient mental poise to continue to tread the same path as his father. Rahim's business may have been a very ordinary one, but such was his courtesy, honesty and selflessness that he could command the same respect and live with the same honour and dignity as a top business magnate. When his business began to flourish, he felt the need of assistance. So he invited his brothers one by one to come from the village and stay with him. Finally, all the four brothers were united. The business, for convenience, was divided into four separate departments, each one being placed in the charge of one of his brothers. For a time they all lived happily together as a joint family although, in their respective spheres, they worked independent of each other.