It started in the evening on the 18th day of March. I sat on the couch in the living room with my head in my palm. There was no perfect word to describe how I felt at the moment. I had lost everything I gained from my youthful age.

Tears filled my eyes as I asked myself, "What have I done to myself."

I was warned but I heed not. Now, I have to bear the consequences of each of my actions.

"Where would I start from," I muttered.

With a heavy heart, I stood up from the couch feeling miserable. In a couple of days, my pleasant life has turned sour.

I moved forward and placed my hand on a picture frame. It had my family picture. It brought back memories of the past and tears rushed my cheeks. I couldn't bear the pain in my heart.

"How I wish I had listened," I thought.

"Suleiman."

"Yes, Dad."

"Where are you off too"

"I'm off to the field"

"Field?"

"Sure Dad"

"At this time. What for?"

"Dad! To play football with my friends."

"Are you with your wristwatch"

"Sure. You know I won't leave it for anything."

"Good. So, what time is it."

I looked at my wristwatch and said, "It is past two dads."

"And what does that mean"

"It is afternoon"

"What?" My dad shouted.

"What is wrong," I asked, perplexed.

"Okay, have you observed your zuhr prayer?"

"Ooh! That! I would do that when I'm getting back"

"So, you prefer playing football to observing your solah"

"But dad…"

"Go in and observe the prayer right now," my dad cuts in.

"Dad, I would do that when I'm back," I said, running off immediately.

If I had stayed some minutes more, I would be forced to pray. I can't afford to be late for the football match.

I got back home by 7.30 pm. I walked in to meet my parents in the living room. Their eyes were fixed on the television.

"Good evening mum and dad," I greeted them. I moved closer to my mum and kissed her.

I was about to leave my room when my dad stopped me.

"Suleiman"

"Yes dad"

"Have your seat"

"Dad, can I at least freshen up. I won't be back in a couple of minutes."

"No arguments. Sit."

A look at my dad's face. I knew I couldn't beat him to it. He had this serious look on his face.

I took a seat on the couch opposite them and kept my boots on the floor.
My dad reduced the volume to the television and I knew it was going to be a serious discussion.

"How old are you now, Suleiman."

"What? Dad!"

"Can't you answer"

"I'm 26," I said, in bewilderment.

"Good. Are you happy with your life"

Now, this got me off my feet. "What is this man getting at, I thought.

"Dad, what is all this about," I was forced to ask.

"Boy, don't get on my nerves. When I ask you a question, give me an answer immediately.

"Sorry about that"

"Sorry for yourself. So, are you happy with your life?"

"Sure, I'm"

"How are you happy with your life."

"Hmm! I have you both as my parents. I have a company of my own which is fetching me a whole lot of money. So, yes I'm happy with my life."

"Is this what you meant by being happy in your life."

"Yes! I have the money to do whatever I want. What else will I be if not to be happy."

"Wow! When last did you observe your complete five daily solahs."

I scratched the back of my neck. "Is this where this man is heeding too," I thought.

"Dad, we still prayed this morning."

"I'm not talking about 'we'. I mean you personally. Even if we prayed this morning. Are we only entitled to the morning prayers? How about the others," my dad said.

I was short of words so I stared at my feet.

"Suleiman. We have performed our duties for you as parents. We sent you to school and Alhamdulillah, you did not disappoint us in that aspect. But how about the Arabic educational side which is more important.
We sent you to madrasah but, you went there to play. You can only read the Qur'an. When last did you even touch the holy Book.
You insisted on not learning the meanings. 'It doesn't worth it,' you said, back then.
The five daily solahs too, you dropped it. All you care about is work, how you make money, football, and spending the weekends in the bar with your friends.
Suleiman, you don't need all this. You should be happy you have a good job and a company to your name. But, you still have to be grateful.

There is God up there who gave you all these blessings. Give Him your gratitude and your blessings would be bountiful."

My dad kept quiet. I could see he was fighting it hard not to shed tears. I was their only child. I don't understand why I'm not just interested in religion.

"Suleiman, with all your dad, said, you should have a reply."

"Mum, I have nothing to say to it"

"I was expecting that from you. Whenever their discussion comes...