CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER THREE THE SON

Section Two The Firstborn Son

Firstborn sons are by nature kind, softhearted, composed and caring. These qualities in them are innate. Almost all firstborns are conciliatory, careful, hardworking and gentle. They are persevering, thoughtful, wise, inclined to learning, capable of leadership, disciplined and responsible. Firstborns are their fathers' first support and their mothers' first prop. He grows up earlier both in mind and in heart. Because the large and small tasks of the family are placed on his shoulders from childhood, he becomes accustomed to carrying a heavy load. Precisely because he is the firstborn, he is not indifferent to problems elsewhere either: solving something, giving practical help, compassion and kindness are characteristic of him. That his nephews and nieces later call the firstborn son “big father” or “rich father” is also because, as the elder of the family, he stands in the place after the father. The firstborn son is the father's deputy. The one who holds the family together. The one who shows the way to the younger ones. He is one who thinks far ahead and cares. The firstborn son forgives his younger brothers and always spreads his wings wide over his younger sisters. He can take hardships upon himself so as not to put his younger brothers through hardship. He is sensitive. He grieves for the family; he wants to do good to all his siblings equally. If his younger brothers turn out unworthy, he suffers deeply. He is hurt by disobedience. The firstborn son is generous and leaves no one without help. He is magnanimous and can easily accomplish great deeds. He is blessed; whatever work he puts his hand to turns out blessed. He is the fruit that has been able to gather within himself the best qualities of his father and mother. Firstborns are the first to face difficulties with their chests thrust forward. He organizes all the joyful occasions and rejoices in the joy of others. He does not grow weary. He does not stop. It is hard to defeat and conquer him. Although firstborns may be soft and timid in their youth, when they grow up, wisdom and strength are given to them. He is patient, he forgives quickly, he is calm. He is a counselor. Compared with the other children, he is more simple-hearted, cries more, and wins more. Although he hears many reproaches, although he lives through much emotional torment, firstborn means great. His presence brings greatness, hope and trust to the family.

Akrom MALIK