SRINAGAR: Two Saudi brothers from Al-Asiyah in Qassim province approached a court not for inheritance or property, but to determine which of them should have the honour of caring for their 100-year-old mother. The Logical Indian reported that the judge awarded caregiving responsibility to the younger brother, Hizam Al-Ghamdi’s sibling, citing his physical strength and family support system, after the mother refused to choose between her “two eyes”. Saudi Expatriates detailed the emotional courtroom scene where the elder brother wept upon hearing the verdict, underscoring profound familial piety amid the Kingdom’s focus on elder rights.
The Al-Ghamdi brothers presented their plea before a judge in Al-Asiyah, with elder Hizam insisting he had devoted his life to his mother—forgoing marriage and employment to provide daily care—while his younger brother argued he was better equipped with a household including children to assist round-the-clock. The mother was equating each son to her “left and right eyes,” leaving the decision to judicial practicality. The Logical Indian quoted Hizam’s heartfelt vow: caring for her was “his very life,” moving court observers.
After assessing medical needs and logistics, the judge granted custody to the younger brother, recognising his capacity for sustained support without diminishing the elder’s sacrifices, per Saudi Expatriates. The brothers embraced post-ruling, signalling unity; Hizam’s tears reflected sorrow at parting from his sacred duty rather than resentment. Legal experts cited by The Logical Indian described it as one of the “rarest” cases, contrasting typical inheritance disputes.
The story went viral on social media, with Instagram users praising it as a “lesson in compassion” and affirmation of Saudi cultural values on elder respect.
