Personal Redemption: a Way to Gain Ultimate Success

Personal Redemption: A Way to Attain Ultimate Success

Personal redemption is very hard to achieve, both mentally and physically. Amir’s search for redemption in his fathers eyes for the death of his mother and his remorse for Hassan’s rape results to his seek for redemption. Similarly, Thao’s quest for redemption is commenced by his gratitude toward Walt, as well as his remorse for trying to steal the Gran Torino. The quest for self redemption is a very hard and extensive procedure, not only mentally but also physically. In the cases of Amir in The Kite Runner and Thao Vang Lor from Gran Torino, redemption is extremely hard to attain. In many religious scriptures, redemption is mentioned repeatedly. Especially in the Quran, the book of the Muslims, redemption is described as an everlasting occurrence. In the Kite Runner, Amir feels responsible for the death of his mother. He believes that he owes his father something for being the cause of his great wife’s death. Baba says, “When you kill a man, you steal a life. You steal his wife’s right to a husband; rob his children of a father” (Hosseini, 19). This shows the rigidity of his father when it comes to death. Allah says in the Quran, “Of no effect is the repentance of those who continue to do evil” (Quran 4:18). The explanation of this can be that one who repents; who seeks redemption and continues to do evil is not forgiven. This shows that forgiveness is not easy to achieve, especially in Amir’s case. In closing, one can seek redemption but that path is a very long and narrow pathway. In the movie, Gran Torino, Thao gives in to the peer pressure of the neighbourhood gang members and he attempts to steal Walt Kowalski’s most prized possession, his car. Theft is mentioned in one of the Ten Commandments revealed to Moses. It states, “Thou shall not steal”. Stealing another person’s possession is one of the greatest and it is not easily forgiven sins. This makes Thao’s search for redemption a difficult one. In an authentic saying from the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h), the punishment for a thief is very harsh. He (p.b.u.h) says, “The hand should be cut off for a quarter of a Dinar or more” (Al Bukhari). This shows that to pursue forgiveness and redemption from theft is extremely difficult. In conclusion, for one to redeem themselves from theft, he or she must have a lot of debt to pay. Amir continued to do evil by not aiding his friend at the time he needed him most. He failed Hassan which led to another search for redemption, this time one surrounding Hassan. Religion made it easier for him to seek forgiveness. His friendship was very worthy to him, which made him stay true toward the path of redemption. As a way to help him in his search for redemption, Amir grows closer to God. Mary Fulkerson says, “This quest is not an easy one. The one who is powerful can only ask for help from God” (Fulkerson, 29). This shows that even though this quest is difficult, only God can make it easier. Amir and Hassan’s friendship is of very high status to him. CD Mohatta says, “Friendship is a gift of God. Some of us are blessed with good friends. But as it happens, these friendships are taken for granted in some cases and not valued” (Mohatta, Par 1). This shows that friendship should be valued and one should not take this for granted like Amir has. Redemption in this circumstance should not be taken lightly. In ending, the status of their friendship aids him in the hunt for redemption. However, none of this would be possible without the help of God. Gratitude is defined as the feeling of being grateful or thankful. In Gran Torino, Mr. Kowalski helps Thao’s family from gang violence. He saves Thao’s sister from being murdered. Thao owes Walt extreme gratitude. This type of gratefulness leads to forgiveness which in the long run leads to self-redemption. Micheal Perman says, “The road to redemption should not be taken lightly. Many qualities are needed before one is completely satisfied. Gratitude, compassion and joy are needed in this path. Gratefulness should be an instinct when seeking forgiveness” (Perman, 5). This explains that being grateful is the first secret to achieving success on the road to redemption. Gratitude is also a way to cleanse the heart of all evil. Redemption comes along with this. Allah (s.w.t) says in the Quran, “And whoever is grateful – his gratitude is only for himself. And whoever is ungrateful – then indeed my Lord is free of need and Generous” (Quran 27:40). This shows that God will test the people to see who will practice gratitude and who will not. In closing, gratitude will help Thao and Amir in their search for redemption. It will make them feel grateful for what they have which will increase their desire to pursue redemption. In the path for liberation, many things need to be considered. There are many methods to increase a person’s success in the road to redemption. In The Kite Runner, Amir has many things to be grateful for but he also has many things to seek forgiveness from. His search ended in happiness but only with much difficulty. Similarly, Thao Vang Lor has faced many obstacles in this path. This is what redemption is all about. The obstacles, barriers and difficulties make it harder but they also make it worthwhile.