And every night before retiring, he would do the same. Even when he rose earlier than his parents, he would approach their bed as they slept and touch their feet gently without disturbing them. He considered this act of respect a sacred duty. Merwan was exceedingly loving and obedient toward his parents, and Bobo and Memo felt happy and reciprocated Merwan's love. In fact, they loved their Merog more than their other children and did not hide the fact.
Bobo, especially, loved Merwan profoundly and deeply appreciated the boy's virtuous nature. Bobo had known from the time of Merwan's birth that he was the son of whom the divine voice had spoken. At times, when acquaintances would approach Bobo about his son's future, he would declare, "I believe my son is from God, so his future must lie with God. God will reveal Merwan's destiny." Of course, Bobo's friends knew of his dervish past and would not rebuke him, though they may not have understood. Memo did not think of Merwan's future in the same manner; her thoughts were more worldly — wanting for him a good profession, wife and children.
Merwan's temperament was mild yet straightforward. He would never deceive or lie to anyone. In cases where telling the truth injured the feelings of others, he would avoid speaking. He was not abrasive and would not deliberately insult anyone even if provoked. As Baily pointed out, his unique characteristic was that he always kept his troubles to himself — even with his parents.
Imperceptibly, every action of Merwan's from his childhood echoed and amplified the notes of the Divine Song that were resounding in him. The gait of his swift, graceful stride (like that of a deer, some said) was in itself a reverberating, contagious rhythm — an alluring dance of his spirit's quick tempo. Merwan's cheerful companionship spread joy and delight every moment, dispelling any sadness others felt.
"Laughter and joy were always visible on his beautiful and attractive face," wrote Baily. "Besides, it is impossible to express in words the magical charm in his mudbhari mastan [intoxicating] eyes. Merwan stole the hearts and minds of everyone in their very first visit by his strong short-statured body, broad shoulders and loving melodious voice."
Those who knew Merwan at that time have described him as someone who was "generous to the poor and compassionate to the downtrodden ... a boy of good moral conduct ... a good student ... a good sportsman ... a respectful son ... a model child ... an excellent singer ... an idealist ... a lover of poetry ... a possessor of a gifted mind ... a pragmatist," and above all, "soft-hearted."