Status of Parents
To be obedient to parents and to show kindness to them has been enjoined along with the Oneness and Worship of Allah Almighty, in the Holy Quran, in such a manner that it appears that among human deeds, to obey parents and treat them with respect and kindness is next only to Worship Almighty Allah.
Parents and Children in Islam
The status of parents in Islam is very high. We as Muslims are directed to give utmost respect and love to our parents. Parents should be treated well at all times; this is considered a virtuous act in the sight of Almighty Allah. Parents and children in Islam are bound together by mutual obligations. Allah Almighty explicitly states in the Holy Quran: “…No mother should be harmed through her child and no father through his child…” (Quran 2: 233). From this verse, it is unequivocally clear that the Quran has made it obligatory for children to treat their parents with utmost grace and mercy.
Honoring Parents in Islam
Parents are considered the heaven and hell of their children, as illuminated in the hadith of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). When asked about the rights of parents over their children, the Holy Prophet (SAW) stated: “They are your heaven and hell.” (Ibn Majah)
Unconditional Kindness, Respect, and Obedience
It is an obligation for Muslims to demonstrate unconditional kindness, respect, and obedience to their parents. Just as it is beyond our capacity to fully fulfill the rights of Allah (SWT) and express gratitude for His countless blessings, similarly, we can never truly repay our parents for their ceaseless efforts on our behalf. All we can do is acknowledge our shortcomings and humbly submit ourselves in obedience and loyalty before them. In the Holy Quran, Allah Almighty emphasizes: “And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in two years was his weaning. Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents; to Me is thy final goal.” (Quran, 31:14)
Prayers for Deceased Parents
Children are instructed to pray for their parents, even after their passing. As Allah Almighty teaches us: “…My Lord and Sustainer! Be kind and have mercy on them as they cherished, nurtured and sustained me in childhood.” (Quran 17:24). This act of gratitude continues to benefit them in the afterlife, a form of continuous charity.
Kindness to Their Loved Ones
Even after their departure, honoring our parents extends to being kind to their friends. The Holy Prophet (SAW) emphasized: “The best act of righteousness is that a man should maintain good relations with his father’s loved ones.” (Sahih Muslim)
A Command in the Quran
Respecting parents is emphasized in the Holy Quran, mentioned approximately eleven times. Allah Almighty underscores the importance of recognizing and appreciating the love and care bestowed by parents. Allah states: “And We have enjoined upon man goodness to parents…” (Quran 29:8 & 46:15)
Second Only to Worship
The Prophet (SAW) placed kindness and respect towards parents second only to offering prayers on time, as it forms the foundation of Islam. ‘Abdullah Ibn Masood narrated: “I asked the Prophet (SAW) which deed is most liked by Allah. He (SAW) said: ‘Prayer offered on time. ‘I asked him: ‘Then what? He (SAW) said: ‘Kindness and respect towards parents.’…” (Al-Bukhari)
A Divine Decree
Allah makes it explicit in the Holy Quran that recognizing and honoring parents is second only to recognizing Allah Himself. Allah beautifully articulates: “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as] ‘uff’ [i.e., an expression of irritation or disapproval] and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say: ‘My Lord! Have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.’” (Quran 17:23-24)
May Almighty Allah guide us to be respectful, loving, and kind to our parents, ensuring we always remain humble and respectful, regardless of the power, wealth, position, and influence we may possess. Ameen!