- Published on
The Reverence of Parents in Islam: A Sacred Duty
- Authors
- Name
- Muslim
Parents
Al-Adab Al-Mufrad 5
Abu Hurayra said, "The Prophet was asked, 'Messenger of Allah, to whom should I be dutiful?' 'Your mother,' he replied. He was asked, 'Then whom?' ' Your mother,' he replied. He was asked, 'Then whom?' 'Your mother,' he replied. He was asked, 'Then whom?' He replied, 'Your father.'"
In Islam, the significance of honoring and respecting parents is deeply embedded in the core teachings of the faith. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the pivotal role that parents play in shaping the character, moral compass, and overall well-being of their children. Islamic teachings not only underscore the duties children owe to their parents but also highlight the manifold blessings and rewards associated with fulfilling these responsibilities.
The Quran places a special emphasis on the kindness and respect children should show towards their parents. In Surah Al-Isra (17:23), Allah says: "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,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word."
This verse eloquently captures the essence of filial piety in Islam, admonishing children against even the slightest act of disrespect or annoyance towards their parents. Instead, Islam encourages children to address their parents with kindness and noble words, irrespective of the challenges that may arise.
Moreover, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have said, "Paradise lies beneath the feet of your mother." This Hadith exemplifies the elevated status of mothers in Islam and emphasizes the immense reward associated with serving and respecting them. It underscores the idea that a significant path to attaining Paradise lies in dutifully fulfilling one's responsibilities towards one's mother.
The Quran also acknowledges the sacrifices parents make for their children and urges gratitude and kindness in return. In Surah Luqman (31:14-15), Luqman advises his son: "And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination."
This verse not only recognizes the physical and emotional challenges mothers undergo during pregnancy and nursing but also emphasizes the obligation of children to express gratitude to both their parents and to Allah.
Islam further extols the virtue of providing financial support and care to aging parents. The Quran, in Surah Al-Isra (17:24), states: "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.'"
This verse encapsulates the compassionate approach children are encouraged to adopt in caring for their elderly parents. The use of the metaphorical expression "lower to them the wing of humility" underscores the gentle and respectful demeanor that should characterize interactions with parents, especially in their old age.
In Islam, honoring parents is not merely a cultural norm but a religious duty with profound spiritual implications. The obedience and respect shown to parents are regarded as acts of worship, and the rewards for such actions extend beyond the worldly realm. The Islamic perspective on parenting underscores the sanctity of the family unit and the pivotal role parents play in shaping the moral fabric of society. As Muslims strive to uphold these values, they contribute to the cultivation of a community grounded in compassion, gratitude, and familial harmony.
Relevant Hadiths
Sa'id ibn Abi Burda said, "I heard my father say that Ibn 'Umar saw a Yamani man going around the House while carrying his mother on his back, saying, 'I am your humble camel. If her mount is frightened, I am not frightened.' Then he asked, 'Ibn 'Umar? Do you think that I have repaid her?' He replied, 'No, not even for a single groan.'
I don't know of a deed closer to Allah, Exalted and Majestic, other than dutifulness to the mother."
Abu Hurayra said, "The Prophet was asked, 'Messenger of Allah, to whom should I be dutiful?' 'Your mother,' he replied. He was asked, 'Then whom?' 'Your mother,' he replied. He was asked, 'Then whom?' 'Your mother,' he replied. He was asked, 'Then whom?' He replied, 'Your father.'
the Prophet said: "The maternal aunt holds the same status as the mother."
the Prophet said: "Among the most dutiful of deeds is that a man nurture relations with the people his father was friends with.
Abu Hurayra saw two men and said to one of them, "Who is this man in relation to you?" He is my father," he replied. He said, "Do not call him by his own name nor walk in front of him nor sit down before him.
associating others with Allah, killing someone, desertion from the army when it is advancing, slandering a chaste woman, usury, consuming an orphan's property, heresy in the mosque, scoffing, and causing one's parents to weep through disobedience.' Ibn 'Umar then said to me, 'Do you wish to separate yourself from the Fire? Would you like to enter Paradise?' 'By Allah, yes!' I replied. He asked, 'Are your parents still alive?' I replied, 'My mother is.' He said, 'By Allah, if you speak gently to her and feed her, then you will enter the Garden as long as you avoid the major wrong actions.