The Virtue of Parents in Islam

In Islam, parents have a very high position. Muslims are expected to love and respect their parents. Parents should always be treated with respect; this is what the Almighty Allah views as honorable behavior. Mutual obligations between parents and children in Islam bind them together. No mother should suffer because of her child, and no father should suffer because of his child, says Allah Almighty in the Holy Quran. (Qur’an 2: 233). The Holy Quran’s verse given above leads us to the conclusion that the child is required to treat his parents with the utmost grace and mercy.

Muslims are required to treat their parents with the utmost respect, love, and obedience. We will never be able to adequately thank our parents for all that they have done for us, just as it is beyond our power to fulfill Allah’s (SWT) rights and to give Him thanks for all of His rewards in their integrity. The only thing we can do is admit our faults while submitting to our parents out of loyalty and duty. Allah Almighty states in the Holy Quran: “And We have commanded man (to be good) to his parents.” His mother gave birth to him after months of excruciating labor and breastfed him for two years. Express gratitude to me, and to your parents; to me is thy final abode. “ (Quran, 31:14).

Every Muslim has a duty to treat his parents with kindness and mercy throughout their life. Children must love, respect, and express gratitude to their parents. Always be polite and considerate when speaking to parents. Together, our parents met all of our needs, including those that were physical, educational, psychological, and, frequently, religious, moral, and spiritual. It becomes vital for us to treat our parents with the utmost kindness, respect, and obedience.

Rights of Parents with respect to the Qur’an and Sunnah

The Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW ) sayings and the precepts of the Quran direct us on this topic of treating parents with love, respect, and kindness.

According to Allah, the recognition of one’s parents is second only to the recognition of the Almighty. Allah Almighty eloquently stated in the Holy Quran: “And your Lord has ordained that you do not worship anyone else than Him, and to parents, proper treatment.” Whether one or both of them pass away while they are with you, don’t even utter the word “uff” to them—a tone of displeasure or disapproval—and don’t push them away; instead, use a kind word. Saying “My Lord!” and lowering the wing of humility to them out of mercy Have mercy on them; they raised me when I was a child. “ (Quran 17:23-24)

About eleven times throughout the Holy Quran, it is indicated that parents should be respected, and each time, Allah Almighty says to acknowledge and appreciate the love and care your parents gave you. Allah states in the Holy Quran this: “And We have commanded man to be good to parents.” (Qur’an 29:8 & 46:15)

As Allah Almighty informs us in the Quran, children must pray for their parents by saying, “My Lord and Sustainer!” Be compassionate to them and have mercy on them, as they did for me when I was a youngster. ” (Quran 17:24). This scripture teaches us that we should pray for our parents even after they pass away. As the Prophet (SAW) informed us, such prayer will be regarded as ongoing almsgiving. It can be claimed that showing gratitude to one’s parents gets one divine blessing because showing gratitude to Allah Almighty is a sort of worship that brings about divine rewards.

There are some traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) about treating parents in the best way. They are mentioned below:

  1. As prayer is the cornerstone of Islam, the Prophet (SAW) placed love and respect for parents right after the prayer that was offered on time. I asked the Prophet (SAW) which deed Allah liked the greatest, according to Abdullah Ibn Masood. He said prayer was offered on time, he said. I questioned him, “So what?” Kindness and respect for parents, he (SAW) remarked. (Al-Bukhari)
  2. Someone will discover their place in Hell if they treat their parents disrespectfully, make them feel bad by making offensive comments, or inflict any other kind of suffering on them. The Holy Prophet (SAW) was once questioned, “What authority do parents have over their children?” They are your heaven and hell, he replied. (Ibn Majah)
  3. Even after our parents pass away, we still owe them some obligations. Being considerate to our parents’ friends is one of the best ways to remember them when they pass away. The Holy Prophet (SAW) said about it: “A man should keep excellent connections with his father’s loved ones as the highest act of morality.” [Sahih Muslim]

Let us ask Allah (SWT) to grant us the ability to respect, honor, treat kindly, and please our parents in order to win Allah Almighty’s affection. May Allah (SWT) bestow upon us the success of the divine so that we may be counted among those who have shown kindness to their parents. May Almighty Allah also teach us to treat our parents with love, respect, and courtesy and to always maintain a courteous demeanor no matter what level of authority, wealth, position, or influence we may hold. Ameen!