Islamic Teachings on Respecting Parents

Islamic teachings emphasize the importance of respecting parents. There are also many Quranic verses that mention parents. Allah (SWT) 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.” [Surah Al-Isra 17:23]

We should respect your parents, honor their opinions, and deal with them with genuine care and gentleness.

Unfortunately, many people don’t show respect to their parents. In this article, we’ll discuss how Islam guides us on parental respect and many other aspects of life. This article will take you through the teachings of Islam about parents, and their respect, in the light of the Quran and Sunnah.

The Importance of Respecting Parents in Islam

As the world is progressing day by day, the concept of treating your parents with respect is often overlooked. However, in Islam, children are instructed to respect and honor their parents. Both the Quran and Sunnah guide us on how to do so.

Children should be obedient to their parents and fulfill their needs. Parents are the first teachers of children. They are the ones who raise a child from a newborn to an adult who is fit enough for the world. 

Muslim Children’s Obligations towards their Parents 

It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA) said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) which action is most beloved to Allah? He said, ‘Establishing prayer on time, honoring one’s parents and Jihad in the cause of Allah.’ [Sunan an-Nasa’i 611] 

Since our parents give their blood, sweat, and tears to raise us, we should show gratitude towards our parents. Children should perform acts of kindness and empathy that reflect their concern for their parents.

In addition to kindness, children should interact with them politely and never get irritated or offended by their behavior. It’s common for parents to feel agitated at times when they age. Therefore, every child should understand this and treat their parents well with kindness.

Abu Hurairah (May Allah (SWT) be pleased with him) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced! May he be disgraced, whose parents, one or both, attain old age during his life time, and he does not enter Jannah (by rendering being dutiful to them)”. [Riyad as-Salihin 317] 

Parental Respect in the Light of Quranic Verses 

Parents are the most valuable asset one can ever have in this temporary world. Their sincerity and concern for their children is unparalleled. There are many Quranic verses on parents for children to be mindful of their behavior and attitude towards them. Mothers and fathers devote their whole lives to serving their children with the best in almost all aspects, be it education, health, food, and other necessities of life. 

“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.” [Surah Al-Nisa 4:36]

We should always honor their opinions and value their advice. Making dua for your parents is a commendable form of respect for them. 

“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.”” [Surah Al-Isra 17:24]

The Prophet Muhammad’s (ﷺ) Teachings on Respecting Parents 

We should take steps to please our parents and not make them angry.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The Lord’s pleasure is in the parent’s pleasure, and the Lord’s anger is in the parent’s anger.” [Jami` at-Tirmidhi 1899]. 

In another Hadith, Abu Huraira reported that a person said, “Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ), who amongst the people is most deserving of my good treatment? He said: Your mother, again your mother, again your mother, then your father, then your nearest relatives according to the order (of nearness).” [Sahih Muslim 2548b].

Muslims are also instructed to be dutiful to their parents. 

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, “Shall I inform you of the biggest of the great sins?” They said, “Yes, O Allah’s Apostle!” He said, “To join partners in worship with Allah, and to be undutiful to one’s parents.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6273].

Conclusion 

Islam teaches us to respect, honor, and treat our parents with kindness. In this article, we learned about the significance of respecting our parents through many Quranic verses and Hadith. Children of all ages should respect their parents and do all they can to make sure they remain happy. Many parents and seniors are suffering due to treatable diseases in developing countries like Pakistan. You can support them through Transparent Hands with your Sadaqah, Zakat, and donations. We’ve been empowering mothers, fathers, and seniors with free surgical and medical treatments since 2014. Join hands with us to support this noble cause today.