Islam places the relationship between parents and children on a high pedestal. Recognizing the sacrifices parents make for their children, Islam mandates respect, kindness, and obedience towards parents as an integral part of one’s faith.
Respect for Parents
In Islam, parents hold a special place in an individual’s life. They are the means through which Allah grants life, making the respect and honoring of one’s parents a significant part of a Muslim’s faith.
The Duty of Children Towards Parents in Islam
Honoring Parents
The Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) highlighted the importance of honoring parents, stating that their satisfaction leads to Allah’s satisfaction.
Islam encourages children to serve their parents and treat them with the utmost respect and kindness, regardless of the situation.
Serving Parents
In Islam, children should serve their parents in every way they can. This can be through physical assistance, financial aid, or simply providing emotional support and love.
The Virtue of Tolerance Towards Parents in Islam
Tolerance towards parents in Islam is a fundamental virtue that emphasizes honoring, respecting, and supporting one’s parents. Rooted in Quranic teachings and Hadith, it encompasses acts of kindness, respect, and emotional support, extending to those in parental roles.
It serves as a means to earn Allah’s pleasure, seek forgiveness, and nurture strong family bonds. It is a reminder of the sacrifices parents make and the children’s responsibility to reciprocate with love and care.
This virtue serves as a path to spiritual growth and righteousness within the family unit, promoting compassion and commitment to family values in the lives of Muslims.
Praying for Parents
Praying for the well-being of parents is a crucial part of a Muslim’s duty towards them. The Holy Quran frequently emphasizes the importance of praying for the parents’ health and their hereafter.
The Quran and Hadith on Parents in Islam
Quranic Verses For Parents In Islam
The Holy Quran is replete with verses that stress the importance of obedience and respect towards parents. One such verse is, “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment.” (Quran 17:23)
#1 Verse For Parents In Islam
وَٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًۭٔا ۖ وَبِٱلْوَلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَنًۭا وَبِذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَكِينِ وَٱلْجَارِ ذِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْجَارِ ٱلْجُنُبِ وَٱلصَّاحِبِ بِٱلْجَنۢبِ وَٱبْنِ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَمَا مَلَكَتْ أَيْمَنُكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ لَا يُحِبُّ مَن كَانَ مُخْتَالًۭا فَخُورًا
wa-uʿ’budū l-laha walā tush’rikū bihi shayan wabil-wālidayni iḥ’sānan wabidhī l-qur’bā wal-yatāmā wal-masākīni wal-jāri dhī l-qur’bā wal-jāri l-junubi wal-ṣāḥibi bil-janbi wa-ib’ni l-sabīli wamā malakat aymānukum inna l-laha lā yuḥibbu man kāna mukh’tālan fakhūra
And worship Allah And (do) not associate with Him anything, and to the parents (do) good, and with the relatives, and the orphans, and the needy and the neighbor (who is) near, and the neighbor (who is) farther away, and the companion by your side and the traveler and what possess[ed] your right hands. Indeed, Allah (does) not love (the one) who is [a] proud (and) [a] boastful.
[Surah Nisa: 36]
#2 Verse For Parents In Islam
وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا
waqaḍā rabbuka allā taʿbudū illā iyyāhu wabil-wālidayni iḥ’sānan immā yablughanna ʿindaka l-kibara aḥaduhumā aw kilāhumā falā taqul lahumā uffin walā tanharhumā waqul lahumā qawlan karīma
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: 23-24]
#3 Verse For Parents In Islam
قُلْ تَعَالَوْا أَتْلُ مَا حَرَّمَ رَبُّكُمْ عَلَيْكُمْ ۖ أَلَّا تُشْرِكُوا بِهِ شَيْئًا ۖ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۖ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا أَوْلَادَكُم مِّنْ إِمْلَاقٍ ۖ نَّحْنُ نَرْزُقُكُمْ وَإِيَّاهُمْ ۖ وَلَا تَقْرَبُوا الْفَوَاحِشَ مَا ظَهَرَ مِنْهَا وَمَا بَطَنَ ۖ وَلَا تَقْتُلُوا النَّفْسَ الَّتِي حَرَّمَ اللَّهُ إِلَّا بِالْحَقِّ ۚ ذَٰلِكُمْ وَصَّاكُم بِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَعْقِلُونَ ‘
Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason.’
[Surah Al Luqman: 14-15]
Prophetic Hadiths For Parents In Islam
Prophet Muhammad’s Hadiths also emphasize the importance of parents. He is reported to have said, “Paradise is found at the feet of your mother” (Ibn Majah), underscoring the revered role of mothers in Islam.
#1 Hadith For Parents In Islam
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللٌّهِ (ص): مَا مِنْ وَلَدٍ بَارٍّ نَظَرَ إِلـى أَبَوَيْهِ بِرَحْمَةٍ إِلاَّ كَانَ لَهُ بِكُلِّ نَظْرَةٍ حَجَّةٌ مَبْرُورَةٌ. فَقَالُوا يَا رَسُولَ اللٌّهِ وَ إِنْ نَظَرَ فِي كُلِّ يَوْمٍ مِائَةَ نَظْرَةٍ؟ قَالَ نَعَمْ. أَللٌّهُ أَكْبَرُ وَ أَطْيَبُ
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said: “Every righteous child who casts a look of mercy and affection upon his parents shall be granted, for every look of his, rewards equivalent to that of an accepted Hajj.” Those around the Prophet questioned: “O’ Prophet of Allah! Even if he were to look at them a hundred times a day?” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) replied: “Indeed! Allah is the Greatest and Most Kind.”
[Biharul Anwar, Volume 74, Page 73]
#2 Hadith For Parents In Islam
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللٌّهِ (ص): مَنْ أَصبَحَ مُطِيعاً لِلٌّهِ فِي الْواَلِدَينِ أَصبَحَ لَهُ بَابَانِ مَفْتُوحَانِ مِنَ الْجَنَّةِ وَ إِنْ كَانَ وَاحِداً فَوَاحِداً
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said: “One, who follows the orders of Allah with regards to obeying parents, shall have two doors of Paradise opened up for him. And if there happens to be only one parent, one door of Paradise shall open up for him.”
[Kanzul `Ummal, Volume 16, Page 67]
#3 Hadith For Parents In Islam
قَالَ رَسُولُ اللٌّهِ (ص): مَنْ أَحَبَّ أَنْ يَمُدُّ لَهُ عُمْرَهُ وَ أَنْ يَزْدَادُ فِي رِزْقِهِ فَلْـيَبِرْ وَالِدَيْهِ وَ لْـيَصِلْ رَحِمَهُ
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) said: “One who desires a long life and an increase in livelihood should exhibit goodness towards his parents and establish bonds of kinship (with his relatives).”
[Kanzul `Ummal, Volume 16, Page 475]
The Importance of Making Dua for Parents
The Power of Dua
Dua, or supplication, holds a significant position in Islamic teachings. It is a way of seeking Allah’s blessings and help. Making Dua for one’s parents is a noble act that is highly recommended in Islam.
Recommended Duas for Parents In Islam
Within the Holy Quran and Hadith, numerous supplications exist that are recommended to be recited for the well-being and blessings of one’s parents, underscoring the profound significance of invoking Allah’s guidance and grace on behalf of one’s mother and father.
The most well-known duas for parents:
1- Dua For Parents
رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
Rabbirhamhuma kama rabbayani ṣaghira.
“My Lord, have mercy upon them (my parents) as they brought me up [when I was] small.”
[Surah Al-Isra 17:24]
2- Dua For Parents
رَبِّ اجْعَلْنِيْ مُقِيْمَ الصَّلٰوةِ وَمِنْ ذُرِّيَّتِيْ رَبَّنَا وَتَقَبَّلْ دُعَاۗءِ
Rabbij-A’lnee Muqeemas’ S’alaati Wa Min D’urrriyyatee Rabbanaa Wa Taqabbal Du-A’aa
O my Lord! Make me one who performs As-Salaat (Iqaamat-as-Salaat), and (also) from my offspring, our Lord! And accept my invocation.
[Surah Ibraheem – 14:40]
3- Dua For Parents
رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ
Rabbana-ghfirlī wa liwālidayya wa lilmu’minīna yauma yaqūmul-hisāb
Our Lord! Forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day when the judgment will come to pass.
[Surah Ibrahim, 14:41]
4- Dua For Parents
رَّبِّ اغْفِرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِمَن دَخَلَ بَيْتِيَ مُؤْمِنًا وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَٱلْمُؤْمِنَٰتِ
Rabbi-ghfirlī wa liwālidayya wa liman dakhola baytī mu’minan wa-lilmu’minīna wal-mu’mināt
My Lord! Forgive me, my parents, and whoever enters my house in faith, and all believing men and women.
[Surah Nuh, 71:28]
5- Dua For Parents
رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِي أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ الَّتِي أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَالِدَيَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَالِحًا تَرْضَاهُ وَأَدْخِلْنِي بِرَحْمَتِكَ فِي عِبَادِكَ الصَّالِحِينَ
Rabbi awzi’nī an asykura ni’matakal-latī an’amta ‘alayya wa ‘ala wālidayya wa an a’mala salihan tardhāhu wa adkhilnī birahmatika fī ‘ibādikas-soliheen
My Lord, inspire me to (always) be thankful for the blessings You have granted me and my parents, and to do good deeds that please You; admit me by Your grace into the ranks of Your righteous servants.
[Surah An-Naml, 27:19]
How to Strengthen Your Bond with Parents
Regular Communication
Maintaining a regular communication line with parents can strengthen bonds and increase mutual understanding. This can also allow children to better cater to their parent’s needs and concerns.
Showing Empathy
Empathy is key to establishing a strong bond with parents. Understand their feelings, show them love, and acknowledge their sacrifices.
Fulfilling Duties
Being dutiful to parents is a key aspect of Islam. This can be achieved by obeying them, caring for them in their old age, and maintaining their honor and respect in society.
Rights Of Parents In Islam
Islam places great emphasis on the relationship between children and their parents, outlining clear rights and responsibilities for both. Here are the rights of parents in Islam:
1. Respect and Obedience
Respect towards parents is a fundamental aspect of Islam. Children should listen to their parents’ guidance, obey their lawful requests, and refrain from speaking or acting in a way that is disrespectful or disobedient.
2. Kindness and Compassion
One of the major rights of parents in Islam is to receive kindness and compassion from their children. Children must be gentle, considerate, patient, and forgiving towards their parents, especially as they grow older.
3. Financial Support
When parents face financial challenges, it’s the children’s responsibility to step in and provide for them, making sure they have the basics – food, clothing, and a place to live.
4. Prayer
Children are encouraged to pray for their parents’ well-being and forgiveness, especially after their parents have passed away. A famous supplication from the Quran is “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small” (Quran 17:24).
5. Maintaining Ties
Islam also places a high value on maintaining family ties. Keeping in regular contact, visiting, and generally taking an interest in parents’ lives is strongly emphasized.
6. Care in Old Age
As parents age, it becomes the duty of the children to ensure that they take good care of both physically and emotionally. This includes providing medical care, companionship, and making sure their parents are comfortable and that have maintained their dignity.
7. Following Their Righteous Path
Parents have the right to expect their children to follow the Islamic principles they adhere to, as long as these teachings align with Islamic law. These rights are firmly rooted in Islamic teachings, reiterated in the Quran and Hadith.
Notably, honoring these rights is seen as an act of worship and a way to receive blessings from Allah. Conversely, neglecting these responsibilities is considered a grave sin.
Conclusion (The Sacred Position of Parents in Islam)
In Islam, parents are given a status of reverence. Respecting them, praying for them, and treating them with kindness is not just a societal norm but a religious obligation, making it a key facet of a Muslim’s life. Always remember that your efforts to please your parents are indeed efforts to attain the pleasure of Allah.
FAQs
Respecting parents in Islam is directly linked with the pleasure of Allah. The teachings emphasize that one cannot hope to attain Allah’s pleasure without the satisfaction of their parents.
Honoring parents can be done through respectful behavior, serving them, making Dua for them, and fulfilling their rights over you.
The Quran mandates good treatment of parents and emphasizes their rights over their children. It encourages children to pray for their parents and not to utter even a word of disrespect towards them.
There are several Duas in the Quran and Hadith for parents in Islam. One common Dua is: “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.”
Regular communication, showing empathy, understanding their needs, and being dutiful to them can significantly enhance your relationship with your parents.