What are the rights of parents?
In life, parents hold a key position, one that is shaped by their sacrifices and continuous effort to care for their children. From the moment of biological intercourse, they begin to invest their time and effort into raising their kids, often facing tough times with little expectation in return. Islam, as highlighted in the Quran and Hadith, emphasizes the respectful treatment of parents. The Quranic verses, along with the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), urge children to show gratitude, obedience, and respect. Parents not only deserve to be respected for the bonds they create, but also because of the importance of their role in shaping their children’s lives. It’s through their sacrifices that they earn this respect and status. Whether biological or stepparents, the duty of children is to recognize these sacrifices and show gratitude. Even during moments of difficulty, children must be reminded of the importance of honoring their parents, as failure to do so can harm the bonds of family and peace. It is crucial to understand that, regardless of the relationship, parents always deserve respect and obedience, as it is a core value in Islam. If you’re looking to deepen your understanding of these concepts, Our Courses offer insightful lessons on how to better appreciate the significance of parental rights and duties.
The Importance of Obeying Parents
In Islam, obedience to parents is a fundamental principle, emphasized in the Quran and Hadith. Children are enjoined to obeyed their parents, especially since they carry out major obligations like care and nurturing, such as during the weakness of infancy and the two years of weaning. The bond between parents and children is sacred, and disobedience causes harm both in this world and the hereafter. Disobedience is considered a major sin, as it goes against the rights that parents are given by Allah. According to the Hadith, failing to respect parents brings the displeasure of Allah. The Surah Luqman mentions the importance of being grateful to one’s mother, who carried the child with compassion and love. Obeying one’s parents leads to Allah’s pleasure and, ultimately, to a lawful and righteous life. The guidance of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stresses that showing respect to parents is not just an act of kindness, but a key to reaching the final destination of peace. Understanding this, we must not misuse our power and always be just, as obedience is one of the greatest obligations of a child in Islam.
“(Major sins include:) Associating someone with Allah, disobedience to parents, killing a person and false testimony.”
The Duty to Treat Parents with Reverence
In Islam, parents are given an honorable and high position, and it is our duty to show them respectful treatment at all times. Allah has commanded us to treat them with kindness, whether through our attitude, words, or actions. Being rude or abused in our treatment towards them goes against the right they have over us and is considered a major wrong. Surah Al-Ankabut and the sayings of the Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasize the importance of this respect and warn against being undutiful to them. Children are enjoined to be obedient and show the utmost respect, as failing to do so is a serious sin, second only to associating partners with Allah. Our endeavor to treat them with the goodness they deserve is not just a good practice, but a means of pleasing Allah. In the Hadith of Bukhari and Muslim, we learn that this treatment of parents is closely linked to our own blessings and success. It is a reminder that we must always obey and inform our parents with love and respect, for they have given us everything, and this is the greatest return we can offer them.
Showing Gratitude to Parents
Children must be grateful for the care and sacrifices made by parents. They provide everything from food, clothing, and house to emotional support, all of which are rights parents are entitled to. Allah orders us to show our gratitude for the great effort parents put in to meet their children’s needs, both physically and emotionally.
The Importance of Visiting Parents
In Islam, visiting parents is a highly recommended deed that helps in maintaining family ties and fulfilling their rights. Silatul Rahim, the act of keeping family connections strong, is encouraged, and children should make the effort to visit their parents whenever possible. With modern life, it may be easier to maintain contact through other means, but physically visiting them remains an essential part of showing love and respect. Cutting ties with parents is a major sin, as emphasized in the Hadith.
Providing Financial Support to Parents
In Islam, children are encouraged to offer financial support to their parents if they are in need. Even if parents are wealthy, it’s considered a good deed and an important duty to assist them, as Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized. The teachings in Ibn Majah and Abu Dawood highlight that helping one’s father or mother financially is a way to honor their sacrifices and maintain respect.
Speaking Kindly to Parents
Islam strictly prohibits speaking to parents with harsh words or in a manner that shows disrespect. Even a simple word like “uff” is forbidden, as it shows frustration. Instead, children are taught to speak to their parents with mercy, affection, and the noble words that reflect the rights of parents. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) taught that the way we speak to our parents is rewarded, as Surah Al-Isra and Bayhaqi remind us that even a loving glance at them can bring great reward, accepted like the Hajj.
The Importance of Praying for Your Parents
In Islam, praying for your parents is one of the most beautiful acts of gratitude. The Quran and Prophet, peace upon him, both emphasize how this special dua can bring mercy and blessings to a person’s life. When a child prays for their parents, their dua becomes an ongoing charity, benefiting them long after they die. This is highlighted in Surah Al-Isra, where it teaches that the righteous acts, including the dua of a child, become a form of continuous deeds, carrying great benefits and knowledge. If you want to learn more or have any questions, feel free to Contact us.
Giving Priority to Parents Over Others
In Islam, prioritizing parents is essential, as they deserve our utmost care and attention. The Prophet, peace upon him, was once asked who is most deserving of a man’s good companionship. He replied that it is the mother, followed by the father, as stated in Bukhari and Muslim. This teaching reminds Muslims that parents are given a special priority, reflecting their importance in our lives.
Serving Parents in Their Old Age
In Islam, serving your parents in their old age brings immense reward. The Prophet, peace upon him, taught that a Muslim should never humiliate their parents, but rather care for them, especially when they become elderly. The Messenger of Allah said that honoring parents in their later years is a direct path to enter Paradise, highlighting the significance of this act for both father and mother.
Honoring Parents Through Seeking Their Permission and Advice
In Islam, it is important for children to seek the advice and counsel of their parents, as their wisdom and experience are invaluable. Ibn Abbas reported that being an obedient child means respecting your parents and listening to them. The Prophet, peace upon him, teaches that looking after your parents and seeking their permission can lead to rewards like performing Hajj and having a Mabrur pilgrimage, as recorded in Bayhaqi’s Shu’ab al-Iman. Allah is merciful to those who honor their parents, rewarding them with blessings.
Never Abandoning Parents
In Islam, to abandon your parents, especially in their old age, is considered a major sin. The Prophet, peace upon him, warned that this is one of the worst sins a person can commit, along with associating partners with Allah. Those who are undutiful to their parents are severely warned in Bukhari.
Burying Parents with Honor and Praying for Their Souls
When parents pass away, it is the children’s duty to show respect by burying them with honor and continuing to pray for their souls. Fulfilling their rights does not end with their death; instead, the Prophet, peace upon him, emphasized that children should make dua for their parents’ forgiveness and continue their good deeds, especially any unfinished acts. The dutifulness to parents includes maintaining ties with their relatives and friends. As narrated in Abu Dawood and Ibn Majah, making these efforts after their passing ensures their deeds continue benefiting them. The Benefits of Learning Quran Online can guide you in how to perform these acts of kindness and righteousness towards your parents.
The Consequences of Not Fulfilling Parents’ Rights
Islam does not condone children disrespecting or wronging their parents in any way. If parents’ rights are not fulfilled, it can lead to severe consequences, as Allah is not pleased with such actions. Even though there is an exception in cases of abusive behavior, failing to honor and maintain ties with parents can cause a loss of good in one’s life. It is important to avoid crossing boundaries and seek justice by respecting and caring for them.
The Importance of Honoring Parents and Fulfilling Their Rights
In Islam, honoring and caring for parents is a fundamental responsibility. Obeying and respecting them brings immense blessings and rewards, with the promise of Jannah in the Hadith. Fulfilling their rights strengthens family bonds and leads to success in both this life and the hereafter. Neglecting parents, especially in old age, is seen as a serious matter, while continuing to care for them brings barakah and mercy from Allah. The Quran and teachings of the Prophet emphasize the duty of children to care for their parents, ensuring their legacy continues and their prayers are answered. Believers are encouraged to fulfill this responsibility to maintain peace and blessings in their lives.