Quranic Verses and Hadiths about the Devotion to Parents in Islam

Religion Islam commands us to honor our parents, to obey them, to respect their opinion, and be kind to them. Allah Almighty says in the Noble Quran: “Worship Allah and join none with Him in worship, and do good to parents” (Quran, 4:36). Parents are the ones who have been with us through almost everything in our lives that’s why we should be devoted to them. Respecting parents is one of the most significant aspects of Islam. There are many verses in the Holy Quran where kindness to parents is even mentioned with the most important aspect of Islam that is worshipping Allah alone. Allah Almighty says in another verse of the Holy Quran: “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor.“ (Quran, 17:23) The above-mentioned verse of Holy Quran cleared that no word of disrespect should be uttered toward parents.  Honoring parents can be considered a form of worship if the intention is to please Almighty Allah by respecting His commands. Allah (SWT) advised us to show kindness, respect, and humility to our parents. Allah Almighty clearly links the rights owed to Him to the rights owed to parents in the Holy Quran. Allah (SWT) says in the Noble Quran: “And We have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents.  His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship, and his weaning is in two years give thanks to Me and to your parents, unto Me is the final destination.”  (Quran 31:14) Our Beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reinforced the duty to be kind to parents. Once a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) asked Him which of the many good deeds a man can do is the most loved by Almighty Allah.  Prophet Muhammad (SAW) answered him by saying, “To offer the prayer in its proper time”.  The companion then asked, “And what is next?” to which Prophet Muhammad replied, “To be good and dutiful to your parents…” (Bukhari) The child is obligated to care for the parents by displaying all the qualities of bir and knowing that the reward for this is with Allah (SWT).  The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in one of His hadith, “If anyone possesses these three characteristics God will give him an easy death and bring him into His Paradise: gentleness towards the weak, affection towards parents, and kindness to slaves.” (Tirmidhi) In short, being dutiful to parents, obeying them and treating them with kindness is ingrained in the teachings of Islam. May Allah Almighty guide us to follow the teachings of Islam in a better way! Ameen