By Alimah Khadijah Patel, IPC Jame Masjid Sisters/Youth Councillor
In Islam, honouring and respecting parents holds tremendous importance. The Quran, the divine book of guidance, and the Hadith, the teachings and sayings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), emphasize the profound value of treating parents with utmost reverence and kindness.
Allah swt says in the Quran in Sura Al-Isra 17:33,
وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ
This verse underscores Allah's decree to worship none but Him and to treat parents with excellence. The Arabic term "إِحْسَانًا" (Ihsan) encapsulates the concept of doing good, which extends to showing kindness, respect, and favour to parents.
Along with the Quran, our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized the elevated status of parents in several Hadiths:
"Paradise lies under the feet of your mother." (Ahmad)
When asked about whom to be most kind to, the Prophet said, "Your mother, your mother, your mother, then your father." (Bukhari and Muslim)
These Hadiths highlight the immense respect and care owed to mothers and fathers in Islam. The repeated emphasis on the mother's status underscores her unparalleled significance.
Why Should We Respect Our Parents? Respecting parents is an essential part of our faith for several reasons:
Divine Command: Allah has specifically instructed us to honour our parents in the Quran.
Gratitude: Parents sacrifice their time, energy, and resources to nurture us, and respecting them is a way to show gratitude.
Spiritual Reward: The Prophet Muhammad mentioned that pleasing our parents brings immense spiritual rewards from Allah.
Practical Ways to Show Respect:
Kind Words: Speak to them gently and respectfully.
Obedience: Obey them in matters that do not contradict Islamic teachings.
Helpfulness: Offer assistance and support willingly.
Duah (Supplication): Pray for their well-being and guidance.
Respecting parents is not just a moral or cultural obligation; it's a fundamental principle deeply ingrained in Islamic teachings. The Quran and Hadith emphasize the significance of honouring parents, highlighting their elevated status and the importance of showing kindness and respect. Let's strive to uphold this sacred duty and earn the pleasure of both Allah and our parents.
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