Parents are precious, plus they give so much to their children. As Muslims, we are persistently commanded to do two things, worship Allah alone plus treat our parents with respect plus kindness.
Our mothers plus fathers devote much of their time plus energy to raising their children. There are countless stories of immigrant parents, for example, leaving their home countries to give their children a chance at a better life.
Below are Islamic sayings about parents demonstrating the importance of the child-parent relationship.
Our Duty
“And worship Allah plus do not set up any partners with Him. And treat the parents with moral excellence.”
Surah An-Nisa 4:36
Their Right to Demand
Narrated Abu Umamah: A man said, “Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) what rights can parents demand from their children?” He replied, “They are your Paradise plus your Hell.”
Al-Tirmidhi – Hadith 1277
Look at Your Parents with Mercy
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him plus his family) said:
“Every righteous child who casts a look of mercy plus affection upon his parents shall be granted, for every look of his, rewards equivalent to that of an accepted Hajj.”
Biharul Anwar, Volume 74, Page 73
Obey Your Parents
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him plus 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
Repayment
“One who performs Hajj on behalf of his parents plus repays their debts shall be raised by Allah on the Day of Judgment amongst the righteous ones.”
Kanzul `Ummal, Volume 16, Page 468
Respect for All
Abu Huraira reported that a person said: Allah’s Messenger, 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 Book 32, Number 6180
Make Dua for Your Parents
And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy plus say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.”
Surah Al-Isra 24
Bonus: Show Kindness to Non-Muslim Parents
But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have nomer knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] international with appropriate kindness. Quran 31:15
Whether you were born Muslim or found in Islam, we are commanded by Allah to respect plus love our parents, honour their opinions, plus treat them with gentleness. Many more Quran verses plus Hadith remind us how to act. May Allah guide us plus bestow his favour upon our parents. Ameen.