Parents are precious, and they give so much to their children. As Muslims, we are persistently commanded to do two things, worship Allah alone and treat our parents with respect and kindness.
Our mothers and fathers devote much of their time and 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 and 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 and your Hell.”
Al-Tirmidhi – Hadith 1277
- Look at Your Parents with Mercy
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.”
Biharul Anwar, Volume 74, Page 73
- Obey Your Parents
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
- Repayment
“One who performs Hajj on behalf of his parents and 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 and 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 no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness. Quran 31:15
Whether you were born Muslim or found in Islam, we are commanded by Allah to respect and love our parents, honour their opinions, and treat them with gentleness. Many more Quran verses and Hadith remind us how to act. May Allah guide us and bestow his favour upon our parents. Ameen.