Parents in Islam hold a position of paramount importance, as the Quran places the duty of filial piety immediately after the worship of Allah. This profound placement underscores the essential role that parents play in the moral and spiritual development of individuals, by pairing the worship of Allah to kindness to parents.
The teachings of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) further reinforce the significance of respecting and obeying parents. Through various hadiths, the Prophet elaborates on the virtues of kindness to parents and the severe consequences of neglecting this duty.
The Importance of Parents in Islam
Islam places great importance on honoring parents, considering it one of the best ways to draw closer to God. Here are some of the Islamic texts highlighting the proper relation with parents in Islam:
- Obedience to God and His Messenger
One of the primary reasons for honoring parents is that it is a direct command from Almighty One True God (Allah) and His Messenger (PBUH). The Qur’an states, “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents.” (Qur’an 31:14). This command underscores the high status of parents in Islam.
Also, in another verse, Allah Almighty reminds us to repay their kindness with humility and respect in their old age:
“And be humble with them out of mercy, and pray, “My Lord! Be merciful to them as they raised me when I was young.”” (Qur’an 17:24).
This verse urges us to maintain a humble and merciful attitude towards our parents as they grow older, reflecting the highest form of gratitude and respect.
- Path to Paradise
Respecting and obeying one’s parents is a key to entering Paradise. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized this when he said, “May his nose be rubbed in the dust; may his nose be rubbed in the dust; may his nose be rubbed in the dust.” It was asked, “Who, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “The one who sees his parents reach old age, one or both of them, and does not enter Paradise by serving them” (Sahih Muslim).
- Source of Love and Harmony
Obeying and respecting parents fosters love and harmony within the family. It is a form of gratitude for their efforts in raising and nurturing their children, as indicated in the verse, “We have commanded people to honour their parents. Their mothers bore them in hardship and delivered them in hardship.” (Qur’an 46:15).
- Reciprocal Kindness
Being kind to parents ensures that one’s own children will also be kind to them. The principle of reciprocal kindness is highlighted in the verse, “Is there any reward for goodness except goodness?” (Qur’an 55:60).
- Gratitude to Parents and God
Islam teaches that gratitude to parents is intertwined with gratitude to God. The Qur’an states, “Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination” (Qur’an 31:14). This connection emphasizes the profound respect and gratitude owed to parents.
Finally, this dual emphasis from both the Quran and the Prophet (PBUH) creates a societal framework. Thus, family bonds are strengthened and moral integrity is passed from one generation to the next.
Practical Methods for Honoring Parents
Understanding the importance of parents in Islam is just the beginning. Implementing it involves various actions, including:
- Respect and Obedience: Showing respect and obedience to parents is fundamental. This includes listening to their advice and following their guidance.
- Financial Support: Providing financial support and gifts to parents, not just on special occasions but regularly.
- Emotional Support: Offering emotional support and companionship, especially as they age.
- Prayers: Praying for their well-being and asking Allah to have mercy on them.
How did the Prophets (PBUT) deal with their Parents?
The prophets of God exemplified the highest standards of respect and kindness towards their parents, setting a precedent for all believers. For instance, in the Quran, Jesus (peace be upon him) highlights his dutifulness to his mother, saying, “And [made me] dutiful to my mother, and He [Allah] has not made me a wretched tyrant” (Quran 19:32). This statement reflects Jesus’s acknowledgment of his mother’s significant role and his commitment to honoring her.
This example demonstrates that the Prophets not only preached but also practiced the principles of respect and devotion to parents, highlighting their essential role in guiding believers to fulfill their familial and religious duties.
Conclusion
To conclude, The significance of parents in Islam is a profound expression of gratitude and respect towards one’s parents. It aligns with the natural human disposition and reflects the mercy of God upon His creation. Honoring our parents means we fulfill a significant part of our faith and draw closer to Allah. As we strive to uphold this virtue, we should remember the profound impact it has on our spiritual journey and the blessings it brings in both this life and the Hereafter.
Islam orders us to obey our parents even if they are not Muslims. You can be a super filial-devoted son also by inviting them to Islam in order to make them happy in this life and in the Hereafter, shall you?
