Rights of Parents
Honoring, respecting, serving and supporting one's parents is a major obligation in Islam.
Summary
Kindness to parents (Birr al-Walidayn) is mentioned in the Quran right after the worship of Allah. It is one of the best deeds before Allah. Obeying them (in good), serving them, never responding to them harshly, and praying for them are permanent duties.
Why such importance?
Parents sacrificed their youth, health, sleep and wealth to raise us. The mother carried the child with hardship, nursed him for years, and both parents watched over him day and night.
Allah has placed the right of parents immediately after His own right, which shows their high rank. Disobedience to parents is among the major sins.
Evidence from the Quran and Sunnah
« 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, Surah Al-Isra' (17:23)
« 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. »
— Quran, Surah Al-Isra' (17:24)
A man asked the Prophet ﷺ: «Who deserves my best companionship?» He replied: «Your mother.» The man asked: «Then who?» He said: «Your mother.» The man asked: «Then who?» He said: «Your mother.» The man asked: «Then who?» He said: «Your father.»
— Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim — Exact reference and attribution to be confirmed.
« Stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet. »
— An-Nasa’i 3104 — sahih (Darussalam). Said to a man asking to go on a military expedition while his mother was alive.
« The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of parents, and the anger of Allah lies in the anger of parents. »
— Reported by At-Tirmidhi — Exact reference and attribution to be confirmed.
✅ Practical advice
- •Call your parents every day to check on them
- •Ask them if they need anything before they ask
- •Never raise your voice at them, even if you are right
- •Pray for them at every prayer
- •If they have passed away, make duas, give charity and perform Hajj/Umra on their behalf
Concrete example
When you see that your mother or father needs something (a glass of water, help getting up, an object to carry), don't wait for them to ask. Anticipate their needs and serve them with joy, as they did for you when you were a child.
🤲 Du'a
« My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small. »
رَّبِّ ٱرْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِى صَغِيرًا
— Quran, Surah Al-Isra' (17:24)