Islam places a profound emphasis on the respect for parents and honor that children must show towards their parents. The Quran, the holy book of Muslims, contains numerous verses that explicitly highlight the significance of respecting and obeying parents. In Islamic teachings, parents are regarded as a vital source of guidance, love, and mercy and their rights hold immense importance. This article explores the unique and unwavering respect for parents according to Quran and Islam, underscoring the profound impact it has on shaping an individual's character and fostering harmonious family relationships.

Respect for Parents


 

 Respect for parents as an Obligation:

 

The Quran emphasizes the obligation of honoring and respecting parents.

إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا

If one of them or both of them reach old age, do not say them [even] the slightest annoying word and do not drive them away, and speak them with noble words. (17:23)

This verse highlights the unconditional reverence and love that children are commanded to show towards their parents.

Allah Almighty declares we should be pray for  our parents has very importance.

رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا

  

"My Lord, have mercy on them, as they raised me when I was a child."


Recognizing Parents' Sacrifices:
 

Islam recognizes and appreciates the immense sacrifices parents make for their children. The Quran emphasizes the gratitude and kindness children should display towards their parents. 

In Surah Luqman (31:14), it states,

 "And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination." 

This verse encapsulates the understanding of the physical, emotional, and spiritual sacrifices made by parents in raising their children.

 

Obedience and Kindness:

 

Islam teaches that obedience and kindness towards parents are essential qualities of a righteous individual. The Quran emphasizes the importance of fulfilling parental desires as long as they are within the boundaries of Islamic principles. 

In Surah Al-Ankabut (29:8), it states,

 "And We have enjoined upon man goodness to parents. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do." 

This verse clarifies that obedience to parents should not contradict the obedience owed to Allah.


 وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ

And your Lord commanded that you should worship Him alone and be kind with your parents. (17:23)‎

Praying for Parents:

 

Islam teaches its adherents to ask their parents' forgiveness and for their well-being in prayer. The Quran encourages children to pray for their parenting' well-being and recognizes the importance of parents in a person's life.

 In Surah Al-Isra (17:24), it states,

 "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.'" 

This verse teaches children to express humility and gratitude, seeking Allah's mercy and blessings for their parents.

Even in the Prayer, Allah Almighty has made dua obligatory for parents

 

“رَبَّنَا اغْفِرْلِي وَلِوَالِدَيَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ الْحِسَابُ ”



 “Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established.”

The Reward of Respect for parents

 

Islam promises immense rewards for those who treat their parents with respect, love, and care. The Quran outlines the rewards that await individuals who fulfill their obligations towards their parents.

 In Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:15), it states,

 وَوَصَّيْنَا ٱلْإِنسَـٰنَ بِوَٰلِدَيْهِ إِحْسَـٰنًا ۖ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُۥ كُرْهًۭا وَوَضَعَتْهُ كُرْهًۭا ۖ وَحَمْلُهُۥ وَفِصَـٰلُهُۥ ثَلَـٰثُونَ شَهْرًا ۚ حَتَّىٰٓ إِذَا بَلَغَ أَشُدَّهُۥ وَبَلَغَ أَرْبَعِينَ سَنَةًۭ قَالَ رَبِّ أَوْزِعْنِىٓ أَنْ أَشْكُرَ نِعْمَتَكَ ٱلَّتِىٓ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَىَّ وَعَلَىٰ وَٰلِدَىَّ وَأَنْ أَعْمَلَ صَـٰلِحًۭا تَرْضَىٰهُ وَأَصْلِحْ لِى فِى ذُرِّيَّتِىٓ ۖ إِنِّى تُبْتُ إِلَيْكَ وَإِنِّى مِنَ ٱلْمُسْلِمِينَ ١٥

"We have commanded people to honour their parents. Their mothers bore them in hardship and delivered them in hardship. Their ˹period of˺ bearing and weaning is thirty months. In time, when the child reaches their prime at the age of forty, they pray, “My Lord! Inspire me to ˹always˺ be thankful for Your favours which You blessed me and my parents with, and to do good deeds that please You. And instil righteousness in my offspring. I truly repent to You, and I truly submit ˹to Your Will˺.” 

 This verse highlights that honoring parents not only benefits the individual in this world but also holds immense spiritual rewards in the hereafter.

 

Conclusion:

 

The Quran and Islamic teachings place unparalleled emphasis on honoring and respecting for parents. Children are enjoined to exhibit love, gratitude, and obedience towards their parents throughout their lives. The profound respect for parents in Islam fosters harmonious family relationships, cultivates moral values, and shapes individuals who contribute positively to society. By recognizing and fulfilling their responsibilities towards parents, Muslims strive to uphold one of the core principles of their faith, fostering a compassionate and loving society based on the virtues of filial piety and mutual respect.

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Tags: Islamichubforall , Islamic creed , Quran