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Parents Rights in Islam?

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Parents Rights in Islam?

Islam stands out as the only religion that lays great emphasis on the kind, tolerant, and respectful treatment of parents. God has, on a number of occasions mentioned kindness to parents, side by side with Tawhid in the Quran: “Worship God and join none with Him (in worship), and do good to parents…” (Quran 4:36)

Children are, therefore, duty-bound to love and cherish their parents. They are the most deserving of their respect and reverence at every stage of their lives. Under no circumstances should a child neglect his parents.

They should be treated as a priority and not be expected to play second fiddle to anyone. Such prioritizing of honor to parents serves to demonstrate the gravity of sin involved in disrespect towards them.

A deed most love by Allah

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reinforced the obligation for children to be kind to their parents. The Prophet (PBUH) was once asked by a companion, which of the many good deeds can a man do that is the most loved by God. He replied, "To offer the prayer in its proper time." The companion then asked, "And what is next?" to which Prophet Muhammad replied, "To be good and dutiful to your parents…” (Bukhari)

It is Allah SWT Who determined what the family structure would be. It was He Who placed a tremendous responsibility on parents towards their children. Each of them was carefully assigned their roles. The father was awarded the status of being the head of the family and the breadwinner who was obliged to maintain it. The mother was assigned the role of a homemaker who would raise her kids with tender love and affection.

The role of children was to respect, obey, and serve their parents to the best of their ability. There was a time when they could barely walk or talk. When they could not even relieve or feed themselves without assistance. Their parents had once awaited their arrival, counting the months, weeks, days, hours, and seconds. The children were not deemed a burden. They were rather treasured as coolness to the parent’s eyes.

Submission, humility, mercy, and supplication for parents

“And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.’” (Quran 17:24)

An eloquent description of a grateful and dutiful child is illustrated in this elegant Quranic verse. A child who submits to his parent’s commands and who dare not disobey them-is like a bird whose one outstretched wing is humility and the other is mercy, both gently lowered below its parents.

The supplication in this significant verse is a child’s expression of gratitude towards his parents. It is a pleading with Allah to look upon them with compassion. A compassion that is reflective of parental mercy shown to the babe in his early years. Every child, whether young or grown-up, should supplicate for his or her parents sincerely.

No son can repay the kindness shown by the father

Abu Hurairah (R.A) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “No son can repay (the kindness shown by his father) unless he finds him a slave and buys him and emancipates him.” (Muslim)

On another occasion: Abu Hurairah always encouraged other people to be kind and good to their parents. One day he saw two men walking together and enquired of the younger one, “Who is this man to you?” to which the young man replied, “He is my father.” Abu Hurairah advised him by saying, “Do not call him by his name, do not walk in front of him, and do not seat yourself before he does.”

These dignified and distinguished Islamic teachings on parental rights show the intricacies with which these delicate human relationships have been addressed. Muslim children nowadays show a deep disregard for these words of wisdom. The fathers are not given their due rights and are instead disrespected. They will only come to know the humiliation they have caused when they become parents someday.

The mother – beneath her feet lies her child’s Paradise

In the days of the Prophet (PBUH), a man asked for permission to go on a military expedition. The Prophet asked him if he had a mother, to which he replied yes, Prophet Muhammad said, “Stay with her because Paradise lies beneath her feet.” (Nasai)

The above-mentioned hadith causes a sequence of vivid imagery to appear. Behold the tender embrace of a mother and child and their breaking into unaffected smiles. Oblivious to everything around them. Then comes a mild sniffle followed by a cough. Watch her terrified heart skip a beat. A sleepless night, under her watchful eyes. A heartfelt prayer escapes her lips.

The supplication rises to the heavens until it has gained acceptance. At the crack of dawn, the fever subsides, and the child is seen rolling her hair on his fingers playfully. Startled at having fallen asleep, she gasps, then feels his forehead and falls into a prostration of gratitude. An acknowledgment of a welcome relief granted by the Healer of all healers.

The gates of Paradise are found wide open for all the dutiful children who love, obey, honor, and serve their mothers.

A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) asking, ‘Who among the people is the most worthy of my good companionship? The Prophet said, your mother. The man said, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said, then your mother. The man further asked, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said, then your mother. The man asked again, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet replied, then your father.” (Bukhari and Muslim)

Her selflessness and sacrifices

Common sense dictates that the role of a mother in a Muslim family is a selfless one full of sacrifices. From bearing the pain and discomfort of pregnancy and childbirth to cooking, cleaning, ironing, and happily doing all the daily chores.

“And we have enjoined on man (to be dutiful and good) to his parents. His mother bore him in weakness and hardship upon weakness and hardship...” (Quran 31:14) learn quran with Quran tutor from Quranforkids.com

A righteous mother sees to her child’s worldly and religious needs and education. She inspires in her child the love for his Creator and teaches him the tenets of his beautiful faith. Had she been negligent of her religious duties, she would indeed be rendered blameworthy for not guiding her child aright. A mother is the child’s support and guide. One trip to the orphanage would suffice anyone in explaining the importance of a mother’s presence in any child’s life.

Give thanks to Me and to your parents. Unto Me is the final destination.” (Quran 31:14)

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