Among all the human relations Islam exalts the rank of parents above all relations. Parents accept us for who we are, and nothing can ever repay that but, to be grateful to them in every condition and every moment.Quran says in Surah Luqman:
“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.”
(31:14)
Quran not only suggests the Ummah of Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) but also indicates that other nations before us were also told to be grateful and obedient towards their parents.
In Surah Al-Baqarah, Allah says:
“And [recall] when We took the covenant from the Children of Israel, [enjoining upon them], “Do not worship except Allah ; and to parents do good and to relatives, orphans, and the needy. And speak to people good [words] and establish prayer and give zakah.” Then you turned away, except a few of you, and you were refusing.”
(2:83)
The sunah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) also stresses on it, the following hadith from Al-Tirmidhi (Hadith 4941) narrated by Abu Umamah (RadiyAllahu Anhu) states:
A man said:
‘O Messenger of Allah (saws), what rights can parents demand from their children?’
He (saws) replied:
“They are (or your relation with them will determine) your Paradise or your Hell.”
Every prayer (which is an obligation, five times a day) that a muslim offers throughout his lifetime, he asks for not only his own forgiveness but, his parent’s forgiveness along with all the muslims of the world. There are many places in Quran where Allah prohibits man from joining partners with him and orders a muslim to be dutiful to his parents.
In Surah Nisa:
“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and to parents do good, and to relatives, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess. Indeed, Allah does not like those who are self-deluding and boastful.”
(4:36)
In Surat Al-’An`ām:
“Say, “Come, I will recite what your Lord has prohibited to you. [He commands] that you not associate anything with Him, and to parents, good treatment, and do not kill your children out of poverty; We will provide for you and them. And do not approach immoralities – what is apparent of them and what is concealed. And do not kill the soul which Allah has forbidden [to be killed] except by [legal] right. This has He instructed you that you may use reason.”
(6:151)
Our Prophet Muhammad (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) was eternal and everlasting blessing for the whole of humanity, It is stated from Al-Tirmidhi (Hadith 4939) Narrated by Mu’awiyah ibn Jahimah (RadiyAllahu Anhu):
Jahimah (RA) came to the Prophet (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) and said:
‘Messenger of Allah (saws), I desire to go on a military expedition and I have come to consult you.’
He (saws) asked him if he had a mother, and when he replied that he had, he (saws) said:
“Stay with her, for Paradise is at her feet.”
The easiest way to attain paradise, is to be obedient to your parents, Islam makes the way easy!
In another hadith, Sahih Al-Bukhari (Hadith 8.4) Narrated by Abdullah bin Amr (RadiyAllahu Anhu):
Allah’s Messenger (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said:
“It is one of the greatest sins that a man should curse his parents.”
The Quran forbids a man from even saying “uff” to your parents. This is an expression of showing resentment without saying a word.
But it is very clear that Allah dislikes anyone who shows a bit of tiredness towards the service of his parents!
Allah’s Apostle (SallAllahu Alayhi Wa Sallam) said:
“Let him be humbled into dust; let him be humbled into dust.”
It was said:
‘Allah’s Messenger, who is he?’
He (SAWS) said:
“He who sees either of his parents during their old age or he sees both of them, but he does not enter Paradise.”
[Muslim 1160]
There is only one case where you can stand up against your parents, that is mentioned in the Holy Quran, In Surah Luqman:
“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 and follow the way of those who turn back to Me [in repentance]. Then to Me will be your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.”
(31:15)