A Key Element of Faith in Islam
In Islam, one of the highest virtues is showing kindness and respect to parents. The relationship between children and parents is not merely biological; it is deeply spiritual and holds immense significance in the eyes of Allah (SWT).
If we reflect on the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah (the sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad, PBUH), we find that honoring parents is one of the foundational principles of Islamic ethics.
This article will explore why doing good to parents is so important, how Islam highlights the duty of children toward their parents, and how this practice enriches our lives and the lives of our loved ones.
The Importance of Honoring Parents in Islam
It is easy to take our parents for granted, especially as we grow older. As children, we often forget the sacrifices our parents made to bring us into this world, raise us, and provide for us.
However, in Islam, the importance of parents is elevated to a level that goes beyond just respect and gratitude.
The Quran and the Hadith are full of exhortations to treat parents with kindness, honor, and reverence.
Quranic Verses on Honoring Parents
The Quran emphasizes the importance of showing respect and kindness to parents in various verses. In Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24), Allah (SWT) directly commands us to treat our parents with the utmost respect, saying:
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], ‘uff,’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. 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 17:23-24)
These verses provide a clear directive: We must be patient with our parents, especially in their old age, and we must always speak to them with respect.
The phrase "say not to them [so much as], 'uff'"
implies that even a small expression of frustration is unacceptable in Islam. If our parents require our help, we should approach them with kindness and compassion, even in the most difficult situations.
In another verse, Surah Luqman (31:14), Allah (SWT) reminds us of the hardship our mothers endure during pregnancy and childbirth:
“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.” (Quran 31:14)

The Quran acknowledges the sacrifices that mothers, in particular, endure, urging us to express gratitude to both parents.
This verse underscores the idea that being dutiful to one’s parents is not just an act of respect but also an act of worship.
Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) Teachings on Honoring Parents
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reinforced the Quranic commandments through his sayings and actions. His life was a living example of how to treat parents with respect and love. In a famous hadith, he said:
“The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of the parent, and the anger of Allah lies in the anger of the parent.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This hadith underscores the connection between our relationship with our parents and our relationship with Allah (SWT).
In Islam, pleasing our parents is closely tied to pleasing Allah. Conversely, if we anger our parents, it is as though we are angering Allah Himself.
Another powerful hadith, narrated by Abdullah bin Mas’ud (RA), reveals the deep importance of honoring one’s parents:
“I asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), ‘O Messenger of Allah! Which deeds are the best?’ He said, ‘Prayer at its proper time.’ I asked, ‘What comes next?’ He replied, ‘Kindness to parents.’ I asked, ‘What comes next?’ He said, ‘Jihad in the way of Allah.'” (Sahih Bukhari)
The fact that kindness to parents comes immediately after the obligation of prayer highlights the immense significance of this act.
It shows us that, in the eyes of Allah, treating our parents well is of utmost importance and is ranked right after the five daily prayers.

What the Hadiths Say About Disobeying Parents
- One of the Greatest Sins
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized that disobeying parents is one of the gravest sins:
“Shall I not inform you of the greatest of the major sins?” They said, “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” He said, “Associating partners with Allah and disobedience to parents.” (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim)
Disobedience to parents is ranked alongside shirk (associating partners with Allah), showing its severity in Islam. - Punishment in This World and the Hereafter
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“All sins Allah defers until the Day of Judgment, except for disobedience to parents; He punishes the one who disobeys them in this life, before his death.” (Al-Hakim)
This hadith highlights that the consequences of mistreating parents are not only reserved for the Hereafter but can also manifest as punishment in this world. - Loss of Paradise
The Prophet (PBUH) warned that dishonoring parents could deprive a person of Paradise:
“May he be humiliated! May he be humiliated! May he be humiliated!” It was said, “Who, O Messenger of Allah?” He said, “The one whose parents, one or both of them, reach old age during his lifetime but does not enter Paradise [by serving them].” (Sahih Muslim)
This hadith shows that serving and respecting parents is a direct pathway to Paradise, and failing to do so leads to loss and humiliation. - The Wrath of Allah
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of the parent, and the anger of Allah lies in the anger of the parent.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
Disobeying or angering one’s parents results in Allah’s displeasure, which can have severe spiritual consequences.
Punishments and Consequences for Mistreating Parents
- Loss of Barakah (Blessings) in Life
Disobeying or mistreating parents removes blessings (barakah) from one’s life. Wealth, health, and overall happiness may diminish as a result of neglecting parental rights. - Hardship in the Hereafter
Failing to honor parents can result in severe punishment in the Hereafter. In the Quran, Allah mentions the fate of disbelievers and ungrateful people, which includes those who neglect their parents. - Humiliation in This Life
A person who mistreats their parents may face humiliation, hardship, or failure in this world. The Prophet (PBUH) explicitly stated that such individuals are punished in this life before their death. - Being Among the Losers
In Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:18), Allah declares that those who mistreat their parents are among the “losers.” This implies a loss of Allah’s mercy and a place in Paradise.
Lessons from Stories in Islam
The Story of Alqamah
A famous story in Islamic tradition tells of Alqamah, a companion of the Prophet (PBUH) who was a pious man but struggled at the time of his death.
Despite his good deeds, his soul could not leave his body peacefully because his mother was displeased with him. The Prophet (PBUH) instructed that Alqamah’s mother forgive him, and only then was he able to pass away peacefully.
This story demonstrates that a mother’s displeasure can lead to hardship even at the time of death.
The Story of Uwais Al-Qarni
Uwais Al-Qarni was known for his devotion to his mother. Despite his desire to meet the Prophet (PBUH), he prioritized caring for his mother.
As a result, the Prophet (PBUH) praised him and said that his dua would be accepted. This highlights the rewards of honoring parents and the spiritual consequences of neglecting them.
The Role of Parents in Islam
In Islam, parents are regarded as one of the greatest blessings and sources of mercy in our lives. Our mothers in particular hold a special place of honor. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said:
“Your mother, your mother, your mother, then your father.” (Sahih Muslim)
This statement emphasizes the high status of mothers in Islam. A mother is the one who endures the physical pain of pregnancy and childbirth, and it is through her sacrifice and care that a child is nurtured in the early stages of life.
Therefore, treating mothers with extra care and respect is a way to honor Allah’s mercy.
In Surah Al-Ahqaf (46:15), the Quran reiterates the difficulty of the mother’s labor and the obligation of children to care for their parents:
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
“And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship, and his gestation and weaning period is thirty months. He grows until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, ‘My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favor which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.'” (Quran 46:15)
The Quranic perspective on the hardships that mothers face in bringing up their children is a call for deep appreciation and gratitude toward them.

The Rewards of Being Good to Parents
The Quran and Hadith make it clear that honoring one’s parents brings immense blessings and rewards, both in this world and the Hereafter. In addition to the spiritual rewards, good treatment of parents leads to a prosperous and fulfilling life. Allah (SWT) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:23):
۞ وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ ٱلْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفٍّۢ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًۭا كَرِيمًۭا ٢٣
“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.”
Allah promises His reward for those who treat their parents well, and He makes clear that their final destination is ultimately in His hands.
Longer life and increased blessings
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Being dutiful to parents will bring blessings to your lifespan, and sins will bring humiliation to you.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
This hadith explains that being dutiful to parents is a means of gaining barakah (blessings) in life. It can extend one’s life, increase wealth, and bring peace to the home.
The act of kindness to parents acts as a shield from harm and brings Allah’s blessings in every aspect of life.
Jannah (Paradise) Through Goodness to Parents
One of the greatest rewards of being kind and obedient to parents is the promise of Jannah. In a well-known hadith, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“A man came to the Messenger of Allah and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! I want to go out and fight in jihad, and I have come to ask your advice.’ The Prophet (PBUH) replied, ‘Are your parents alive?’ The man replied, ‘Yes.’ The Prophet (PBUH) said, ‘Then strive in their service.'” (Sahih Muslim)
This hadith shows that even if one is eager to seek martyrdom and strive in the cause of Allah, the service and care of parents can be a greater means to paradise.
By prioritizing our parents’ happiness and well-being, we are rewarded with eternal bliss in the Hereafter.
Practical Ways to Honor Your Parents
Respect and Speak Kindly: One of the simplest yet most powerful ways to honor your parents is by speaking to them with respect.
In the Quran, Allah (SWT) commands us to lower the wing of humility and speak to our parents in kind words. Avoid raising your voice or speaking harshly, especially when they are older.
Assist Them in Their Needs: As parents grow older, they may require more assistance. It is essential to help them with their daily tasks, whether it is cooking, cleaning, or taking them to appointments. Helping your parents is an act of worship.
Make Dua for Them: Regularly praying for the well-being of your parents is one of the best ways to honor them. Ask Allah (SWT) to grant them good health, long life, and mercy in the Hereafter.
A sincere prayer for your parents has a profound impact on their lives.
Spend Time with Them: Spend quality time with your parents. Whether it’s having a meal together or simply sitting and talking, time spent in their company is a blessing for both you and them.
Be Patient and Understanding: As parents age, they may become more forgetful or require extra care. Exercise patience and understanding, as this is part of being dutiful to them.
Conclusion
In Islam, being good to parents is not just a matter of duty but a way of earning Allah’s pleasure and securing a place in paradise.
The Quran and Hadith teach us that the key to a successful and fulfilling life lies in showing love, respect, and gratitude to our parents.
Whether through our words, actions, or prayers, we must strive to honor them in every way possible.
In doing so, we not only follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) but also earn the infinite rewards that come with being dutiful to our parents.
So let us remember to treat our parents with kindness, no matter what age they are, and make our relationship with them a source of continuous blessing in this world and the Hereafter.
For Muslims, the message is clear: cherish your parents, serve them with love and humility, and seek their blessings to earn Allah’s favor. Those who fail to value their parents should reflect deeply on the spiritual and worldly consequences, repent sincerely, and strive to mend their relationships.
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