Parents often sacrifice their own comfort, happiness, and desires for the sake of their children. In Islam, there is a strong emphasis on treating parents well and avoiding any mistreatment towards them. The rights of parents over children are so great that Allah has mentioned them immediately after mentioning His own rights. This shows that among all rights, the rights of parents are prioritized in the eyes of Allah.
Similarly, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has also declared disobedience to parents and causing them hardship as major sins. Those who mistreat their parents are deprived of divine mercy and denied entry into paradise. Allah has created human beings in different relationships, some are made fathers, some are made mothers, and others are made sons and daughters. After creating these relationships, Allah has outlined the rights of parents.
While fulfilling these rights is not optional, fulfilling the rights of parents is emphasized in the Quran immediately after mentioning one’s obedience to Allah. This signifies that the greatest right among all relationships is that of parents. Allah says, “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” (Quran, 17:23).
We must understand that parents are not only the reason for our existence but also the ones who endure all kinds of pain, suffering, and hardships for their children. At times, parents even sacrifice their own comfort, happiness, and desires for the sake of their children. Allah has commanded good treatment towards parents, which includes showing them utmost humility, respect, dignity, and honor, without being disrespectful or prideful, and always obeying them except when they command something against the obedience of Allah.
In times when parents become weak and dependent on their children, it is crucial for children to show patience and good treatment towards them. The Quran and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasize the importance of serving parents, even if they are in old age or facing difficulties. May Allah grant us the ability to serve our parents with love and respect, and may we always fulfill their rights as commanded by Him. Ameen.