Islam places great importance on the rights of parents, ranking them immediately after the worship of Allah. The Qur’an repeatedly commands kindness, respect, and obedience to parents, showing how central they are in a believer’s life.
📖 A Clear Qur’anic Command
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you show kindness to parents.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:23)
This verse clearly shows that:
- Obedience to Allah comes first
- Kindness to parents comes immediately after
🌟 Core Rights of Parents According to the Qur’an
1️⃣ Showing Respect and Good Behavior
“Do not say to them even ‘uff,’ nor repel them, but speak to them a noble word.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:23)
- Parents must be treated with respect
- Even minor expressions of annoyance are forbidden
2️⃣ Being Humble and Merciful
“Lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:24)
- Children should deal with parents gently
- Pride, harshness, and arrogance are not allowed
3️⃣ Making Du‘a (Prayer) for Parents
“And say: My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.”
(Surah Al-Isra 17:24)
- Praying for parents is a continuous duty
- This applies whether they are alive or deceased
4️⃣ Gratitude and Thankfulness
“Be grateful to Me and to your parents.”
(Surah Luqman 31:14)
- Gratitude to parents is linked with gratitude to Allah
- Acknowledging their sacrifices is an act of faith
5️⃣ Obedience Within the Limits of Islam
“But if they strive to make you associate with Me what you have no knowledge of, then do not obey them, but accompany them in this world with kindness.”
(Surah Luqman 31:15)
- Parents must be obeyed in all lawful matters
- Disobedience is only allowed if they command something against Islam, while kindness must still continue
📌 Summary of Parents’ Rights in the Qur’an
| Right | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Respect | Speak kindly and gently |
| Mercy | Show humility and care |
| Du‘a | Pray for them regularly |
| Gratitude | Acknowledge their sacrifices |
| Obedience | Follow them in what is lawful |
🤲 Conclusion
According to the Qur’an, honoring parents is one of the greatest acts of worship after believing in Allah.
✔️ Respect them in words and actions
✔️ Serve them with patience and mercy
✔️ Pray for them constantly
Whoever fulfills the rights of parents earns Allah’s pleasure and blessings.
