![How Parents Are Glorified and Elevated in Islam](https://islamicneekah.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/pexels-monstera-production-5996871-scaled.jpg)
How Parents Are Glorified and Elevated in Islam
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They say parents are our gateway to paradise and quite rightly so. Parents are the epitome of love, sacrifice, and guidance standing by us in every triumph and comforting us in every trial. As I write about the value of parents in Islam I can’t help but drift off into thoughts about my own parents and reflect on the wisdom that was passed down to me and my siblings.
As we grow, our parents’ worries seamlessly intertwine with ours, and their joy mirrors our own. Our trials become their challenges, and our triumphs bring them immeasurable happiness. They strive to shield us from the pitfalls they once encountered. This relationship is what propels them through life, an assurance that their children are content and thriving.
From my mother, the essence of patience was instilled, urging me to maintain Sabr in the face of life’s challenges. She taught me to trust that, in the end, God’s plan would unfold for my benefit, She taught me that what may seem like a burden or inconvenience could, in the grand scheme of things, be a hidden blessing.
Equally impactful is my father’s timeless mantra, encapsulated in his famous quote following each gesture, whether small or big: “Don’t thank me, thank God for the opportunity,” which beautifully makes the point that every opportunity to do good is a gift from god. These are the same values that I find myself sharing with my husband and hope to impart to my children one day.
The beauty of Islam is the acknowledgment and acceptance of those who are not biological parents but contribute towards the upbringing and well-being of individuals without those prominent figures in their lives. They are given an equal measure of respect as biological parents.
Our duty towards our parents in Islam
The connection with parents is a fundamental bond built on everyday kindness and care. Our obligations towards our parents are paramount and are mentioned several times throughout the Quran, the duty of kindness, respect, and obedience to parents is what elevates this relationship to a high status.
It is reported that the Prophet (PBUH) said: “The best of the deeds or deed is the (observance of) prayer at its proper time and kindness to the parents.” 1
It is believed that the pleasure of Allah (SWT) lies in the contentment of one’s parents. Abdullah ibn Umar said, “The pleasure of the Lord lies in the pleasure of the parent. The anger of the Lord lies in the anger of the parent.” 2 This is a reminder that our actions toward our parents hold consequences; displeasing them equates to displeasing Allah (SWT), and it is only through their contentment that forgiveness is attained.
Furthermore, a significant emphasis is placed on the gravity of disobedience to one’s parents, deeming it a major sin. A poignant hadith warns that on the Day of Resurrection, Allah (SWT) will turn away from those who cause their parents to weep, identifying them as among the three whom He will not look upon favorably.
The promise of obeying one’s parents has been articulated in another hadith narrated by Ibn Abbas: “If any Muslim obeys Allah regarding his parents, Allah will open two gates of the Garden for him. If there is only one parent, then one gate will be opened. If one of them is angry, then Allah will not be pleased with him until that parent is pleased with him.” He was asked, “Even if they wrong him?” “Even if they wrong him” he replied. 3
Even in the face of being wronged, the obligation remains to uphold respect and kindness. This does not advocate for silence in the face of injustice but rather encourages engaging in conversations with parents respectfully.
It’s crucial to acknowledge, however, that while parents hold a revered position, they are not to be perceived as equals to Allah (SWT).
Keeping connected to our parents
![Muslim Parents play with their child. (William Fortunato/Pexels)](https://i0.wp.com/muslimgirl.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/pexels-william-fortunato-6392815-scaled.jpg?resize=750%2C500&ssl=1)
Throughout our entire lives, our parents stand out as the individuals who’ve consistently approached us with boundless patience and acceptance, a selfless form of love that’s not matched anywhere else. In the age of technology and social media, how we communicate is changing rapidly. Although keeping up with our parents online has its benefits, the more we get used to texting or FaceTiming, the less inclined we are to make an effort to talk with our parents face to face or even arrange a visit. This results in missing out on that personal connection we once used to have with them during childhood.
It’s all too simple to underestimate the role of our parents, driven by our own ignorance. We fail to step into their shoes, to witness firsthand the sacrifices that made our lives good and comfortable, with each decision they made revolving around our well-being. We easily slip into never-ending moods when our parents say something we’d rather not hear, conveniently forgetting the times they patiently endured our tumultuous expressions and the less-than-graceful words that spilled from our mouths.
The fountain of wisdom that parents represent often goes unnoticed, as we become wrapped up in our own lives and occasionally reach out only when we need a favor from them.
Yet, when life throws a curveball our way, who do we call? Without a second thought, we dial our parents. We unload our worries, expecting them to drop everything, offer comfort, and sometimes even take on our challenges as if they were their own. It’s a testament to the love parents have for their children.
The love they so easily shower us with becomes difficult to reciprocate, especially when they’re aging and need us the most. Instead of showing them the same compassion and love they’ve shown us all these years, it is met with a sigh or even a facial expression to let them know what an inconvenience their request is. In the Quran, Allah (SWT) 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.” 4
The fountain of wisdom that parents represent often goes unnoticed, as we become wrapped up in our own lives and occasionally reach out only when we need a favor from them. However, it’s only when life leads us away from the comforting clutches of our parents that we come to cherish the “lectures,” the scoldings, and their unwavering desire for our betterment. Some of us only truly grasp the depth of this parental wisdom when we, ourselves, step into the role of parents.
The next time you think about putting that visit to your parents off for another week, month, or even a year, don’t forget that the person you are today is through their molding of you.
The value of mothers in Islam
A mother’s dua for her child is unequaled and the purest form of love.
In the path of motherhood, the Quran acknowledges the hardships endured by our mothers, throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond, highlighting the essential need for gratitude and recognition of these selfless sacrifices.
Allah’s Messenger said: “They said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, whom should I treat kindly?’ He said: ‘Your mother.’ He said: ‘Then who?’ He said: ‘Your mother.’ He said: ‘Then who?’ He said: ‘Your father’. He said: ‘Then who?’ He said: ‘The next closest and the next closest.’” 5 This exemplifies the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) ranking of dutifulness, placing mothers above all.
The Quran further substantiates this concept of ihsan (excellence) towards parents specifically highlighting the gestation and weaning period, spanning thirty months. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as mentioned in “Sahih Muslim,” asserted the elevated status of the mother, reiterating, “Paradise lies at the feet of your mother.”
Praying for our parents is considered a highly virtuous deed. The Quran encourages believers to pray for the forgiveness and mercy of their parents. Allah (SWT) instructs believers to lower the wing of humility to their parents and seek mercy for them.
In multiple verses, Allah (SWT) commands kindness towards parents, reinforcing Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) instructions to his companions to care for their parents. This care extends to speaking to them gently, making time for them, attending to their needs, and offering prayers on their behalf. A timeless supplication for our parents resonates with the words: “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.” 6
The bottom line
Consider yourself blessed if you’re the one spending precious moments with your parents, simply being there for them. Even the smallest acts, like talking to them, bring abundant blessings. These tiny efforts ripple into heartfelt prayers.
Parents are more than just caregivers; they’re our life guides, passing down invaluable lessons and wisdom. They aim to be role models, protecting us from the struggles they once faced. Their early guidance readies us for the world, their superpowers comfort us when we’re sick, a touch only a parent can provide.
Deep down, I see parents as guardian angels in human form, offering unconditional love, we often think we have lots of time with our parents, believing we can always strengthen our bond in the future. But this idea can trick us. Time goes by quickly, and chances for more special moments might disappear before we know it. Let’s use the time we have now, collecting blessings and treasuring each moment. Make a store of memories while we still can.
As my mom often says, a love like that of parents is unmatched, no matter where you search in the world.