Parent Rights

In Islam, parents’ rights are considered extremely important and are highly valued. Islam teaches that parents are to be treated with love, respect, care, and honor. The rights of parents are so significant that they are mentioned many times in the Quran and the Hadith (sayings of Prophet Muhammad, PBUH). Here’s a simple explanation of what parents’ rights mean in Islam:

1. Respect and Honor

• Respecting parents is a fundamental part of being a good person in Islam. Allah commands us to be kind and respectful to our parents, especially when they get older.
• The Quran mentions this several times, saying “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him with hardship upon hardship…”
  (Surah Luqman, 31:14)

2. Obeying Them (As Long as It Doesn’t Go Against Islam)

• Islam teaches that children should obey their parents as long as the parents’ requests are not against the teachings of Islam.
• The Quran says:

“…But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them…”
(Surah Luqman, 31:15)

• This means you should obey your parents unless they ask you to do something that goes against Allah’s commands.

3. Care and Support

• Taking care of parents, especially when they become old and weak, is a key responsibility. Islam teaches that children should look after their parents, help them, and be patient with them.
• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Your mother, your mother, your mother, then your father.”
(Sahih Muslim)

• This Hadith emphasizes that a mother’s rights are especially important, and her care and respect are given the highest priority.

4. Dua (Prayers) for Them

• Even after your parents pass away, it is important to pray for them. In Islam, you should make dua (prayers) for their forgiveness and well-being.
• The Quran says:

“And [We] have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. In pain upon pain did his mother bear him. And his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.”
(Surah Luqman, 31:14)

• You can pray for them, asking Allah to forgive them and grant them peace in the afterlife.

5. Avoiding Harm or Disrespect

• Islam prohibits being rude or disrespectful towards your parents. Even raising your voice or showing impatience with them is seen as a bad behavior in Islam.
• The Quran says:

“…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.'”
(Surah Al-Isra, 17:24)

• This verse shows the importance of treating parents with humility, love, and mercy.

6. Thanking Them

• Islam teaches children to be grateful for everything their parents have done for them. Parents sacrifice a lot for their children, and it’s important to express gratitude.

7. Making Them Happy

• Islam encourages children to make their parents happy and avoid actions that might hurt or disappoint them.
• The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“The pleasure of Allah is in the pleasure of the parents, and the anger of Allah is in the anger of the parents.”
(Tirmidhi)

Summary:

• Respecting your parents, obeying them (within the limits of Islam), taking care of them, praying for them, and being grateful for their sacrifices are all key parts of a child’s duties in Islam.
• The mother’s rights are especially emphasized, and the father also has an important role, but both should be treated with the utmost kindness and care.
• Never harm your parents in any way, whether by words or actions, and always try to make them happy. Their happiness and well-being are linked to Allah’s pleasure.

This reflects the high value Islam places on the relationship between children and parents, and it teaches that honoring parents is a way of pleasing Allah.