Importance of Parents in Islam & Our duty towards them.

Say not to them (parents) a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. -Quran 17:23

The above ayat from Quran clearly states that in Islam it is obligatory for us to show kindness, respect and obedience to our parents. The position of parents has been addressed in Islam numerous times, kindness & obedience is very strongly emphasized. Our prophet (saw) said: "Allah is pleased when the parents are pleased and Allah's displeasure lies in the displeasure of Parents".

The reason to why it is so is not a mystery, lets start by studying the role and importance of the mother. A major role in the upbringing of the children lies with her. Not caring about herself she does her best for them. She does it all without even giving a second thought about herself.
Right from being awake in the nights till sacrificing her outdoor activities, a mother does it all for her child.

If we don’t sleep for a single night we get so annoyed and act rude with everyone around us, throw tantrums and behave as if we dint sleep for a year. I can't help but wonder how every mother manages with her children, she doesn’t even get proper sleep and still she does her best to give her children-The Best.
The holy prophet (saw) said: "paradise is at the feet of a mother and the door to the paradise is a father"

The behavior in which children now a days act is totally devastating to me, how do they not realize that they used to once depend on them for each and everything, even for the smallest toy and feed of milk. But as we grow why do we forget all these things?, why do we forget that we dint even know how to talk or walk?, it was our parents who taught us to live, we exist in this world only because of them. We should change our attitude and give thanks to Allah with every breath we take and ask Him to shower his blessings on them and give us patience.

We should try and look on the brighter side and change our perception. Stop blaming our parents for what they haven't been able to provide for us, rather look at what they could.
There are some parents who can not even afford basic schooling for their children, proper clothes or even a house. And we complain because we weren't sent half way across the globe for our graduation or weren't bought the latest cell phone or the most expensive car.

There are also many children, who are not even provided with a day's meal, but still they are thankful to their parents and there are children who are provided with all the luxuries and their attitude towards parents is like:"Any parent would do this, this is no deal??!! What on earth have you done?? Nothing! " just plain UNTHANKFULL

When a child is born, he is just a piece of flesh; he knows nothing and can't do even a single bit on his own. It's only for the parents who teach the child EVERYTHING. But sadly, we are living in a time where a child speaking disrespectfully with their parents and about their parents is the norm.

Islam orders us to be respectful and considerate even with our enemies. To not uphold the obligations laid down by Allah to our parents is a major sin. Yes disrespecting or cursing ones parents is one of the major sins.

The Quran asks us to treat parents with honor and speak to them graciously even if they are non Muslims, old, in sickness or un healthy. A common phenomenon now existing is the negligence towards parents when they've grown old. Some children have them "decorated" in their drawing rooms. Neither do they take them out anywhere, nor spend time with them, they just leave them home and go out and enjoy with their wives and children, now what if the parents had done the same with the children, what if they had locked them home and stayed out for hours together?. You should be thankful you weren't dumped in a garbage can which is quite common!!

Always remember 'What goes around comes around' and fear Allah's wrath.If we don't treat our parents properly, then we won't be treated properly by OUR children.


I hope and pray that the most high, the all powerful, the almighty Allah always guide us and teach us that which will benefit us and we always respect our parents & treat them with the entire world's kindness that they truly deserve. It is definitely difficult, but it wasn't easy for them too raising us bratty kids!.

Don't hesitate to take time out for them and cherish them while they're still alive. Pray for their health and peace. Be patient with them, as they were with you. :)

Samreen Fathima Mirza, 17

mail to:sammirza14@gmail.com