In Islam, parents hold a significant position and accord them utmost respect and honor. The teachings of the Quran and the traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) deeply root the rights of parents in Islam. Recognizing and fulfilling of rights in Islam holds utmost importance for Muslims as it is a pathway to attaining closeness to Allah and obtaining His blessings.
In this article, we will learn about the rights and duties of parents in Islam and also try to know the rights of parents in Islam after death.
The Importance of Rights of Parents in Islam
Islam places great emphasis on the status and importance of parents. The Quran repeatedly highlights the significance of treating parents with kindness, respect, and obedience.
Allah says in Holy Quran:
“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents.”
[Surah Al-Isra, Verse 23]
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also emphasized the significance of parents. There are several hadiths about the rights of parents in Islam.
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“One, who follows the orders of Allah with regards to obeying parents, shall have two doors of Paradise opened up for him. And if there happens to be only one parent, one door of Paradise shall open up for him.”
[Kanzul `Ummal, Volume 16, Page 67]
The Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (ﷺ), said:
“One who pleases his parents has verily pleased Allah, and one who has angered his parents has verily angered Allah.”
[Kanzul `Ummal, Volume 16, Page 470]
Rights and Duties of Parents In Islam
Parents have rights and duties that are outlined in the teachings of Islam. Here are some of the fundamental rights and duties of parents in Islam:
Rights Of Parents
- Respect and Honor: Children must treat their parents with the utmost respect and honor. This entails using kind and gentle words, displaying affection, and avoiding any form of disrespect or disobedience.
- Obedience: Children should obey their parents as long as their commands do not contradict the teachings of Islam. Obedience to parents is an act of worship and a means to attain the pleasure of Allah.
- Kindness and Care: Children must be kind, compassionate, and caring towards their parents. This includes providing emotional support, assisting with their daily needs, and ensuring their well-being.
- Financial Support: Children should provide financial support to their parents when they are in need. This responsibility extends beyond basic needs and encompasses ensuring their comfort and dignity.
- Dua and Prayers: Children should regularly supplicate and pray for their parents’ well-being, forgiveness, and blessings. Seeking their forgiveness is especially important, as it is believed to bring immense rewards and blessings.
Duties Of Parents
- Nurturing and upbringing: Parents are responsible for providing a nurturing and loving environment for their children. They should fulfill their physical, emotional, and psychological needs, including food, clothing, shelter, education, and healthcare.
- Teaching and guiding: Parents are responsible for imparting Islamic knowledge, values, and teachings to their children. They should teach them about the oneness of Allah (Tawheed), the importance of prayer (Salah), the recitation of the Quran, and the understanding of Islamic principles and moral values.
- Setting a good example: Parents should be role models for their children by demonstrating righteous behavior and character. They should exhibit honesty, kindness, patience, and good manners in their actions and interactions.
- Discipline and guidance: Parents are responsible for disciplining their children lovingly and respectfully. This includes setting boundaries, enforcing rules, and correcting inappropriate behavior. However, discipline should be balanced with mercy and understanding.
- Praying for their children: Parents should constantly pray for their children’s well-being, success, and guidance. They should supplicate to Allah to bless their children with righteousness, knowledge, and protection from harm.
Right Of Parents After Death in Islam
In Islam, the rights of parents do not cease after their death. Even though parents are not physically present, their rights continue to be honored and respected by their children. Here are some essential aspects regarding the rights of parents after their death in Islam:
- Honoring their memory: Children must remember and honor their deceased parents by praying for their forgiveness, seeking Allah’s mercy upon them, and offering supplications on their behalf. This can be done through regular prayers, giving charity, and performing acts of kindness in their name.
- Maintaining ties with their relatives: Children need to maintain strong relationships with the relatives of their deceased parents, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and siblings. Upholding family ties and supporting one another is a great way of honoring the memory of the deceased parents.
- Fulfilling any remaining obligations: If the deceased parents owe any unfulfilled obligations or debts, it becomes the responsibility of their children to settle them. This includes paying off any outstanding loans, fulfilling vows or promises made by the parents, or carrying out charitable acts on their behalf.
- Praying for their forgiveness: Children are encouraged to seek forgiveness for their parents and ask Allah for their mercy and entrance into Paradise. This can be done through supplications and prayers, especially during remembrance or on special occasions.
The Rewards of Honoring Parents
Islam promises abundant rewards for those who honor and fulfill the rights of their parents. Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said,
“The pleasure of the Lord is in the pleasure of the parents, and the displeasure of the Lord is in the displeasure of the parents.”
[Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 1899, Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Albani]
By obeying and respecting their parents, children not only fulfill a religious obligation but also open doors to attaining Allah’s mercy and blessings. The Quran mentions that showing kindness and goodness to parents is among the most virtuous deeds.
Conclusion
The rights of parents in Islam are sacred and hold immense significance. Fulfilling these rights is a religious obligation and a means to attain Allah’s blessings and strengthen the bond within the family. Muslims can create a harmonious and loving environment that fosters happiness and contentment by honoring and respecting parents. Remember, the true essence of fulfilling the rights of parents lies in genuine love, compassion, and unwavering commitment.
Start implementing these teachings and witness the transformational power of honoring your parents. May Allah bless you and guide you on the path of righteousness. Ameen!
FAQs
Q: What is the importance of obeying parents in Islam?
A: Obeying parents is of great importance in Islam. It is a means of earning rewards and blessings from Allah. Obedience to parents is a form of worship and a way to maintain family harmony.
Q: How can we seek forgiveness from our parents in Islam?
A: If we have wronged or disobeyed our parents, we must seek their forgiveness sincerely. We should admit our mistakes, express remorse, and commit to improving our future behavior.
Q: Can adopted children fulfill the rights of their adoptive parents in Islam?
A: Yes, adopted children are responsible for fulfilling their adoptive parents’ rights in Islam. They should treat them with love, respect, and gratitude, just as they would with biological parents.
