Islam is a complete code of life that provides clear guidance in every sphere. Among the most emphasized aspects of family and social life in Islam is the respect for parents and the duties of children towards them. In Islam, the status of parents comes right after the worship of Allah. The Quran and Hadith have repeatedly commanded us to treat them with kindness and to be grateful to them.

The Status of Parents in the Light of the Quran

In the Holy Quran, Allah (SWT) mentions good treatment of parents immediately after His own worship, which elevates their status to a unique height. Allah 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." (Surah Al-Isra, 17:23)

In this verse, the use of the word 'uff' to forbid even the slightest expression of annoyance highlights the importance of showing them the utmost respect. Allah further says:

"And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, 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)

In this verse, Allah commands us to be grateful to Him along with being grateful to our parents, which proves the vastness of their rights and status.

The Importance of Parents in the Light of Hadith

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) has emphasized the importance of serving and honoring parents in numerous hadiths. The pleasure of parents has been described as the pleasure of Allah, and their displeasure as the displeasure of Allah.

"Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (RA) said, I asked the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), 'Which deed is most beloved to Allah?' He said, 'Prayer at its proper time.' I said, 'Then what?' He said, 'Goodness to parents.' I said, 'Then what?' He said, 'Jihad in the way of Allah.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim)

This hadith shows that serving parents is even more preferable than Jihad in the way of Allah. Another famous hadith states that the pleasure of Allah is in the pleasure of the father, and the displeasure of Allah is in the displeasure of the father. Regarding the status of the mother, the Prophet (PBUH) said, "Paradise lies at the feet of your mother."

A man came to the Prophet (PBUH) and asked, "Who among the people is most deserving of my good companionship?" He said, "Your mother." The man asked, "Then who?" He said, "Your mother." The man asked again, "Then who?" He said again, "Your mother." When he asked for the fourth time, he said, "Your father." (Sahih al-Bukhari & Muslim). This hadith gives three times more importance to the rights of the mother than the father.

Duties of Children Towards Parents

Islam has prescribed specific duties and responsibilities for children towards their parents:

1. Obedience: It is obligatory for a child to obey the commands and prohibitions of their parents in all matters that do not involve disobedience to Allah.
2. Respect and Love: To speak to them with humility, to be humble in their presence, and to love and respect them with all one's heart.
3. Service and Care: To serve and care for them, especially in their old age, to fulfill their needs, and to look after their comfort.
4. Financial Support: It is the responsibility of a child to spend on their parents if they are in need. Even if a child is eligible to pay Zakat, they cannot give it to their parents, because their maintenance is the child's responsibility.
5. Praying for Them: To pray to Allah for parents, both when they are alive and after their death. The Quran teaches this prayer: "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small." (Surah Al-Isra, 17:24)
6. Duties after Their Death: To fulfill their will after their death, to maintain good relations with their relatives and friends, and to give charity on their behalf.

Conclusion

Parents are the greatest blessing of Allah in this world. By serving and honoring them, a child can achieve success in both this world and the Hereafter. Disobeying and disrespecting them is a cause for Allah's displeasure and is a major sin. We should all understand the status of our parents and fulfill our duties and responsibilities towards them properly, so that we may attain the pleasure of Allah and Paradise.