Respecting " Parents" in Islam:

To be obedient to parents and to show kindness to them has been enjoined along with the oneness and worship of Allah SWT, in the Quran Kareem in such a manner that it appears that among human deeds, to obey parents and treat them with respect and kindness is next only to worship Allah SWT.

How do we respect our parents in Islam:

For your Lord has ordered that you worship none but him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of scorn, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.

Parental respect refers to deference and associated actions directed towards one's parent. In most societies parental respect is a virtuous disposition.

Why is respect important in Islam:

Islam binds respect to peace, love and compassion, all attributes of the one God, therefore to fulfill our obligation to honour and obey God one must respect the honour, reputation and privacy of others. Respect involves staying completely away from the major sins of backbiting, lying, defamation and gossip.

Quran Kareem say about you parents:

Allah SWT has further says in Surah Al-Isra verse 23: " Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but him, and do good do parents. If any one of them or both of them reach old age, do not say to them: uff ( a word or expression of anger or contempt) and do not scold them, and add address them with respectful words".

What should we respect our parents:

Respecting them is a way to express gratitude for their lifelong care and love. For example: showing simple gestures  like helping around the house or thanking them for their guidance shows we appreciate their efforts.

What should we respect our parents:

Respecting them us a way to express gratitude for their lifelong care and love. For example: showing simple gestures like helping around the house or thanking then for their guidance shows we appreciate their efforts.

How to show respect in Islam:

In Islam, showing respect is a core part of faith and character. The Qur’an and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasize dignity, kindness, humility, and good manners toward everyone.

Here are the main ways respect is shown in Islam:

1. Respect for Allah

Worship sincerely (prayer, fasting, charity).

Speak about Allah with reverence.

Follow His commands and avoid what He has forbidden.

Make du'a (supplication) with humility.

Respect for Allah is shown through obedience, gratitude, and remembrance.

2. Respect for Prophet Muhammad ﷺ

Send blessings upon him (say “ﷺ” or “peace be upon him”).

Follow his Sunnah (example).

Speak about him with honor and love.

Avoid mocking or disrespecting his teachings.

Muslims say: “Sallallahu alayhi wa sallam” after mentioning him.

3. Respect for Parents

The Qur’an strongly emphasizes kindness to parents.

Speak gently to them.

Do not raise your voice.

Help and support them.

Pray for them.

Even if parents are difficult, Islam teaches patience and kindness.

4. Respect for Elders and Scholars

Listen when they speak.

Show humility.

Learn from them.

Greet them politely.

The Prophet ﷺ taught that respecting elders is part of honoring Islam.

5. Respect for Others (Neighbors, Friends, Society)

Greet others with “Assalamu Alaikum” (peace be upon you).

Avoid backbiting, insults, and gossip.

Keep promises.

Be honest and fair.

Help those in need.

Islam teaches respect for all people, regardless of religion or background.

6. Respect in Speech and Behavior

Speak kindly and truthfully.

Lower your voice.

Avoid arrogance.

Dress modestly.

Control anger.

Good character (Akhlaq) is highly valued in Islam.

How to respect your parents:

1. Always respect your parents because they love and care for you.
2. Parents do many things to make life better for their children.
3. They teach us important lessons and guide us.
4. Respecting Parents shows good manner and values.

In Islam, respecting parents is one of the greatest duties after worshipping Allah. It is called Birr al-Wālidayn (kindness and excellence toward parents).

📖 1. Commanded in the Quran:

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents…”

— (Surah Al-Isra 17:23)

Notice how Allah mentions kindness to parents immediately after worship — showing how important it is.

❤️ 2. Especially Kindness to the Mother:

A man asked Prophet Muhammad who deserves the best companionship.

He replied:

“Your mother.”

The man asked, “Then who?”

He said, “Your mother.”

He asked again, “Then who?”

He said, “Your mother.”

He asked again, “Then who?”

He said, “Your father.”

(Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)

This shows the special honor of mothers in Islam.

 3. Ways to Respect Parents:

Speak to them softly and politely

Do not say even “uff” (a word of irritation)

Obey them in what is good and halal

Make du‘a (prayer) for them

Help them, especially in old age

Be patient with them

Allah says:

“Lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say:

‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was small.’”

— (Surah Al-Isra 17:24)

 4. If Parents Are Not Muslim:

Islam still commands kindness and good treatment, even if parents are not Muslim — unless they order something sinful. Respect remains obligatory.

 Rewards of Respecting Parents:

Brings Allah’s pleasure

Increases blessings in life

A cause for entering Jannah (Paradise)

Dua of parents is powerful.

Ways to show respect:

There are many ways to showing respect lets other know you care about them and how they feel.

• Actively listen.
• Be honest.
• Practice, patience.
• Be helpful.
• Follow the rules.
• Share encouragement.
• Accept the differences in people.

Showing respect is one of the simplest ways to build strong relationships. Here are meaningful and practical ways to show respect in different areas of life:

 In Everyday Interactions:

Listen without interrupting

Maintain eye contact

Use polite language (“please,” “thank you,” “excuse me”)

Acknowledge others’ opinions, even if you disagree

Be punctual and value others’ time

Keep promises

 In Family & Close Relationships:

Appreciate efforts (say thank you for small things)

Respect boundaries and privacy

Apologize when you're wrong

Support their goals and dreams

Speak kindly, especially during disagreements

At School or Work:

Follow rules and guidelines

Give credit where it’s due

Accept feedback gracefully

Be accept  and avoid gossip

Treat everyone equally, regardless of role or background

In Public & Community:

Hold doors open

Offer your seat to someone who needs it

Respect cultural differences

Avoid dumping 

Follow community rules

 In Online Spaces:

Think before you post

Respect differing opinions

Credit original creators

Use respectful language in comments

 Self-Respect (Equally Important):

Set healthy boundaries

Speak positively about yourself

Take care of your physical and mental health

Stand up for your values.

Rules for parents:

Here are clear and practical rules for parents that help create a healthy, respectful, and loving home environment:

 1. Lead by Example:

Model the behavior you expect (kindness, honesty, patience).

Speak respectfully, even during conflict.

Show responsibility in your own actions.

 2. Listen to Your Child:

Give full attention when they speak.

Validate their feelings (“I understand you’re upset.”).

Avoid dismissing their concerns.

 3. Set Clear & Consistent Boundaries:

Establish age-appropriate rules.

Be consistent with consequences.

Explain the reason behind rules.

 4. Show Respect:

Respect their opinions and privacy.

Avoid yelling, shaming, or comparing them to others.

Apologize when you’re wrong.

 5. Encourage Independence:

Let them solve small problems on their own.

Teach responsibility (tasks, homework habits).

Support their interests and talents.

 6. Communicate Openly:

Have regular family conversations.

Create a safe space for honest discussion.

Talk about difficult topics calmly.

 7. Provide Emotional Support:

Show affection regularly.

Celebrate effort, not just results.

Be present during important moments.

 8. Monitor Without Controlling:

Guide screen time and friendships wisely.

Stay involved, but avoid being overly prying.

Build trust rather than fear.

 9. Be Fair:

Avoid favoritism.

Adjust expectations based on age and personality.

Discipline with teaching in mind, not punishment alone.

 10. Practice Patience:

Children are still learning.

Correct behavior gently but firmly.

Remember progress takes time.

Here are essential rules every parent should follow:

• Set clear expectations: Children need clear boundaries to feel safe and secure.
• Encourage open communication.
• Prioritize your own mental health.
• Model the behavior you want to see.
• Encourage confidence through done wells.
• Balancing parenting with personal life.

Why is disrespecting parents Haram:

The Quran Kareem emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with our parents and treating them with ultimate kindness and respect. Moreover, disobedience to parents may not only lead to the risk of punishment in the hereafter but also immediate outcome in this life.

How to respond to rude parents:

If a parent becomes disrespectful or oversteps the line when talking to you about their children, don't be afraid to politely but firmly reiterate the boundaries. You could respond by saying something like " I understand you are upset, but can't allow you to speak to me that way.

 The importance of parents:

Importance of parents in Islam:

When asked about the people who taught us the most, who were there for us through hardships, who laughed with us during the good times, who put  up with us our off days, most of us think immediately, of our parents. And it is true; our parents are the ones who have been with us through almost everything in our lives. Our mother's carry us for nine exhausting Months before we are born, and fie at least eighteen years afterwards, our parents, to list a few things , take care of us, teach us, help us and provide for us financially and academically. Without them, most of us would not be in the places we are today.

Unfortunately, however many people co not treat their parents in the manner they deserve. Teenagers fight constantly with their parents, often over extremely minor topics. Other young people ignore their parents, rather spending time with their friends, or online. As we get older, we tend to forget that our parents are growing older as well, and they are pushed aside to living on their own or in nursing homes while we start our own families. Not only is the disregard unfair to our parents, it is also strictly forbidden in Islam. Allah SWT has commanded us to treat out parents with utmost respect, no matter the situation we are in.

Islam: Respecting parents is one of the most important aspects:

Respecting parents is one of the most significant aspects of Islam. Allah SWT says in the Quran Kareem:

        " Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of  honour".

The first decree in this verse is to worship none but God. This is the first and most important pillar of Islam, and enjoining partners with God is the only unforgivable sin. The order right after this is kindness to parents. There are other major sins in Islam that could have been mentioned here, bht the one Allah SWT has prohibited us against here is disrespect to parents. We are told not to speak  scornfully to them: the word given in Arabic is " oof' , and even this simple moan is forbidden. Instead, God has told us to address them with honor and deference.

How to show our parents humility and love in Islam:

The next verse tells us:

        " And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility , and say: "My Lord! Bestow on them your mercy even as they cherished me in childhood ". The phrase " lower to them the wing of humility" has been interpreted as an image of the way birds spread their wings out of protection and love for their Young. Our treatment of our parents is shown in the same way: we should be humble, respectful and Loving toward them.

How to show your parents mercy and respect in Islam:

Moreover, the prayer in this verse ( " My Lord! Bestow on them your mercy even as they cherished me in childhood ") is extremely powerful, and many scholars say that Muslims should say this after every prayer. It is truly a beautiful prayer, as we are asking God to bestow mercy on our parents, as they were merciful to us when we were young.

Holding one's parents in high esteem is so important that, even if they tell us not to obey God's command, we are still to treat them kindly. God says in the Quran Kareem,

          But if they strive to make you join in worship with me things of which you have no knowledge, obey them not; yet bear them company in this life with justice.

Islam: The importance of treating your parents with respect, even if they disgrace with you:

Even if our parents strive to make us commit the worst act in Islam, we must still treat them with justice. There is no concept of leaving our parents in Islam, even if they are disbelievers. To further elaborate this point, there is a saying from the Prophet Muhammad SAW narrated by Hazrat Asma RA, the daughter of the Prophet's good friend, Hazrat Abu Bakr RA. Hazrat Asma RA once asked the prophet Muhammad SAW how she should treat her mother, who was a polytheist. The Prophet Muhammad SAW replied, "Treat your mother well".

Paradise lies under the feet of your mother:  The importance of mother's in Islam:

While we should obviously respect both our parents, our mothers are given special treatment in Islam. This is because our mothers carried us for nine months, and were  our primary caregivers when we were children. In one saying of the Prophet Muhammad SAW, a companion asked him who deserves the most good treatment and respect. The Prophet Muhammad SAW replied, " Your mother " the companion asked again, the reply was "your mother". The companion asked a third time, and once more the prophet Muhammad SAW said, Your mother ". When the companion asked for the last time, the Prophet Muhammad SAW then answered, " Your Father ".

      Our mother deserve the utmost respect and good treatment, and there is no excuse otherwise. We are told this three times over. In another narrations, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said that Paradise lies under the feet of the mother. This further reiterates the fact that our mothers are to be the most revered and cared for people in our lives. In yet another saying, we are told that a man did the entire pilgrimage, Hajj, with his elderly mother on this back. The Prophet Muhammad SAW told him that this did not even repay his mother for a single kick the man gave his mother while she was bearing him in the womb.

The importance of respecting our fathers in Islam:

This is not to say that our fathers do not deserve respect. The story of Prophet Ibrahim RA in the Quran Kareem tells us that his father was ready to kill him for destroying religious idols and abandoning the pagan religion. 

Hazrat Ibrahim RA, instead of losing control, merely prayed to God to have mercy on his father and to help him find the truth. Many youth today about oaths if their father give them a strict lecture. From our Prophet we learn that this is never acceptable, no matter the situation.

How to fix your relationship with your parents in Islam:

Finally, there are many ways to fix our relationships with our parents. First and primary , of course we must recall the importance our parents have in our lives, and the various verses that remind us to be kind to them. There are also many sayings from the Prophet Muhammad SAW that teach us how to act with them. In one narration, he likened caring for parents to fighting for the cause of God, the best deed a Muslim can do in his life. In another, we are told that smiling kindly at our parents is as though we have done the pilgrimage to Makkah, the Hajj, we should make it a habit to do these small things in our daily lives. Talking to our parents on a day to day basis, no matter our age, is also a way to close any gaps we may have with them. Lastly, it is always important to remember to pray for our parents. We have been told that several people's prayers will always be answered, and among these is the child's prayer for their parents. 

Allah SWT most high has brought human beings into existence. He has made the parents the means of bringing us into this world. Almighty Allah has made parents an embodiment of affection and mercy and has obligated them to raise their children in the proper manner. Children have also been ordered to serve their parents and fulfills the rights due to them. The importance of fulfilling the rights of the parents can be understood with the fact that in the Quran Kareem, Almighty Allah has mentioned after nice treatment of parents immediately after mentioning his own worship and servitude. It is given in the Quran Kareem:

     " And hope Lord has commanded you not to worship anyone other than Allah SWT, and treat parents with benevolence. If either or both of them attain old age in your presence, then do not say even " Ugh" to them,  nor reapproach them. And always speak to both of them obediently , observing polite manners. And always lower your wings of submissiveness and humility out of soft-heartedness for both of them, and keep supplicating ( Allah SWT) : O my Lord, have mercy on both of them as they brought me up in ( my) childhood ( with mercy and clemency)."

In this verse of the Quran Kareem, Allah SWT has given us 7 orders, 5 of which things that we have to do and 2 of which are things we have stay away from.

The following things have been ordered in the aforementioned verse of the Quran Kareem:

1. Worship only Allah SWT.
2. Treat one's parents nicely.
3. Parents should be addressed with proper reverence and respect.
4. Parents should be treated with affection, compassion and humility.
5. Prayers should be made for parents in the words:

These things should be avoided 

1. Don't even say " Uff" to parents. 
2. Don't speak rudely to parents.

Obedience to parents- The primary responsibility of children:

There are 2 kinda of rights. One is rights due to Allah SWT and the other is rights due to the creation and fellow human beings:

Apart from the aforementioned verse of the Holy Quran Kareem, the orders to treat the parents nicely have been given at various other places. Thus, obedience to parents is the primary responsibility of children.

A delicate subtlety:

It should be noted that we are asked to respect our parents and treat them nicely because they are the material means of our existence , thus their respect and reverence is compulsory on human beings. Their respect is such that when one goes before them, the stare should be lowered, they should be spoken to softly, neither can one scold them nor can one be rude to them. Let alone hurting then in any way, one cannot even say, " Ufff" to them.

To please one's parents is to please Allah SWT:

Allah SWT has made it so that his pleasure and approval depend on the pleasure and approval of parents, and the displeasure of the parents leads to his displeasure. As mentioned in this Hadith of Kanz ul Ummal:

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr that the Holy Prophet said: The pleasure and approval of Allah SWT lies in the pleasure and approval of Allah SWT lies in the pleasure of parents and the displeasure or parents. 

For children, the status of parents is so high that if they are pleased with them, then it is as if Allah SWT is pleased with them. If parents are pleased with a child, then it is sign of divine pleasure.

Parents are a great bounty of Allah SWT. Valuing them, obeying and serving them is highly necessary . We should be extremely cautious  not to hurt them in any way because the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW has said that the supplication of a father for his children is never rejected.

Translation:  It is narrated on the authority of Hazrat Abu Huraira RA , he says they the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW said: 

There are three supplications about which there is no doubt or their acceptance, the supplication of an oppressed person, the supplication of a traveler and the supplication of a father for his children.

The children should respect their father and refrain from hurting him in any manner. Ix children trouble their father and the father supplicates against them, then this supplication will surely be accepted.

Even if the parents commit excesses against the children , it is the responsibility of the  children to still obey and Serve them and to respect them.

There is a Hadith in Imam Baihaqui Shua'bul Imam and in Zujajqtil Masabeeh:

  Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas , he says that the Holy Prophet said: The person who starts his morning in the obedience of Allah SWT, the doors of Paradise are opened. For the person who ends his day in disobedience of parents, the doors of hell are opened. A companion asked: Even ux parents commit excesses against him. The Prophet Muhammad SAW said: Even if they commit excesses against him, even if they commit excesses against him.

Serving parents is compulsory for children:

Obedience of parents is compulsory in children as long as they give orders which are correct as per the Shariah. If the parents order to go against the Shariah, or to commit some wrong deed, then they will not be obeyed, as the disobedience of the creator in obedience of the creation is not correct.

There is a Hadith on the authority of Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas :

   Translation: You go before your parents as if a lowly, emaciated slave is entreating his stem and harsh master to seek his pleasure. 

Importance of treating one's mother nicely:

Among the parents, in terms of excellence and respect, the father is superior one and in terms of service, the mother is the outstanding one. There is a Hadith is Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hazrat Abu Huraira RA , he says that a certain companion came to the Prophet Muhammad SAW and asked: O Prophet Muhammad SAW who is the most deserving of my kind treatment? The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW said: Your mother is the most deserving or your kind treatment. That companion asked for the fourth time: who is the most deserving of my kind treatment? Then the Holy Prophet Muhammad said: Your Father is the most deserving of your kind treatment. 

 Imam Badruddin Ainni writes in the explanation of the aforementioned Hadith:

 Translation: Muhaddith Tamaam has narrated on the authority of Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas said: I had taken an oath that of Almighty Allah makes you Victorious over Makkah, that I would go there and kiss the threshold of the Kaaba. The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW said: you kiss the feet of your mother. Indeed, you have fulfilled your oath. 

Looking ate parents with love brings reward of 1st Hajj:

It is not obedience of parents that is rewarded, but even if a son or daughter just looks at her parents with love then for each glance that person is granted the rewarded of 1  accepted Hajj. As the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW has said: 

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas that the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW said: Whichever obedient son looks at his parents with love, then Allah SWT most high grants the reward of 1 accepted Hajj in lieu to every glance. The companions asked: if he does so 100 times in a single day, will be given the reward of 100 accepted Hajj? The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW said: Allah SWT us greatest and benevolent beyond all bounds. 

Out of his mercy, the Prophet Muhammad SAW has declared the reward of an accepted Hajj for just looking at parents with love. In this regard, reward for other forms of worship could also have been decreed. Salaat can be offered at any place with comfort. Only 1 day is required for fasting. There is no need to spend any money to recite the Quran Kareem. Time is not spent in giving charity. However, the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW has fixed the reward to be of 1 accepted Hajj. This is because Hajj is both a physical and financial form of worship. It is such a form of worship that is can't be offered anywhere and at any time. It has to be performed at a particular place and at a particular time. Even after all this,  the person performing can't say for  sure whether Allah SWT has accepted his Hajj or not, but the obedience of parents is such a thing that it brings reward of an accepted his Hajj or not but the obedience of parents is such a thing that it brings reward of an accepted Hajj.

On listening to this wonderful news, the companions asked for clarification that will the reward  remain the same if a son/ daughter looks at her parents with love many times a day. The  Sovereign Prophet Muhammad SAW said that whenever a daughter looks 100 glances at parents with love, then that person will be given the reward of 100 glances at parents with love, then that person will be given the reward if 100 accepted Hajj.

Our parents are a great bounty for us. We should consider their lives as respite for us and recognize their value. The family of the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW the companions and the apostles have presented such examples of obedience and kind treatment of their parents that history can't present a parallel to it.

There is a similar Hadith in Kanz ul Ummal about the reward if serving parents:

Translation: It is narrated on the authority of of Hazrat Aisha RA, she says: The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW said: When I entered paradise, I heard someone reciting. I asked: who is it? The angels said: This is how good deeds are rewarded. This is how good deeds are rewarded. Among all people, he serves his mother most. 

One night , the mother of Hazrat Bayazeed Bustami asked him to bring water. His mercy asked him to bring water. When he brought water, she has dozen off. Keeping in mind the rest and respect of his mother, Hazrat Bayazeed spent the whole night with the glass of water in his hand.

The effect of  that supplication was such that Hazrat Bayazeed Bustami says: I thought that struggling and worship was primary, but what I could not gain through them, I gained it from the pleasure and approval of my mother. 

The effect of his mother's, supplication was not limited to this world only, but even in the hereafter it's blessings were realized, as it obvious from this tradition:

Translation: when Hazrat Bayazeed Bustami passed away, some of his disciples saw him in a dream that he was strolling the gardens of paradise and was glorifying Allah SWT most high. They asked: How did you reach this high station? He said: by kind treatment of parents and by being patient on hardships.

Disobedience of parents- A grave sin:

At 2 different times, 2 different questions were put to the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW. One question was that which deed was the most beloved deed with Allah SWT. The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW also said:  Kind treatment of parents.

The second question was about the major sins. In reply to this, the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW said: Disobedience if parents. 

As in mentioned in this Hadith of Sahih Bukhari:

 Translation: It is narrated on the authority of Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud , he says: I asked the prophet Muhammad SAW which is the deed most beloved to Allah SWT most high? He said: offering salaat at its  proper time. He then asked: then which act is most beloved? He said: Kind treatment of parents. 

On committing other sins, Almighty Allah SWT gives that person a respite and the punishment is given in the hereafter, but disobedience of sins that apart from the Hereafter, in this world itself that person will suffer various hardships, tribulations and sorrows.

Parent's respect in Islam:

The Prophet Muhammad SAW stressed the rights and parents respect in Islam. The Prophet Muhammad SAW also focused on the responsibilities of their children in the same way he focused on the children's rights and their parents responsibilities.

Parents are to be treated well at all times. The almighty Allah's SWT in having empowered you to do this virtuous act are considered an extraordinary resource in this world and the hereafter because the appreciation we should pay our parents respect has been over and over underlined in the Quran Kareem So, in one of the verses, Allah SWT says:

    "And your lord has decreed that you do worship except him and to parents the best. Whether one or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them " ufff" and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word."

Recognition and parents respect are specified eleven times in the Quran Kareem. And in every occurance, Allah SWT reminds children to respect the care, love and affection they got from their parents. For example, in one viewpoint, Allah demands parents respect for their children by saying:

And we have enjoined upon the human being goodness to parents. But if they endeavor to make you associate with me that of which you do not obey them. To me is your return, and I will inform you about what you used to do.

Difficulties parents face for their children:

Allah SWT mentioned in the Quran Kareem:

"And we have enjoined upon the human being, regarding his parents, the best . His mother carried him with hardship and have birth to him with hardship and his gestation and weaning are thirty months. Until when he reaches maturity and reaches forty years he says, " My Lord, enable me to be grateful for your favour which you have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work the righteousness of which you will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to you, and indeed I am of the Muslims".

Pleasing the parents causes Allah's pleasure:

Parents respect plays a vital role in pleasing Allah SWT. Therefore any individual who tries to please Allah SWT ought to win the great joy of his parents. So keeping the parents very satisfied is vital since their anger and disappointment will prompt Allah's anger and displeasure. Therefore, the Prophet Muhammad SAW said:

    " In the good pleasure of the father lies the good pleasure of the creator, and in his displeasure lies the displeasure of the creator ".

Serving the parents is preferable to Jihaad:

When a person gives importance to parents respect and needs his assistance and consideration, he should serve them rather than go to Jihaad. A person once came to the Prophet Muhammad SAW and said he wanted to participate in the Jihaad.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW asked him,

     " Are your  parents alive"?

      "Yes, they are alive, " he replied,

      The Prophet Muhammad SAW said, " Then strive in their service and assist them at the time of their need.

Great sin for disobeying the parents:

The Prophet Muhammad SAW declared the parents respect and that serving one's parents well is an act of great virtue: he condemned the showing of disobedience to them, or Harming them, as a most severe and repulsive sin.

The Prophet Muhammad SAW has said:

    " To abuse ones parents is also a major sin"   " Can anyone abuse his parents?" Yes, the Prophet Muhammad SAW replied, " If a person abused his parents - then it is as though he had abused them".

Honoring parents in Islam:

Honoring parents in Islam is obedience to Allah SWT and his Messenger. Allah SWT says:

     " And we have enjoined or man to be good and dutiful to his parents?"

 " And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but him. And that you be dutiful to hour parents. If one if them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour. And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy, and say: My Lord! Bestow on them your mercy as they did bring me up when I was young".

In al- Sahihayn, ibn Abbas said: The messenger of Allah SWT was asked which deed is the best? He said : " Faith in Allah SWT and his Messenger, then honoring one's parents". There  are many other verses and  Mutawatir Hadiths which say similar things.

• Obeying and honoring one's parents is means of entering paradise, as it was reported in Sahih Muslim from Abu Huraira that the Prophet said"  Hr is doomed, he is doomed. It was said, who, O Messenger of Allah SWT? He said, " The person whose parents, one of both of them, reach old age during his lifetime but he does enter paradise".
• Respecting and honoring parents brings friendship an love.
• Respecting and obeying parents is a way of showing gratitude to them because they are the ones who brought you into  this world. You should also show gratitude towards them for bringing you up and taking care of you when you were young. Allah SWT says:

" And we have enjoined on man ( to be dutiful and good) to his parents ".

• If a person honours his parents, this may be the cause of his own children honoring him. Allah SWT says:

" Is there any reward for good other than good?"

Conclusion:

In Islam, respecting and honoring parents is considered one of the greatest moral and religious duties. The teachings of the Qur'an and the sayings of Prophet Muhammad strongly emphasize kindness, obedience, and gratitude toward parents. Muslims are instructed to treat their parents with love, speak to them gently, care for them in old age, and never show disrespect.

Islam teaches that after worshipping Allah, the next important responsibility is to be good to one’s parents. Their sacrifices in raising and nurturing their children are highly valued, and serving them sincerely is seen as a path to earning Allah’s pleasure and reward.Islam places great importance on respecting parents because they play a vital role in shaping a person’s life. By honoring them, showing patience, and fulfilling their needs, Muslims strengthen family bonds and follow the moral guidance given in Islamic teachings. Such respect not only brings harmony within the family but also spiritual blessings in this life and the hereafter.