Almighty Allah has decreed: “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Allah, and that you be kind to parents.” [Quran Al-Isra':23]
No disrespect
Compassionate, loving, forgiving, caring, are all traits a Muslim should have. Yet, in today’s society, these precious characteristics are lost. It is common seeing parents being publicly humiliated by their children. In shopping centres, parks, whilst driving, there will be an episode of a scowling teenager and a flustered parent. Perhaps, even more so heart breaking, is when one sees Muslim teenagers treating their Muslim parents in a bad manner.
Almighty Allah has decreed: “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Allah, and that you be kind to parents.”[Quran Al-Isra':23]
How clearly and succinctly our Lord has said these words, ‘and that you be kind to your parents.’ If, as Muslims, we obey our Lord, then surely, we must fulfil the basics of His Commandments? By starting with our parents. For they are the ones who bought us into this world. They taught us how to walk, talk and live. Showing kindness to your parents is imminent, as it displays the respect they deserve.
Rights
Abu Umama (Allah be pleased with him) reports: “A man enquired from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him): “O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him)! What are the rights of parents over their children?” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) said: “Your parents are your Paradise and they are your Hell.” (Ibn Majah)
Islaam places an emphasis on treating your parents well; however, we forget all too quickly, the rights our parents have over us. Ultimately, our attitude towards our parents will determine whether we are successful in the Hereafter.
A mother’s love
The Holy Quran says: “We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents: In pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth. Then carrying of the (child) to his weaning is (a period of) thirty months.” [Quran Al-Ahqaf:15]
A person can never truly realise the love of a parent, until they are a parent themselves. I remember the first time I held my son; I was overcome by such love and emotion. Subhan’Allah. It was then at that moment, I realised, that as a mother, my purpose is to protect my child from harm and to give him everything I possibly can. I saw my world through my mother’s eyes. I feel the pain every time my son stumbles over as he learns how to walk. My heart sinks when he goes for a haircut because I know he hates it and is going to cry. I run to his cot to hold him tightly if he is ever distressed at night. I smile at his smile and I hurt when he is hurt. And if I have to battle the whole world to protect my son, then I will. Alas, a mother’s love is a mother’s love.
Abu Hurairah ( Allah be pleased with him) reports: “A man visited the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) and submitted: “O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him)! Who deserves the best treatment from me — my father or mother?” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) observed: “Your mother.” He again submitted: “And next?” The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) observed: ” Your mother.” Third time also he received the same reply. When the man repeated his question for the fourth time, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him) observed: “Your father.” (Al- Adabul Mufrad)
A Blessing
It is essential to show gratitude to both your parents all the time, for indeed they are a blessing. They are to be considered as the primary source of comfort and nourishment. They cared for us when we were weak and helpless. Parents often undergo hardship and difficulties when bringing up their children. Realising these sacrifices, Allah the Almighty raises their status so much that He ordains His servants to render their thanks to Him followed by their thanks to their parents.
The Holy Quran says: “And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents.” [Quran Luqman:14]
One should, therefore, keep the highest regard for the feelings and desires of his parents. The utmost care must be taken not to hurt them verbally or in any other way. Especially, if they are old, we must be careful to meet their demands and continue to treat them fairly and respectfully. As Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an, “If either of them or both reach old age in your presence, do not say “Uff” to them and do not rebuff them, and speak to them with the utmost respect. And lower your wing humbly for them, with mercy, and pray, “My Lord! Have mercy on them both, the way they nursed me when I was young.” [Quran Al-Isra’: 23-24]
A Few More Words…
Pray for your parents. Hug your mother, talk to your father. Sit with them and ask them if they need anything. Have you done that recently? When was the last time you took them out? When did you last make them smile?
Pure Matrimony
….Where Practice Makes Perfect
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