Editorial | Friday Special: ‘Wa-bil Walidaini Ihsana…’

All religions and all societies have given parents an honorable status. From a purely material viewpoint, we find ourselves indebted to our parents. The position of parents, and the mutual obligations and responsibilities, have been addressed in Islam in great detail. The Qur’anic commandments, as well as the sayings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) guide us in this matter. The parent-child code of behavior in Islam is unique, since rules were laid down by Divine command.  References to parents have been made at least 15 times in the Holy Qur’an. There are numerous traditions of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) on this subject. “And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in two years was his weaning. Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents; to Me is thy final goal.” (Chapter 31: Verse 14). Allah (SWT) has enjoined on us to show kindness, respect, and humility to our parents. We are commanded to do this, even though they may have injured us. Some of the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), and of the learned members of his family, about our responsibilities toward our parents are quoted here:  “Paradise lies under the feet of the mother.” “Allah’s pleasure is in the pleasure of the father, and Allah’s displeasure is in the displeasure of the father.” “He who wishes to enter Paradise through its best door must please his parents.” “It is a pity that some people may not attain Paradise, on account of not serving their old parents.” Our parents as a team provided for all our needs: physical, educational, psychological, and in many instances, religious, moral, and spiritual. Our indebtedness to our parents is so immense that it is not possible to repay it fully. In lieu of this, it becomes obligatory for us to show the utmost kindness, respect, and obedience to our parents.