How should a person treat his parents?
كيف يجب أن نعامل الوالدين؟
The bond between a child and their parents is sacred in Islam. The religion strictly dictates that one must be kind to their parents, making their honorable care a fundamental part of a believer's faith, placed second only to the worship of Allah Himself.
تعتبر العلاقة بين الأبناء والآباء مقدسة في الإسلام. ويفرض الدين بشكل صارم أن نعاملهم بإحسان، جاعلا رعايتهم الكريمة جزءا أساسيا من إيمان المسلم، وتأتي في المرتبة الثانية مباشرة بعد عبادة الله وحده.
1. Kindness and Gentle Speech | عدم قول كلام جارح
They should not say words that are hurtful; instead, they should speak to them kindly. Even expressing mild frustration or annoyance is strictly prohibited. One must carefully choose their words to ensure they are full of respect and gentleness.
أن لا نقول لهما كلام جارح وأن نقول لهم كلمة لطيفة. فحتى التعبير البسيط عن الانزعاج ممنوع تماما. ويجب على المرء أن يختار كلماته بعناية لضمان امتلائها بالاحترام والرقة.
2. Looking After Their Needs | القيام على شؤونهم
Actions must accompany good words. One must treat them with kindness and mercy, actively look after their needs, and obey them out of respect. It is a religious duty to serve them physically and financially to make their lives comfortable.
ويجب أن نعاملهم بلطف ورحمة والقيام على شؤونهم وقضاء حوائجهم وطاعة أمرهم. إن خدمتهم جسديا وماليا وجعل حياتهم مريحة هو واجب ديني عظيم.
3. Special Care in Old Age | الرعاية خاصة في الكبر
This compassion becomes even more critical as time passes. We must serve them especially as they grow older and become more vulnerable. Allah explicitly commands us to pray for them constantly.
Allah Almighty says: (For your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And honour your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them even ugh, nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully. And be humble with them out of mercy, and pray, "My Lord! Be merciful to them as they raised me when I was young.") Surah Al Isra 17: 23 to 24.
وذلك تقديرا واحتراما لهما خاصة عندما يصبحان كبيري السن وأكثر ضعفا. يأمرنا الله صراحة بالدعاء لهما وتذكر تضحياتهما.
قال الله تعالى: (وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا (٢٣) وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا (٢٤)) الإسراء 17: 23 إلى 24.
Scholarly Insight: Islamic scholars note that the word "ugh" (Uff in Arabic) is the absolute smallest expression of annoyance or burden. By forbidding even this tiny sound, Islam guarantees that all larger forms of disrespect, anger, or neglect are absolutely prohibited. The command to "lower the wing of humility" means to physically and emotionally show complete submissiveness, love, and approachability to your parents, much like a bird sheltering its young.
Frequently Asked Questions | الأسئلة الشائعة
How should I speak to my parents according to the Quran?
You should not say words that are hurtful, not even a sound of frustration like "ugh". Instead, you should speak to them kindly and address them respectfully at all times.
What is my duty towards my parents when they become elderly?
You must treat them with extra kindness and mercy, actively look after their needs, and obey them out of respect, especially as they grow older and require more care and patience.
What prayer does the Quran teach us to say for our parents?
The Quran teaches us to constantly pray and remember their early sacrifices by saying: "My Lord! Be merciful to them as they raised me when I was young."