The Importance of Parents in Islam in Light of the Quran and Sunnah
In Islam, parents hold an esteemed and highly respected position. The Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) place immense emphasis on the rights of parents and the responsibilities of children toward them. Islam views the family as the foundation of society, and parents, as the central figures within the family, are given special status, love, and care. The importance of parents is highlighted not only from a religious perspective but also from a social and moral standpoint.
1. Parents in the Light of the Quran
The Quran repeatedly instructs believers to show kindness, respect, and obedience to their parents. After the worship of Allah, being dutiful to parents is considered one of the greatest acts of righteousness in Islam.
a. Obedience to Parents:
The Quran strongly emphasizes the importance of being kind and respectful to parents. Allah says in the Quran:
“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” (Quran, 17:23).
This verse highlights that after the worship of Allah, treating parents with kindness is one of the most important obligations. Even the smallest act of disrespect, such as saying “uff” (a word of discontent), is forbidden. Instead, children must speak gently and honor their parents, especially when they become old and fragile.
b. Gratitude Toward Parents:
The Quran links gratitude toward parents with gratitude toward Allah. Allah 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” (Quran, 31:14).
This verse reminds believers of the hardships that mothers endure during pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing, and commands them to be grateful to their parents. This gratitude is an essential part of a believer’s faith and relationship with Allah.
2. Parents in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the significance of parents in his teachings. His life and sayings serve as a clear guide for how Muslims should treat their parents.
a. Paradise Lies Beneath the Feet of Mothers:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) once said:
“Paradise lies beneath the feet of mothers” (Sunan an-Nasa’i).
This profound hadith signifies the elevated status of mothers in Islam. The service, kindness, and respect a person shows to their mother can lead them to paradise. Mothers are regarded with special reverence due to their sacrifices and tireless care for their children.
b. Fathers as the Gateway to Jannah:
The Prophet (PBUH) also emphasized the role of fathers, stating:
“The father is the middle gate of Jannah (Paradise), so keep this gate or lose it” (Sunan Ibn Majah).
This hadith highlights that a person’s treatment of their father can be a means of entering paradise or being deprived of it. The father’s guidance, protection, and provision for the family are greatly valued in Islam, and children are encouraged to treat their fathers with deep respect and honor.
c. The Best Deeds in Islam:
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was once asked which deeds are the best in Islam. He replied:
“To offer the prayer at its proper time, and to be dutiful to your parents” (Sahih Bukhari).
This hadith shows that after performing the obligatory prayers, the next best deed a Muslim can do is to be dutiful to their parents, highlighting their high rank in Islam.
3. Social and Moral Aspects of Respecting Parents
In addition to the spiritual significance of respecting parents, Islam also recognizes the social and moral
importance of parents in creating a healthy and stable society. The family is the basic unit of society, and when the relationship between parents and children is based on love, respect, and mutual support, it fosters social harmony and moral values.
a. Family as the Foundation of Society:
Islam promotes a strong family structure where parents are central to the moral and emotional upbringing of children. A stable family, built on respect for parents, contributes to the well-being of the broader community. When children honor their parents, they learn values such as empathy, responsibility, and respect for authority. This helps to shape well-rounded individuals who contribute positively to society.
b. Caring for Elderly Parents:
Caring for aging parents is an important social responsibility in Islam. The Quran specifically commands children to look after their parents when they grow old, as mentioned in the verse:
“And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small'” (Quran, 17:24).
This not only promotes familial bonds but also creates a culture where the elderly are respected and cared for, preventing feelings of loneliness or neglect. Such values reduce the burden on social institutions and strengthen community solidarity.
c. Parents as Role Models:
Parents in Islam are seen as the first teachers and moral guides for their children. Through their example, parents instill the values of faith, patience, honesty, and compassion in their children. By fulfilling their parental duties with love and wisdom, they prepare the next generation to become responsible, ethical, and spiritually grounded members of society.
d. Prevention of Social Ills:
When children are raised with the value of respecting and obeying their parents, it helps reduce social problems such as disobedience, rebellion, and moral decline. A society where the elderly and parents are respected will naturally uphold values like kindness, empathy, and compassion, which prevent the spread of harmful behaviors.
4. Conclusion: The Central Role of Parents in Islam
In Islam, parents are not just caretakers but are regarded as a crucial link between the individual and their relationship with Allah. The Quran and Sunnah repeatedly emphasize kindness, gratitude, and respect toward parents. These acts are not only forms of worship but also foster strong family ties, which in turn create a stable and caring society.
Key Points on the Importance of Parents in Islam:
- Respecting and caring for parents is second only to worshipping Allah.
- Mothers are given special reverence due to their sacrifices, with “Paradise beneath their feet.”
- Fathers are seen as a gateway to Jannah, and respecting them is highly encouraged.
- Caring for elderly parents is both a moral and social duty.
- Parents serve as role models, shaping the character and values of their children.
By emphasizing the importance of parents, Islam lays the foundation for a society built on compassion, respect, and mutual support, thus contributing to both individual and collective well-being.