Introduction
In Islam, respecting and honouring parents is a moral duty with a divine mandate. In the Quran, Allah emphasizes the value of treating the parents with kindness on many occasions, often in combination with worshiping Him alone.
Allah says in Quran:
“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 ‘uff’, nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully.” (Al-Isra 23)
Many Muslims find it difficult to maintain their parents’ rights in day-to-day life, even despite clear instructions. Neglect is often caused by busy programs, cultural changes and contemporary lifestyle. To ensure that we complete this sacred duty in both minor and major ways, this blog will examine notable, practical methods to honour the parents on a daily basis.
The Importance of Honouring Parents in Islam
It is important to understand why Islam gives so much importance to parents before delving into daily rituals.
1. Parents Are a Means to Jannah
According to our guidance, parents are the primary source of Jannah in the afterlife as the Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The father is the middle of the gates of Paradise. If you wish, you can squander this gate or keep to it.” (Tirmizi 1900)
2. Disobedience to Parents Is a Major Sin
In contrast, one of the most serious sins is to mistreat one’s parents as the Prophet (ﷺ) said thrice, “Should I inform you out the greatest of the great sins?” They said, “Yes, O Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ)!” He said, “To join others in worship with Allah and to be undutiful to one’s parents.”… (Bukhari 2654)
3. Dua of Parents Is Accepted
The power of a parent’s prayer, whether for or against their child, is immense. According to the Prophet (ﷺ), “There are three supplications that will undoubtedly be answered: the supplication of one who has been wronged; the supplication of the traveler; and the supplication of a father for his child.” (Ibn-e-Majah 3862)
Every Muslim should try to provide excellent care and service to his parents, going above and beyond the call of duty.
Daily Practices to Honor Parents
Here we will discuss some daily practices with actionable steps, to please our parents according to the will of Allah and His Prophet (ﷺ).
1. Speak to Them with Kindness and Respect
The most basic to honour the gentle speech parents is one of the deeper ways yet. Allah commandments: “And be humble with them out of mercy, and pray, My Lord! Be merciful to them as they raised me when I was young.” (Al-Isra 24)
Actionable Steps:
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- Even if they are angry, do not shout at them.
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- “Please”, “JazakAllahu Khair(جزاک اللہ خیرا)” and “Allah bless you” are examples of humble phrases to use you.
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- Never use a rigid word or “Uff”, which is a sign of despair.
2. Be in Contact
Make a habit of be in contact to your parents every day, whether you live with them or far.
Actionable Steps:
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- If you live together, ask them about their day while sitting with them for at least ten to fifteen minutes.
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- If you live separately then make daily phone calls or video chat. “How are you feeling today?” There is a simple but powerful question.
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- If possible, pay them frequent visits.
3. Serve Them Physically
Parents may require physical support when they grow up. It is a form of worship to serve them physically.
Actionable Steps:
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- Help with cooking, cleaning and grocery purchases among other domestic tasks.
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- If they are elderly, help them walk, dress or eat.
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- If they get tired, massage your hands or feet (a Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ).
4. Provide for Them Financially
It is also necessary to support your parents financially if they need.
Actionable Steps:
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- Do not wait for them to ask for financial assistance.
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- If they are unable to pay, cover their travel expenses, grocery goods or medical bills.
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- Give them a gift once in a while as a show of affection, even if they are financially independent.
5. Make Dua for Them Regularly
One of the biggest ways to remember the parents, even after their death, is to pray for them.
Actionable Steps:
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- Add them to your daily prayers as mentioned in Quran in Al-Isra 24 quoted above.
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- Ask Allah to give them to life, forgiveness and blessings.
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- Recite Surah Al-Fatihah once and Surah Al-Ikhlas three times, and blesses them.
6. Be Patient with Them
Health problems or mood can make an aging parent challenging. The key is patience to deal with them.
Actionable Steps:
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- Remember that any inconvenience is carried forward with the sacrifices made by them.
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- If they repeat stories or complaints, instead of interrupting them, pay full attention.
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- Even if you disagree, do not argue.
7. Respect Their Opinions and Seek Their Advice
Parents have experience and knowledge of life. They feel appreciated when we take advice from them.
Actionable Steps:
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- Consult them for guidance on family or personal issues.
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- Even if you do not agree with their recommendations, recognize their concern.
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- Do not completely reject their opinion.
8. Maintain Family Ties for Their Sake
Family unity is a common concern for parents. Maintaining positive relations with family members makes them happy.
Actionable Steps:
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- Call or go to the family members whom they care.
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- To keep the family harmonious, resolve disputes.
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- To keep them connected, arrange family get-togethers for their peace of mind and relaxation.
9. Celebrate Them and Express Gratitude
In many cultures, thanking parents is not a priority. Islam promotes gratitude. We need to realize that without them we are nothing.
Actionable Steps:
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- Express gratitude for the small things they do. Say “Thank You”.
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- Celebrate their milestone in Islam or their birthday (without overboard).
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- Express your love for them in a hearty letter or poetry.
10.Honour Their Friends and Loved Ones
Honouring your parents is a condition for respecting those who are close to them.
Actionable Steps:
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- Show kindness to their neighbours and friends.
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- Help their loved ones if necessary.
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- If they are no longer with you, stay in touch with their loved ones.
11.Take Care of Them in Old Age
Once the Holy Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Who is not kind towards our youngsters and infants, and does not respect our elderly and senior people, he is not from among us.” (Tirmizi 1919)
This hadith shows that we should respect the elders and senior people.
Actionable Steps:
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- Make sure that if they are ill, they get the right medical attention.
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- Be emotionally for them; Loneliness hurts in old age.
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- Never ever thing about leaving parents in nursing home as they are your liability.
12.Fulfill Their Lawful Requests
Do your best to accommodate their requests, unless they are harmful or illegal.
Actionable Steps:
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- Priority what they demanded.
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- Keep your word and give a humble explanation if you are unable to complete it immediately.
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- Small things like bringing their favorite food make a big difference.
13.Seek Their Forgiveness Before It’s Too Late
If you have ever done wrong with them, then apologize sincerely. Before it is late, you have all regrets and sadness.
Actionable Steps:
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- Humbly ask them for your forgiveness. Surely, they will forgive you.
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- Do Istighfar (ask Allah for forgiveness) and if they are no longer with us, offer donations on their behalf.
14.Teach Your Children to Love and Respect Them
When this value is passed, mercy is maintained.
Actionable Steps:
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- Teach children to address grandparents with grace.
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- Urge them to help and serve your elders.
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- Your treatment with your parents should serve as an example for your children.
15.Remember Them After They Passed Away
After a parent passes away, the obligation to them continues for ever.
Actionable Steps:
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- Every day, offer prayers for them.
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- Make a recurring charitable contribution (Sadakah Jariyah) in his honour.
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- Pay any outstanding debts or any commitment.
Conclusion
In Islam, respecting one’s parents is a lifetime commitment. It includes everyday tasks of kindness, tolerance and thanks, in addition to large-scale gestures. We can fulfill this sacred obligation and can get the favour of Allah by putting these minor but reliable habits into practice.
Final Reminder:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The pleasure (رضا) of the Allah lies in the pleasure of the father and the displeasure (ناراضگی) of the Allah lies in the displeasure of the father.” (Tirmizi 1900)
To secure their place in Jannah and ensure our parents’ happiness, let us make it a daily goal to be among those who honour them.
Immediate Action Required:
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- Call your parents or see them now. Express your love for them and inquire about their needs.
May Allah give us the capacity to pay the utmost respect to our parents and bring us back together with them in Jannah. Ameen
