As I speak to people worldwide, I often hear people say ”we are losing touch with our parents”. Even scholars make emphasis on this concern.
There is a growing disconnection between children and parents, and it’s becoming an issue that is hard to ignore.
We are all busy with work, responsibilities, and personal demands which constantly pulls us in different directions.
But the question remains: what could be more important than our parents?
In Islam, caring for them is more than a responsibility; it is a commandment from Allah (SWT). Yet, this sacred duty seems to be slipping away in modern times.
The Blessings of Caring for Our Parents
I’ve been caring for my grandparents, who are like my parents, since I was 10 years old. They raised me to become the person I am today. And now that my grandmother is in her late 80s, I continue to care for her.
Alhamdulillah, I’ve seen countless blessings that comes from this responsibility.
- Yes, it’s tough.
- Yes, I’ve had to sacrifice my youth, career, and many personal pursuits.
- But every hardship is worth it.
I always remind myself of the hadith: Mu’awiyah ibn Jahima reported: Jahima came to the Prophet (PBUH), and he said,
“O Messenger of Allah, I intend to join the military expedition, and I seek your counsel.” The Prophet said, “Do you have a mother?” He said yes. The Prophet said, “Stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet.”
This gives me the strength to continue serving my grandmother, even in her old age.
Personal Reflection
I understand that not everyone has the same experience. But I truly don’t understand why many people struggle to understand the importance of this sacred virtue.
Allah has commanded us to honour and care for our parents, especially in their old age. It’s not just a suggestion; it’s a divine obligation that comes with an immense rewards.
Islamic Teachings on Caring for Parents
In the Qur’an, Allah reminds us again and again of the importance of treating our parents with kindness and respect. One of the most powerful verses states:
“And We have commanded people to ˹honour˺ their parents. Their mothers bore them through hardship upon hardship, and their weaning takes two years. So be grateful to Me and your parents.”
(Surah Luqman 31:14).
This verse highlights the sacrifices our parents made for us. It also reminds us of the gratitude we owe them, and ultimately, Allah.
The Prophet’s Guidance
Our beloved Prophet also emphasised the significance of honouring parents. He said:
“The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of the parent, and the displeasure of Allah lies in the displeasure of the parent”.
(Tirmidhi 1899)
In this hadith, the Prophet clearly links our relationship with our parents to our relationship with Allah. If we want to earn Allah’s pleasure, we must first seek the pleasure of our parents.
