وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا
Respecting Parents
Lesson 3—"Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents."
The Young Man and His Blind Mother
Long ago, there lived a young man whose mother had grown old and blind. Every morning before the sun rose, he would gently lift her from her bed, wash her face with warm water, and prepare her favourite food. He never complained. He never raised his voice. He spoke to her as if she were a queen.
One day, a friend asked him, "Why do you serve her so patiently? She cannot see what you do for her."
The young man smiled. "Allah sees. And that is enough for me."
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Paradise lies at the feet of your mother." (Ahmad, An-Nasa'i) He also said: "The pleasure of the Lord lies in the pleasure of the parent, and the displeasure of the Lord lies in the displeasure of the parent." (Tirmidhi)
Allah placed obedience to parents right after worship of Him in the Qur'an. That is how important it is.
Why Respecting Parents Matters
- It is a direct command from Allah. No excuse, no delay — kindness to parents is non-negotiable in Islam.
- It teaches gratitude. Children who honour their parents grow into adults who appreciate every blessing.
- It opens the door to Jannah. The Prophet ﷺ made the connection clear: serve your parents, earn Paradise.
- It shapes the next generation. Children who see respect modelled will one day receive it from their own children.
Try This at Home
This week's family challenge: Create a "Kindness Chart." Each day, your child does one small act of kindness for a parent — brings water, says "JazakAllah khair," gives a hug, or helps with a chore. Place a star on the chart for each act. At the end of the week, celebrate together with a special treat and a du'a.
Tip for parents: Speak gently to your own parents in front of your children. Let them hear you say "May Allah have mercy on you" to your mother. Let them see you kiss your father's hand. They will copy what they witness.
🖨️ Free Printable Poster
Print this poster and place it in a visible spot at home. Right-click and "Save image" — or screenshot the poster below.
Help them gladly
Make du'a for them daily
Paradise lies at their feet
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ