Be good to your parents and your children will be good to you. – Imam Ali (AS) The very first thought that comes to mind when we think about parents is that they gave us life (by the Grace of God) and brought us into this wonderful world. They cared for us for all the years of our life till we were grown up; they loved us and conferred upon us the ideas to live a honest, merciful and independent – the most important lessons of life. They are the people who have fed us, bathed us, and clothed us. They have kept a roof over your head and food in your mouth. Parents were our all-weather protector, the greatest gift of God, an epitome of love and sacrifice. Is is not the a reality of life that they were always ready to catch us when we fell? We do realize that they know far more than us and only wish that someday we have that much wisdom and knowledge when we become parents of our own. They were the one who appreciated and admired our minute achievements. They were our biggest cheerleaders. They have always been there to tell us just how proud of us they were for any of the just effort we made in life. They were our biggest supporters and the people who encouraged us to follow our dreams no matter how many times we tumbled down during the journey. They were your best friends. Our parents are foundation blocks of the family that is maintained by strong bonds of love, affection, respect and sacrifice for every member. In Islam, it is incumbent upon its followers to treat their parents kindly. “And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship.” Surah Al-Ahqaf Chapter 46 Verse 15. “Your Lord has decreed that you shall not worship anyone except Him, and [He has enjoined] kindness to parents. Should they reach old age at your side —one of them or both— do not say to them, ‘Uff!’ And do not chide them, but speak to them noble words. Lower the wing of humility to them, out of mercy, and say, ‘My Lord! Have mercy on them, just as they reared me when I was [a] small [child]!’” Surah Israa Chapter 17 verses 23-24 Uff is an interjection expressing displeasure and exasperation, indicating that one has been put out of patience. If Allaah has forbidden us to even say “uff” to our parents, then how about someone who hits them or turns them out or curses them? Once a Companion of the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) asked him, “Who is it that deserves my good treatment most?” He replied: “Your mother”. The Companion asked again. “Who’s next?” He again replied “Your mother”. The Companion asked for a third time: “Who’s next?” Again Messenger of Allah (pbuh) replied: “Your mother”. Then for the fourth time the Companion asked: “Who’s after that?” Messenger of Allah (pbuh) replied: “Your father”. Taking care of parents is one of the highest acts of worship.
