The High Status of Parents

Islam ordains us to show the utmost kindness, gratitude and respect to one's parents, who raised us and made us who we are today. So elevated is their status, that after God and His messenger Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), we are commanded to obey and respect our parents next, out of all the human beings in this world.

"Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or more attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor. And out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say, "my Lord! bestow on them Thy Mercy, even as they cherished me in childhood." (Quran 17: 23,24)

And out of both of one's parents, the mother holds the higher position for a child, for the reason that she was the one who gave birth to him/her and played the most important role in shaping and raising a new life. Even if we tried, we can never pay off our debts to our parents.

"And We have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents. In travail upon travail did his mother bear him, and in two years was his weaning. Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents; to Me is thy final goal." (Chapter31: verse14)

Being obedient to parents is actually considered a form of worship, where a person can gain immense rewards. It's also actually said that paradise lies at the feet of the mother. Even if our parents hurt us, or scold us, we are not even allowed to so much as frown at them.

"He who wishes to enter Paradise through its best door must please his parents." - Saying of the Prophet.

"It is a pity that some people may not attain Paradise, on account of not serving their old parents." - Saying of the Prophet.

"A man or woman is bound to be good to his or her parents, even though they may have injured him or her." - Saying of the Prophet. 

May Allah guide us and help us always be kind and obedient to our parents, and may we always honor and respect them. Ameen.