Islam commands us to honor our parents, to obey them, to respect their opinion, and to be kind in general to our family members.
One of the most important concepts for family life in Islam is known as “upholding family ties” (silat ar-rahim). The Quran and Sunnah contain many instructions for us to behave well with our family members, even if they are unbelievers.
In fact, Allah will maintain relations with those who are good to their families and He will cut off those who sever relations with their families.
Narrated Abu Huraira:
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “The word ‘Ar-Rahm (womb) derives its name from Ar-Rahman (i.e., one of the names of Allah) and Allah said: ‘I will keep good relation with the one who will keep good relation with you, (womb i.e. Kith and Kin) and sever the relation with him who will sever the relation with you, (womb, i.e. Kith and Kin). (Sahih al-Bukhari 5988)
Healthy family ties begin with “righteousness towards parents” (birr al-walidayn). Allah has commanded us in many verses to be excellent to our parents. Here are 35 ways you can respect your parents:
- Put away your phone in their presence
- Pay attention to what they are saying
- Accept their opinions
- Engage in their conversations
- Look at them with respect
- Always praise them
- Share good new with them
- Avoid sharing bad news with them
- Speak well of their friends and loved ones to them.
- Keep in remembrance the good things they did.
- If they repeat a story, listen like it’s the first time they tell it.
- Don’t bring up painful memories from the past
- Avoid side conversations in their presence
- Sit respectfully around them
- Don’t belittle/criticize their opinions and thoughts
- Avoid cutting them off when they speak
- Respect their age
- Avoid hitting/disciplining their grandchildren around them
- Accept their advice and direction
- Give them the power of leadership when they are present
- Avoid raising your voice at them
- Avoid walking in front or ahead of them
- Avoid eating before them
- Avoid glaring at them
- Fill them with pride even when they don’t think they deserve it.
- Avoid putting your feet up in front of them or sitting with your back to them
- Don’t speak ill of them
- Keep them in your prayers whenever possible
- Avoid seeming bored or tired of them in their presence
- Avoid laughing at their faults/mistakes
- Do a task before they ask you to
- Continuously visit them
- Choose your words carefully when speaking with them
- Call them by names they like
- Make them your priority above anything
Parents are treasure on this land and sooner than you think, that treasure will be buried. Appreciate your parents while you still can.
(Source: Born to be Muslim)
