Discover the profound importance Islam places on honoring parents. The Quran mentions kindness to parents immediately after the worship of Allah, showing their sacred status.
In Islam, honoring one's parents is one of the most important obligations after worshipping Allah. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the rights of parents and the duty of children to treat them with kindness, respect, and gratitude—especially as they grow old.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said that Paradise lies at the feet of mothers, highlighting the special status of mothers who endure pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing. Fathers too are honored for their role in providing, protecting, and guiding their children.
وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا إِلَّا إِيَّاهُ وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا
"And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment."
Al-Isra 17:23
إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ الْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَا أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًا كَرِيمًا
"Whether one or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honor."
Al-Isra 17:23
وَاخْفِضْ لَهُمَا جَنَاحَ الذُّلِّ مِنَ الرَّحْمَةِ وَقُل رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا
"And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.""
Al-Isra 17:24
وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ وَهْنًا عَلَىٰ وَهْنٍ وَفِصَالُهُ فِي عَامَيْنِ
"And We have enjoined upon man concerning his parents - his mother carried him, weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years."
Luqman 31:14
أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ إِلَيَّ الْمَصِيرُ
"Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the final destination."
Luqman 31:14
وَوَصَّيْنَا الْإِنسَانَ بِوَالِدَيْهِ إِحْسَانًا حَمَلَتْهُ أُمُّهُ كُرْهًا وَوَضَعَتْهُ كُرْهًا
"And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship."
Al-Ahqaf 46:15
Children must obey their parents in all matters that do not contradict Islamic teachings. Even a word of disrespect like "uff" is prohibited in the Quran.
Just as parents cared for us when we were helpless, we must care for them with patience and love when they become elderly and dependent.
Providing for parents' needs is an obligation. The Quran encourages spending on parents and giving them the best of what we have.
Making dua for parents—both living and deceased—is highly rewarded. The Quran teaches us to pray: "My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me."
Access the complete Quran with translations, generate personalized duas for your parents, and explore more Islamic teachings in Allah Speak.