Islamic Teaching Regarding Good Care For Parents

Islam is a complete way of life. The teachings of Islam put a great emphasis on good behavior and taking care for parents. There are numerous verses in the Holy Quran that mention to be kind to the parents and to be obedient to them after belief in Allah. Muslims are advised to be good to their parents and take care of them on a daily basis especially when they are old and unable to look after themselves. Also It is advised by Islam to be good and kind to the parents whether they are Muslims or non-Muslims.
Allah says in the Holy Quran chapter 17 verse 23:

Thy Lord has decreed that ye worship none but Him and ye be kind to your parents.

A similar message is repeated in Chapter 31 verse 14:

And We have enjoined on men (to be good) to his parents, in travail upon travail did his mother bear him and in years two was his weaning (hear the command) , show gratitude to Me and to thy parents, to Me is the final destination 

Another verse shows how much important it is for people to be respectful towards their parents and to honor them and not to speak harsh with them. Allah says in the Holy Quran chapter 17 verse 23:

And Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him , and that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honor. 

Further it is told to make supplication for the parents and it is described as follows in chapter 17 verse 14 as:

My Lord Bestow upon them (parents) Your mercy as they did bring me up when I was small.

A similar message of being kind to parents is repeated in Chapter 46 verse 15 where Allah says:

We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents, In pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth. 



There are many Ah-hadith that is the sayings of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) that shows the importance of good care for the parents especially the mother.

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah(RA) said: A man came to Allah's messenger (PBUH) and asked " Which of the people is most deserving of my best companionship? He said Your Mother, He said Then who? He said, Then your mother. He said Then who? He said Then your mother , he said Then who? He said, then your Father. 
(Sahih Bukhari volume 8 hadith number 6500)

Being rude and disobediet to the parents is considered as one of the major sins.

Abdul Rahman bin Abi Bakrah narrated from his father who said Allah's messenger (PBUH) said thrice, Shall I not tell you of the biggest of the major sins? they said Of course O Messenger of Allah! He said To join partners with Allah and disobeying one's parents.
( Al Tirmizi hadith number 1901)

Let us pray to Allah that we are guided to be dutiful to our parents, respect and obey our parents and make our life in this world as well as the here after a peaceful place to live.