Should any of them or both reach old age at your side, do not say to them, ‘Fie!

Should any of them or both reach old age at your side, do not say to them, ‘Fie!’ And do not chide them, but speak to them noble words. Lower the wing of humility to them, mercifully, and say, ‘My Lord! Have mercy on them, just as they reared me when I was [a] small [child]!’ [3] “ These verses portray the high status of kindness to parents in Islam.

Ayatollah Faqih Imani writes in this regard: “Placing Unity, monotheism, which is the most fundamental principles of Islam, alongside with being kind and good towards one’s parents, is a further emphasis laid on this important Islamic commandment [4] .” These verses emphasize compassion and respect, particularly in the challenging phase of caring for elderly parents.

The prohibition against even the slightest expression of annoyance (“uff”) highlights the sensitivity Islam requires in treating parents with dignity and kindness. Beyond these direct instructions, the Quran provides examples of prophetic figures who exemplified exemplary behavior toward their parents.

Prophet Yahya (John) is described as being “good to his parents” [5] , and Prophet Isa ( Jesus ) is quoted as saying: ” and to be good to my mother, and He has not made me self-willed and wretched [6] .” These examples serve as role models for believers, demonstrating the virtue of parental devotion in practice. Meanwhile, the Quran also addresses the balance between obedience to parents and obedience to Allah.

While children are commanded to respect and obey their parents, this obedience is not unconditional. In cases where parents urge their children to associate partners with Allah, the Quran instructs: “But if they urge you to ascribe to Me as partner that of which you have no knowledge, then do not obey them. Keep their company honourably in this world and follow the way of those who turn to Me penitently.

Then to Me will be your return, whereat I will inform you concerning what you used to do [7] .” This verse exemplifies the balance between unwavering devotion to Allah and maintaining kindness and respect toward parents, even in disagreement. Allamah Tabatabai writes: “This means that if your parents put pressure on you to do something you have no knowledge about regarding God’s partners, then do not obey them and do not associate partners with God. ….

The human being must keep company with his parents in worldly matters aside from religion, which is the way of God.