The Holy Prophet (S) asked him, “What do you see, at this moment.

The Holy Prophet (S) asked him, “What do you see, at this moment.” “ O Prophet of Allah a dark and smelly man has got hold of me and is not leaving me.” The Holy Prophet (S) told him to recite the following Du’a, يامن يقبل اليسير ويعفوعن الكثير اقبل مني اليسيرواعف عني الكثيرانك انت الغفور الرحيم “Ya man Yaqbalul yasīra wa y’afo ‘Anil Kathīra Iqbal minnil Yasīra Wa ‘Āfo ‘Annil Kathīra.” Then asked, “Now what do you see?” He replied, “A fair complexioned man, handsome and fragrant, is moving towards me.” The Holy Prophet said, “Keep repeating this Du’a.” When the youth repeated this Du’a he said “O Prophet of Allah (S) both of them have disappeared from my sight.” After this the face of the Holy Prophet (S) was illuminated with joy.

He said, “O Allah forgive the sins of this young man.” Then the youth passed away.[^5] This tradition shows how difficult are the last moments of the Āq al-Walidayn. He leaves this world in disbelief and remains, forever, in Divine punishment. The tutor of Kalima for this young man was the Holy Prophet (S). In spite of this his tongue did not move till his mother forgive him. The blessings of the Holy Prophet (S) and the forgiveness of his mother brought salvation for this youth.

What is Āq al-Walidayn? Allama Majlisi (r.a.) writes in his commentary on al-Kāfi: Āq al-Walidayn means that the son or the daughter cause disrespect to parents by speech or actions. Or they do not obey them in matters which are within reason and matters which are not in any way against religion. Āq al-Walidayn is absolutely Harām. The books of traditions of both the Shias as well as the Sunnis validate this fact.

To look at the parents with anger is Āq , to cause unhappiness to the parents results in Āq . It is Harām to take any step, which one is sure, will displease the parents. Benevolence to Parents is Wajib The verses of the Qur’an as well as the traditions of the infallible Imams (a.s.) not only prohibit displeasing and angering the parents, but also stress that benevolence towards them is Wajib .

A few examples of the Qur’anic Ayats are presented for the readers: “And We have enjoined on man goodness to his parents.” (Surah Al-’Ankabūt 29:8) “Be grateful to Me and both your parents...” (Surah Luqmān 31:14) The above verse is specially worth noting for the fact that Allah (S.w.T.) has mentioned together gratefulness towards Himself and to the parents.

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