For example...

For example, if there is a question of jihad (holy war), those who are able to fight the infidels, must take part in the battle, but if a young man possesses all the qualifications for participation in the holy war, except that his mother does not allow him to go (on the condition that his non - participation causes no damage to the Muslims), he can abstain from participation in the war solely because of his mother's prohibition, and decide to stay by her side.

A man came to the Noble Prophet of Islam, saying: "O, prophet of God! I am young and vigorous, and ready for action and service, and wish to go to the battle-front for the advancement of Islam, but my mother does not let me leave her and go to war." The Noble Prophet ·said: "Go and stay with your mother.

I swear to the God Who chose me as prophet that the spiritual reward which you receive for serving her even one night and making her happy with your presence, is greater than a one-year long holy war."[^1] Islam considers a respect for parents and observance of their rights to be the greatest duty of the people after the divine injunctions.

The Quran says in this connection: أَنِ اشْكُرْ لِي وَلِوَالِدَيْكَ "Be grateful to Me and to both your parents." (31:14) Here God Almighty, immediately after referring to His own right, speaks about the right of parents. A man came to the Seal of the Prophets and said: "O Prophet of God!

Guide me, to whom should I be good in order to benefit completely from my good deed?" He said: "Be good to your mother." He asked: "Next to her?" The Prophet repeated: "Be good to your mother." He said again: "And next to her?" The Prophet answered: "To your mother." The man said: To what other person should be good?" The Prophet said: "To your father."[^2] A man asked Imam Sadiq: "What is the favour that God has ordered in the Quran to be shown to parents?" The Imam answered: "It means that you should adopt a fine and admirable way in your association with them and not compel them to ask your help in time of need, but rather try to meet their needs before they ask you." God says: لَنْ تَنَالُوا الْبِرَّ حَتَّىٰ تُنْفِقُوا مِمَّا تُحِبُّونَ "By no means shall you attain righteousness until you spend benevolently out of the assets you love." (3:92) If your parents cause you uneasiness, you should not make them uneasy, and if they beat you up, you should not hurt them.

You should pray for them and throw nothing but a look of kindness and affection at them.

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