The Holy Quran emphasises the importance of respecting and fulfilling the duties towards parents in numerous verses. When we read Surah Maryam there are two verses which reflect Isa (AS) to be dutiful to his mother and Yahya (AS) to be dutiful towards his parents.
The story of Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist) carries profound lessons about reverence for old parents and dedication to righteousness. Prophet Yahya, known for his wisdom and righteousness, was born to the elderly couple Prophet Zakariya (Zechariah) and his wife, who had long been barren.
His birth was a miraculous blessing from Allah, and from a very young age, Yahya displayed an exceptional devotion to Allah and a deep sense of respect for his parents. As he grew older, Yahya (AS) embarked on his mission as a prophet, calling people to path of righteousness. Despite his significant role as a spiritual leader, Yahya (AS) never neglected his duties towards his parents.
One of the most renowned aspects of Prophet Yahya’s character was his unwavering commitment to honouring his parents and upholding familial ties. He understood the importance of fulfilling one’s obligations to family alongside one’s spiritual responsibilities.
In the Quran, Prophet Yahya is praised for his virtues, including his piety and kindness towards his parents: The verse reads: “And dutiful to his parents, and he was neither arrogant nor disobedient.” (Quran 19:14). This verse highlights Prophet Yahya’s exemplary behaviour towards his parents, emphasising his obedience and respect towards them.
Prophet Yahya’s story serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of respecting parents, regardless of one’s station in life. His devotion to his parents alongside his prophetic mission exemplifies the harmonious balance between spiritual duties and familial responsibilities in Islam. Through Prophet Yahya’s example, believers are encouraged to emulate his virtues of piety, humility, and reverence for parents, recognising that righteousness encompasses not only devotion to God but also kindness and respect towards one’s parents.
Another significant story from Islamic tradition that exemplifies the importance of serving parents is that of Prophet Isa (Jesus) and his mother, Maryam (Mary). Prophet Isa is revered in Islam as one of the mightiest messengers of God, born to Maryam through a miraculous conception. From a young age, Isa (AS) demonstrated deep love and respect for his mother, Maryam (AS). He would assist her in household chores, fetch water from the well, and provide for her needs with utmost care and devotion. Despite his exalted status as a prophet, Isa (AS) humbly served his mother, setting a timeless example of filial piety and respect.
One of the most poignant moments in their relationship is depicted in the Quran, where Maryam, holding the infant Isa (AS), faces her community’s accusations due to her unexpected pregnancy. In response, Isa (AS), still an infant, speaks from the cradle, defending his mother’s honour and proclaiming his divine mission: “Jesus declared, “I am truly a servant of Allah.
He has destined me to be given the Scripture and to be a prophet. He has made me a blessing wherever I go, and bid me to establish prayer and give alms-tax as long as I live and to be kind to my mother. He has not made me arrogant or defiant. Peace be upon me the day I was born, the day I die, and the day I will be raised back to life!” (Quran 19:30-33).
This passage highlights Isa (AS) acknowledgment of his duty towards his mother, emphasising the importance of serving and honouring parents alongside his prophetic mission. The story of Prophet Isa and Maryam (AS) serves as a powerful reminder in Islam of the significance of treating parents with kindness, respect, and compassion. It illustrates how even prophets, with their lofty spiritual ranks, upheld the sacred bond between parent and child, setting an example for believers to follow for generations to come.
Here are some key lessons from the Quran regarding the relationship between children and their parents:
Respect and Obedience: The Quran instructs believers to treat their parents with kindness, respect, and obedience, unless they are being commanded to commit sinful acts:
“We have enjoined upon man kindness to his parents, but if they exert pressure on you to associate with Me in My Divinity any that you do not know (to be My associate), do not obey them. To Me is your return, and I shall let you know all that you have done.” (Quran 29:8)
Kindness and Mercy: Children are urged to show kindness, mercy, and compassion towards their parents, especially in their old age:
“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.’” (Quran 17:24)
Patience and Kindness: The Quran advises children to exercise patience and kindness towards their parents, even in difficult circumstances:
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age (while) with you, say not to them [so much as], ‘uff,’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” (Quran 17:23)
These teachings from the Quran emphasise the significance of fulfilling the duties towards parents, including respect, obedience, kindness, gratitude, and prayers. In Islam, honouring and respecting parents is considered a fundamental aspect of faith and a means of attaining closeness to Allah.
Dr Showkat Rashid Wani is a Senior Coordinator, Directorate of Distance Education, University of Kashmir.