Kindness to Parents - The Forgotten Worship - Jummah Update
Qur’an Verse
Allah says in the Qur’an:
وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ ٱلْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفٍّۢ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًۭا كَرِيمًۭا
”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 [even] ‘uff’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:23)
Hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said:
حَدَّثَنَا آدَمُ، قَالَ: حَدَّثَنَا شُعْبَةُ، قَالَ: حَدَّثَنَا يَعْلَى بْنُ عَطَاءٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ عَبْدِ اللهِ بْنِ عُمَرَ قَالَ: رِضَا الرَّبِّ فِي رِضَا الْوَالِدِ، وَسَخَطُ الرَّبِّ فِي سَخَطِ الْوَالِدِ.
“The pleasure of the Lord is in the pleasure of the parent. The anger of the Lord is in the anger of the parent.” (Tirmidhi)
Imam’s Statement
Showing kindness, mercy and righteousness towards our parents (Birr al-Walidayn) is a value that Allah has commanded in the strongest terms and that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized throughout his life. A value that many of us neglect, though it is one of the fastest routes to Paradise and one of the most beloved deeds to Allah.
Things to Consider
- Call your parents regularly —if they are alive, call them not just out of duty, but with love.
- Pray for them daily, especially if they have passed away. Give sadaqah on their behalf.
- Help them financially, even if they don’t ask.
- Speak with a soft tone, never showing irritation.
- Uphold their honor — speak well of them, maintain ties with their friends and relatives.
- Be there emotionally — listen to their worries, be their comfort.
This sermon was delivered at Dover Masjid on Friday, 25th July 2025 (30 Muharram 1447 AH)