this life. It is established in Sahīh Muslim, on the authority of Abū Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—that the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him—said, “When a person dies, his deeds cease except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him.”1.

Al-Bukhārī also narrated in al-Adab al-Mufrad, through a sound chain of transmission, from Abū Hurayrah—may Allah be pleased with him—who said, “After a deceased person dies, his rank is raised, and he asks, ‘My Lord, how has this come about?’ He is told, ‘Your child sought forgiveness for you.’”2.

If praying that one’s parents receive mercy and forgiveness is an act of dutifulness and kindness, and a right that a son should take care to fulfill, then among the gravest sins and major transgressions is for a child to insult his parents—we seek refuge in Allah—whether directly, which is more serious, or indirectly by causing them to be insulted. It is narrated in the two Sahīhs from Abdullah ibn Amr—may Allah be pleased with him and his father—that the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—said, “Among the gravest major sins is for a man to curse his parents.” He was asked, “Messenger of Allah, how could a man curse his own parents?” He replied, “He insults another man’s father, so that man insults his father and his mother.”3.

It is also narrated in al-Adab al-Mufrad from Abdullah ibn Amr—may Allah be pleased with him and his father—that he said, “Among the major sins before Allah is for a man to cause his father to be insulted.”4.