1097 – ‘Abd Allah ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with them) said: “A man came to the Prophet ﷺ asking permission to take part in jihad. The Prophet asked, ‘Are your parents alive?’ He replied, ‘Yes.’ The Prophet said, ‘Then strive in their service.’” Agreed upon. (1)
Ahmad and Abu Dawud record a similar wording from Abu Sa‘id which adds: “Go back and seek their permission; if they allow you, then go, otherwise remain with them and honor them.” (2)
–––
Vocabulary notes
• “Then strive in their service (fīhimā fajāhid).” The preposition fī attaches to the imperative and may indicate exclusivity. The first fa- answers an implied conditional clause, and the second fa- is likewise conditional, for the sentence carries the meaning: “If the matter is as you have stated, then confine your striving to serving your parents,” much like Allah’s words: “So it is Me alone that you should worship” (al-‘Ankabūt 29:56).
Points derived from the ḥadith
- Dutifulness to parents is an individual obligation, especially when they reach old age and depend on their child. Allah the Exalted says: “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and show kindness to parents” (al-Isrā’ 17:23); He also says: “Give thanks to Me and to your parents” (Luqmān 31:14); and: “Keep them good company in this world” (Luqmān 31:15).
A sound report in both Ṣaḥīḥ collections records that Ibn Mas‘ud said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, ‘Which deed is most beloved to Allah?’ He replied, ‘Prayer at its proper time.’ I asked, ‘Then what?’ He said, ‘Kindness to parents.’ I asked, ‘Then what?’ He said, ‘Jihad in the path of Allah.’”