and to relatives, orphans, the poor, the neighbor who is a relative, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion at your side, the traveler in need, and those whom your right hands possess. [An-Nisāʾ 4:36]

Allah the Exalted also says: “Be mindful of Allah, in whose Name you appeal to one another, and of the ties of kinship ⦗1⦘.” [An-Nisāʾ 4:1]

And He says: “Those who maintain what Allah has commanded to be joined.” [Ar-Raʿd 13:21]

And He says: “We have enjoined upon man that he treat his parents with excellence ⦗2⦘.” [Al-ʿAnkabūt 29:8]

And He says: “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you show kindness to parents. Should one of them, or both, reach old age in your care, do not say to them ‘Uff!’ ⦗3⦘ nor repel them, but address them with gracious words. Lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy on them as they raised me when I was small.’” [Al-Isrāʾ 17:23-24]

And He says: “We have enjoined upon man concerning his parents: his mother carried him in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years—give thanks to Me and to your parents ⦗4⦘.” [Luqmān 31:14]

317 – Abū ʿAbd ar-Raḥmān ʿAbdullāh ibn Masʿūd (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I asked the Prophet ﷺ, “Which deed is dearest to Allah the Exalted?” He replied, “Prayer at its proper time.” ⦗5⦘ I asked, “Then which?” He answered, “Being dutiful to one’s parents.” I asked, “Then which?” He said, “Striving in the path of Allah.” Agreed upon.

318 – Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “No child can fully repay his father unless he finds him enslaved, purchases him, and then sets him free.” ⦗6⦘ Narrated by Muslim.