40 – Chapter: Dutifulness to Parents and Maintaining the Bonds of Kinship

Allah the Exalted says, “Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and be good to parents, relatives, orphans, the needy, the neighbor who is a relative, the neighbor who is a stranger, the companion at your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess.” (Q 4:36)

He also says, “Be mindful of Allah, in whose name you appeal to one another—and of the womb-ties.” (Q 4:1)

And He says, “Those who join together what Allah has commanded to be joined.” (Q 13:21)

And He says, “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and show kindness to parents. Should one or both of them reach old age while in your care, do not even say ‘uff’ to them nor repel them, but speak to them noble words. Lower to them the wing of humility, out of mercy, and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy on them as they reared me when I was small.’” (Q 17:23–24)

And He says, “We have enjoined on man care for 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.” (Q 31:14)

1/312 — Abu ʿAbd al-Raḥmān ʿAbd Allah ibn Masʿūd (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: I asked the Prophet ﷺ, “Which deed is dearest to Allah?” He said, “Prayer at its appointed time.” I asked, “Then what?” He replied, “Being dutiful to one’s parents.” I asked, “Then what?” He said, “Striving in the path of Allah.” Agreed upon.

2/313 — Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “A child can never fully repay his parent unless he finds him enslaved, then buys him and sets him free.” Narrated by Muslim.