The Supreme Lord of all the worlds has stated in many different places in the Holy Qur'an about the treatment of parents, about how to respect them, about following and obeying them, and about serving them.
In Surah Isra (Bani-Israel), Allah Ta'ala states "And your Lord commanded that worship not any else except Him and do good to parents. If either or both of them reach old age before you, utter not even a faint cry to them and chide them not and speak to them the word of respect. And spread for them the arm of humility with tender heart and say, "O my Lord: Have mercy on these both as they brought me up in my childhood." (Surah Isra, verse 23-24)
In another place He states "And we have stressed on man concerning his parents, his mother bore him undergoing weakness upon weakness and his weaning takes two years, Give thanks to Me and to your parents. Lastly the return is towards Me. And if they both strive to make you associate with Me a thing of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not and accompany them in the world very well and follow him who turned to me repenting, then to Me is your return. I shall inform you what you used to do." (Surah Luqman, verse 14-15)
In Surah Baqarah it is stated "And when We took covenant from the children of Israel that worship none save Allah and do good to parents." (Surah Baqarah, verse 83)
"Oh Beloved Say, whatever wealth you spend in good, then that is for parents and near relatives and orphans and the needy and the wayfarer. And whatsoever good you do, no doubt, Allah knows it." (Surah Baqarah, verse 215)
"And worship Allah, and do not associate anyone with Him and do good to parents" (Surah Nisa, verse 36)
"We have insisted on man to be kind towards parents. And if they strive to make you associate with Me of which you have no knowledge, then obey them not. To Me is your return, then I will inform you, what you used to do." (Surah Ankabut, verse 8)
This ayah and the ayahs from Surah Luqman and an ayah in Surah Ahqaf were revealed in respect of Sa'ad Bin Waqas radiallaho ta'ala anhu. According to Ibn Ishaaq, it was revealed regarding Sa'ad bin Malik Zahri radiallaho ta'ala anhu. His mother was Hasna bint Abu Sufyan bin Umayya bin Abdus Shamsh. Hazrat Sa'ad radiallaho ta'ala anhu was one of the early converts and used to treat his mother very well. When he accepted Islam, his mother said, "What is this that you have done? I swear by Allah, if you do not forsake this new religion, then I will neither eat nor drink, up to the point that I will die. You will be despised forever and it will be said that you killed your mother."
Then the old lady stopped eating and drinking and became very weak because of this. She did this for a few more days. Hazrat Sa'ad came to his mother and said, "Oh my mother, if you had 100 lives and one by one you would lose them all, even then I would not leave this religion of mine. You can choose to eat or not, but I am not going to forsake my religion. When she saw how firm Hazrat Sa'ad radiallaho ta'ala anho was in his resolve she was disheartened and started to eat and drink. Upon this incident these verses were revealed and the order was given that treat your parents well but if they order you to commit infidelity or polytheism then they must not be obeyed. (Khaza-inul Irfan). Allah Ta'ala through Hazrat Sa'ad is ordering all the Muslims to be dutiful to their parents and treat them well, and do not be lacking in their obedience.
Other than infidelity and going against the commands of Allah Ta'ala, you should always attempt to make them happy. If they order you to disobey Allah Ta'ala then you are allowed to ignore their commands.
In many places in the Holy Qur'an, when Tauheed (Oneness of Allah Ta'ala) is mentioned, where we are ordered to proclaim the Oneness of our Lord and where we are given compulsory duties, our attention straight away is drawn towards the rights of parents in very strong words. Even here, after dismissing the false beliefs of the idol worshippers, and strengthening the resolve of those on the true path, the attention of the reciters of the Qur'an is firmly drawn towards the rights of parents. Allama Ibn Manzoor writes that when the order is given by Allah Ta'ala, then it is our duty to ensure that we carry it out. In the preceding ayahs we are ordered time and again to serve, to obey and to make both our parents happy.
From these ayahs we also see that the status and rights of a mother exceed the rights of the father. There is reference to the pain and suffering that she goes through. As soon as the foetus is placed in the mother's womb, her whole body begins to compensate for the well being of the unborn child. Her own health suffers. Her sleep, diet and many other activities are adversely affected. She suffers from ill- health and this pain and suffering increases day by day. At the time of the birth of the child the mother suffers tremendous pain and agony, up to the point that she feels like she is almost dying.
After this suffering a new chapter opens, one where she has to care for the child, feed him, clothe him and care for him all night long in the event of illness. She sacrifices her sleep happily for the sake of the child. All of these burdens are taken on by the mother. After mentioning all these troubles, we are shown that the rights of the mother exceed the rights of the father. Further detail on this is provided in the following pages.
The Pleasure of The Parents Is The Pleasure of Allah Ta'ala
Hazrat Abdullah Bin Umar radiallaho ta'ala anhuma narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Allah's pleasure is in the pleasure of the parents, and Allah's displeasure is in the displeasure of the parents."
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Our Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam has shown us one of the ways to please our Lord. That is if you want Allah Ta'ala to be pleased with you, then the easy way to do this is to ensure that you keep your parents happy. To keep our parents happy, to ensure their pleasure, is not a difficult task. Many people spend a great deal of time trying to please the whole world, but are negligent when it come to pleasing their parents. Similarly, people are worried if their friends are upset, but do not care if their parents are upset or in distress. These people should learn from the aforementioned hadith of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam that the displeasure of parents is in actual fact the displeasure of Allah Ta'ala. To please them is in actual fact to please our Lord, and whoever pleases Allah Ta'ala will obtain the happiness of both worlds. May Allah Ta'ala, through the sadqa of His beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam, give us all the guidance to obtain the pleasure of our parents. Aameen
Obedience of the Father is Obedience of Allah Ta'ala
Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Obeying the father is obeying Allah Ta'ala, and disobeying the father is disobeying Allah Ta'ala." (Tibraani)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Nowadays people are very reluctant and unwilling to obey their fathers. In actual fact they are unaware of the status of the father. By giving the fathers obedience the same grade as obedience of Allah Ta'ala, and by giving the father's disobedience the same grade as disobedience of Allah Ta'ala, Allah's Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam has made us aware not to belittle the status of the father. Therefore we must remember that we should attempt to follow all the commands of our fathers if they fall within shariah commands. We should not invite calamity by disobeying our fathers. May Allah Ta'ala give us all the guidance to obey our fathers. Aameen
Parents Are Paradise for Children
Hazrat Abu Amama radiallaho ta'ala anhu states that a person came to Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and asked, "Yaa Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam, what rights do parents have over their children?" Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam replied, "They are your Paradise or your hellfire." (Mishkaat Shareef)
Subhan Allah! My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! By calling parents "your Paradise or your hellfire", Allah's Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam has alerted us that parents are great blessing for us. They are a means for your health in this world. Even before your birth, your home, food, clothing is arranged for you. Similarly, if you care for them, serve them, obey their commands and wishes, and always strive to keep them happy, then they can also be a means by which you can obtain Paradise. If you displease them or make them unhappy, then it is no loss to them. However, due to your being ungrateful, you will be deserving of hellfire. Therefore we should ensure that we please our parents, make them happy and be deserving of Paradise. May Allah Ta'ala, through the waseela of His Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam, give us the guidance to serve our parents. Aameen
Paradise is At the Feet of Your Mother
Hazrat Mu'awiyah bin Jaahim radialallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Hazrat Jahim radiallaho ta'ala anhu came to Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and said that he wanted to go for holy war (Jihad). He appealed to the Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam for advice. Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam asked him, "Is your mother alive?" He replied, "Yes, my mother is alive." Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Serve your mother, paradise is at her feet." (Mishkaat Shareef)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Jihad is undoubtedly a great form of worship. However, if our mother is alive and if she needs to be cared for and looked after, then it is our duty to care for her. We should serve her and kiss her blessed feet because Allah Ta'ala has placed Paradise at the feet of our mothers. We can obtain Paradise by giving our life in the path of Allah Ta'ala. Similarly, if one sacrifices his wealth, time and life to serve his mother, then Allah Ta'ala makes him deserving of Paradise. Paradise is not far away from the feet of the mother, but it is at the feet of our mothers. If your mothers are alive, kiss her feet every day and obtain the pleasure of kissing the doors of Paradise.
May Allah Ta'ala give a long, healthy life to all mothers and give us the guidance to kiss her feet and obtain the reward of kissing the doors of paradise. Aameen
Looking At Parents Equivalent to an Accepted Hajj
Hazrat Ibn Abbas radiallaho ta'ala anhuma narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Those that treat their parents well, each time they look at their parents with love, Allah Ta'ala writes for them the same rewards as an accepted Hajj. The companions asked, "What if someone looks at his parents a hundred times in a day?" Rasool Allah sallalahoa alaihe wasallam replied, "Allah is great and worthy of the greatest respect." (Mishkaat)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! The excellence of looking at our parents has been told to us by Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam. To look at them once with love is the same reward as an accepted Hajj. Allah O Akbar! What can be the reward for an accepted Hajj other than Paradise? If our Hajj is accepted then it is as though we have just been born. Therefore to look at parents with love is a means of freedom from sins and a means to obtain Paradise. If only the Muslims of today would understand the importance of this hadith and look at their parents with love. May Allah Ta'ala guide us all to look at our parents with love. Aameen
A Father's Prayer (Dua)
Whatever prayer (dua) is made by parents on behalf of their children, this prayer is accepted by Allah Ta'ala. Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Three peoples prayers is always accepted, a father's prayer for his children, a traveller's prayer and the prayer of an oppressed person."
We learn that three Duas are never rejected and one of them is the Dua of a father for his children. Rather the prayer is made from the heart and those prayers made from the heart are accepted in the court of the Lord of all the worlds. It is very rare to find any father in the world who is not sincere in his love for his children. They are the coolness of the eyes of all fathers. A father brings up his children with great love and tenderness and puts up with lots of hardships. After growing up, children feel they no longer need their father, they move away from his affection and therefore move away from his prayers, and do not attempt to obtain the blessings through them. Just as his kindness was important and necessary during your childhood, similarly his prayers on your behalf are just as important today. If he is unable to serve you today, then it is your duty to serve him and obtain his prayers. His prayers will solve your difficulties. May Allah Ta'ala guide us all to obtain the prayers of our fathers. Aameen
Mother's Right is Greater
A mother's favours on us are greater and that is why Allah Ta'ala's Beloved sallalaho alaihe wasallam has given more rights to the mother than the father. To especially serve the mother has been emphasised by Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that one time a person came to Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and asked, "Who is most deserving of my service?" Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam replied, "Your mother." He then asked, "After that?" Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam replied, "Your mother." The person asked, "After that?" Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam replied, "Your mother." Once again he asked, "After that?" Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam replied, "Your father" (Sahi Bukhari, Mishkaat Shareef)
The excellence of a mother is evident from this blessed Hadith. We can see how exalted and high status a mother has in the sight of Allah Ta'ala and his Beloved sallalaho alaihe wasallam. The questioner asked the same question four times and three times on the blessed lips of the Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam were the words "your mother" and the fourth time the reply was "your father."
Think, Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam stated three times that the mother is most deserving of being served and being favoured and the fourth time it was the father. The reason for this is that for nine months the mother withstands the pain and burden of pregnancy. Then for two years she breast-feeds the child. What is this milk? In actual fact it is her blood that she is gladly feeding her child. She then sleeps the child close to her and cleans the child's impurities. If the child wets the bed, then the mother will sleep on the wet part and will lay the child on the dry part. She stays up all night nursing the child through sickness and withstands many troubles. These are the reasons that Islam has given more rights to the mother.
The mother of all believers, Hazrat A'aisha Siddiqa radiallaho ta'ala anha states that she asked Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam, "Who has most rights on a woman?" Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam replied, "Her husband." Then she asked, "Who has most rights on a man?" He replied, "His mother."
Imam E Ahle Sunnah, Mujaddid E Deen O Millat, Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Mohaddis e Bareilly rehmatullahe ta'ala alaihe says that this means that in serving parents, one must serve the mother first. If there is no urgent need or emergency, if you have 100 rupees, you should give 25 to your father and 75 to your mother. If both parents ask you for water at the same time you should serve your mother first, then your father. If they both return from a journey then you should tend to your mother first then your father.
However, this does not mean that if an argument arises between the parents, that you must side with your mother and displease your father by insulting him or talking loudly at him. These things are forbidden by Allah Ta'ala. We can not obey our mother or our father in something that is forbidden by Allah Ta'ala. Therefore you should not side with either parent in this case. They are both our Paradise and hellfire and if we upset one of them then we will be deserving of hellfire.
The commands of Allah Ta'ala supersede all others. For example, if a mother wants a child to insult or upset the father, and the child refuses, the mother will be upset. In this instance we are not allowed to obey her and if she is upset, so be it. Similarly if a father is upset because we will not insult or fight with our mother then that is also acceptable. The reason for this is that by obeying either one of them we are disobeying Allah Ta'ala. Our scholars have stated that the mother has more right to be served as we have previously stated, and that the father has more right to be respected. This is because the father has authority and rule over the mother also. (Fatawa-e-Razviah, part 1). May Allah Ta'ala give us the guidance to observe the rights of our mothers and serve them. Aameen
Motherhood
A mother's love for her children is immense. She is willing to withstand everything but is not able to see her child in pain. Children are more precious to a mother than her own life.
During the lifetime of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam a companion divorced his wife for some reason. He also wanted to take his child. The mother was devastated. On top of the fact that her husband was gone, now her child, her means of peace and support was also being taken away. In this worried and panicky state, she came to the court of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and presented her case as follows:
"Oh Allah's Beloved sallalaho alaihe wasallam, my husband has divorced me, and I am void of his support and his protection. Now he also wants to take my child away from me."
"Oh Mercy to all the worlds, sallalaho alaihe wasallam, this is my beloved son, my stomach is his bed, my chest is his feeding place, and my lap is his home. I get peace and contentment from him. Oh Beloved of Allah Ta'ala, sallalaho alaihe wasallam, how will I cope with this calamity?"
Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam suggested that they draw lots for who should have the child. The child's father stepped forward and said, "This is my son, who can look out for my son's best interests better than me?"
Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam looked at the child and said, "Son, take the hand of whomever you wish." The young child took hold of the hand of his mother. Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said to the mother of the child, "Go, no-one can take this child away from you until you marry someone else." (Islam and the Respect of Parents)
Voice of Motherhood From a Heart
It is reported that a person became besotted and fell in love with a woman. He wanted to marry her. This despicable lady agreed to marry him on the condition that he slices his mother's chest and brings her the heart of his mother. This heinous person listened to the lady and one night he murdered his mother, sliced open her chest and took out her heart. He took the heart and was on his way to the lady. On the way there he stumbled and tripped and the heart fell out of his hand and landed a short distance away. At that time a voice was heard from the heart saying, "My son, are you hurt?"
This is the love that a mother has for her child. There is no example of this love anywhere. Even after death a mother is not able to see her children in pain.
Rights of a Mother
One person carried his mother on his shoulders and performed Hajj seven times. During the seventh Hajj he thought that maybe I have fulfilled my duty and fulfilled the rights of my mother. That night when he slept he had a dream and saw that he was a baby and was sleeping. It was winter and he was sleeping close to his mother. He soiled the bed and saw that his mother got up and cleaned the bed of the impurities. Due to poverty, that was the only thing that they had to sleep on. He saw that on this cold night, his mother slept on the wet part of the bed and laid down the child on her chest. He heard a voice saying, "Fulfilled your rights? You have not fulfilled the rights of this one night yet."
One person came to Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and said, "Whilst travelling there was a place where the ground was so hot that if you placed a piece of meat on the ground it would be cooked. I carried my mother on my shoulders for six miles over such ground. Have I fulfilled the rights of my mother?" Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam replied, "The pangs of pain that your mother went through when she was giving birth to you, maybe you have repaid the debt for one of those pangs." (Tibraani)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! The significance of the pain that is experienced by our mothers at the time of our birth is being mentioned here. May we be sacrificed at the service that the companions did for their parents. Carrying his mother on his shoulders for six miles over scorching hot ground in the hope that maybe I can fulfil the rights of my mother. However, the Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam is showing the significance of this action in relation to the pain that is experienced by the mother. This way each child can appreciate the pain that his mother goes through when he is born, and the child will therefore forever be obedient and will serve his mother. May Allah Ta'ala give us all the guidance to understand the status of our mothers. Aameen
Treatment of the Mother
Sayyedina Hazrat Ibn Umar radiallaho ta'ala anhuma states that a person came to Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and said, "I have committed a grave sin, is there any way for me to obtain forgiveness?" Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam asked him, "Is your mother alive?" He replied that she was not alive. The Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam asked, "Is your aunt alive (mother's sister)?" This time he replied in the positive. The Mercy to all the worlds' sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Treat her well and with kindness." (Tirmizi Shareef, Part 2, Page 21)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees, this incident tell us about the status and the religious significance of mothers. If a person commits a very heinous sin, the way for him to avoid punishment and for him to please Allah Ta'ala is shown to us by the Paragon of Mercy sallalaho alaihe wasallam. That is to treat the mother with kindness and this will be a means of obtaining Allah's mercy. If the mother has departed from this world then by treating her sister with this same kindness and affection, we are able to make our hereafter better. This incident also tells us about keeping good relations with our extended family members.
Treatment of the Foster Mother
Hazrat Abu Tufail narrates that I saw Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam at Ja'rana (a town outside Makkah) and he was distributing meat. Suddenly a lady appeared and approached Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam. The Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam laid down his blanket for her. I asked the other companions about the identity of this lady. People told me, "This is the foster mother of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam whose milk he drank."
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! The life of Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam is an example for us all. We have been ordered by Allah Ta'ala to follow in his footsteps. However, our situation is that those things that are easy to copy we emulate and those things that are difficult we ignore. We start to make excuses as to why we are unable to do those things. Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam is showing us the respect of a foster mother. What is a foster mother? A lady, not the birth mother, but whose milk is drunk by a child is known as a foster mother. We should take account of how those that claim to love Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam treat their birth mothers. May Allah Ta'ala guide us all to follow the teachings of His Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam. Aameen.
Excellence of Kissing the Mother's Feet
One day a person said to Hazrat Abu Ishaq rehmatullahe alihe that I saw your beard covered in diamonds and jewels in a dream last night. He replied, "You have spoken the truth as last night I kissed the feet of my mother and this is the blessings of that action." He then recited a hadith that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said "Allah Ta'ala has written on the supreme tablet (Loh E Mahfooz), I am the Lord and no-one is worthy of worship except Me, whosoever's parents are happy with them I am also happy with them." (Nuzhatul Majaalis)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! The aforementioned incident and Hadith tells us about the blessings and excellence of kissing the feet of the mother. Alongside the Oneness of Allah Ta'ala, the Supreme Lord has written that by pleasing your parents, it may appear that they are being pleased, the reality is that in pleasing them you are pleasing your Lord. Therefore it is important that we do not find ourselves lacking in pleasing and keeping our parents happy.
Angels Come to Visit
Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam has said, "Whoever visits his parents graves, or one of their graves with the intention of reward, he is rewarded the same as an accepted Hajj. Whoever visits one or both of his parent's graves regularly, then angels will come to visit his grave."
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! When parents are alive they are a means of comfort for their children. Obedient children, by serving their parents, by visiting their parents and by pleasing their parents become deserving of untold blessings and rewards. Even after they pass away their service and respect is necessary.
Therefore our Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam has said that those that visit their parents graves do not only get reward for praying fatiha, but he has given them the glad tidings that they will be rewarded the same as an accepted Hajj. And for further blessings, when the person who visits his parents graves regularly leave this world, Allah Ta'ala's innocent angels will visit his grave. Subhan Allah! May Allah Ta'ala guide us all to serve our parents to gain rewards and make us understand that this is our duty to serve them. Aameen.
Reward for Serving the Mother
Hazrat BaYazeed Bustami radiallaho ta'ala anhu states that on a cold winter night his mother requested water. When he brought water his beloved mother had fallen asleep. He felt it disrespectful to wake his mother and stood there waiting for her to wake up by herself. When she woke up she again asked for water. He presented the glass. One drop of water had fallen on my finger and had frozen due to the extreme cold. When I tried to remove it a piece of skin came off and started to bleed. My mother asked me what had happened. I explained the whole incident to her and she started to make dua. She said, "O Allah, I am happy with him, You also be pleased with him." When he was in the womb of his mother she never ate any foods that were doubtful (in terms of where they had come from, halaal etc).
Hazrat BaYazeed further states that when he was twenty years old his mother was lying down. He put his arm under his mother's head as a pillow. The hand went numb, but out of respect and not wanting to spoil his mother's sleep he did not remove his hand. At that time I kept reciting Surah Ikhlaas up to the point that I recited "Qul Huwal Laaho Ahad" ten thousand times. Due to the service of my mother I lost the use of my arm. (Due to lack of blood circulation that arm became paralysed).
After he had passed away, a friend saw him in a dream. Hazrat BaYazeed was walking very happily in Paradise and was busy in the remembrance of Allah Ta'ala. The friend asked, "How did you get this status?" Hazrat BaYazeed replied, "Treating my parents well, serving them, and being patient when they used stern words has given me this status because Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam has said "Whoever is obedient to his parents and obedient to Allah Ta'ala, his status will be greatly elevated." (Nuzhatul Majaalis)
Hazrat Musa's Companion in Paradise (alaihis salaam)
Allama Ibn Jauzi rehmatullahe alaihe writes in "Kitab Ul Munazzam Fi Tawarikhul Umam" that Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam made dua to Allah Ta'ala to show him in this world who his companion in Paradise would be. He was told to go to a certain town and meet a butcher as that was his companion in Paradise. Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam went to this town and as soon as the butcher saw him he invited Hazrat Musa to have dinner with him. Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam accepted the invitation. The butcher took Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam to his house and placed the food before him. When they began eating, the butcher would eat one morsel of food and would place two morsels of food in a large carrier. Suddenly there was a knock on the door and the butcher went to answer the knock. When he left Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam looked in the carrier. The parents of the butcher, who were very old and weak, were in it. When they saw Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam, they both smiled, testified to his Prophethood, accepted his faith and immediately passed away.
When the butcher returned and saw that his parents had passed away, he smiled, kissed the hand of Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam and accepted his faith. He said, "You are the Prophet of Allah Ta'ala." Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam asked, "How did you know?" He said, "These are my parents. I never left them alone and would take them everywhere in this carrier. Also I would never eat until I had fed them. When they were satisfied from their hunger each day they would make dua to Allah Ta'ala, "Oh Allah, give this son of ours the companionship of Hazrat Musa in Paradise and do not give us death until we see your Prophet Musa alaihis salaam." Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam said, "Oh young man, let me give you the glad tidings that this prayer of your parents has been accepted by Allah Ta'ala." (Nuzhatul Majaalis)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved admirers, what amazing rewards are obtained for serving parents faithfully. How intelligent were those parents that asked for their son to be with Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam in Paradise. In reality, the prayers of parents are obtained by obeying them and serving them sincerely. Even when Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam was eating at his house, the butcher did not forget his parents and kept presenting the food to them, and upon this service Allah Ta'ala made him the companion of His Prophet in Paradise. May Allah Ta'ala guide us all to serve our parents obediently. Aameen
A Mothers Prayer (Dua)
Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam intended to travel to Syria. After walking some distance he became tired. Allah Ta'ala said to him, "In a particular valley behind the mountain, there is a group of people. Amongst them is a very special bondman of mine. Go and ask him for a means of transport." Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam found this person praying Salah. When he had finished Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam said, "Oh bondman of Allah, I need a means of transport." This person looked up towards the sky and a cloud started coming towards him. He said to the cloud, "Come down and take this person where he wishes to go." Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam got on the cloud and continued his journey.
Allah Ta'ala said, "Oh My Prophet, let me tell you why he has this status. Listen, I have given him this status because of his service and obedience to his mother. His mother beseeched Me and said "O my Lord he has always tended to my needs, I beseech You to always tend to and look after his needs and give him whatever he desires." Because of this, If he was to ask for the heaven to be overturned onto the earth I would accept that." (Nuzhatul Majaalis)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved admirers, from the aforementioned incident you can see how amazingly Allah Ta'ala accepts the prayers that a mother makes for her child. Very fortunate are those people that dutifully serve their parents and become deserving of the bounties and blessings of Allah Ta'ala. May Allah Ta'ala guide us all to serve our parents with sincerity. Aameen
Longer Life
Hazrat Mu'az radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Whoever serves and obeys their parents Allah Ta'ala gives them blessings (barkat) in their life (gives them a longer life)"
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Who does not want a longer life? Some attempt it through medicine, some attempt it through prayer. The Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's words are definitely true. He has proclaimed that obedience of and serving parents leads to a longer life. If one wishes to live a longer life, he can obtain this by serving his parents. Insha Allah, not only will he have a longer life but his children will also be obedient to him.
In another narration it is reported that Hazrat Musa alaihis salaam received a revelation from Allah Ta'ala stating to be obedient to parents, as the one who is obedient to his parents, Allah Ta'ala will give him blessings in his age and will give him obedient and righteous offspring. Those that are disobedient to their parents, their age is made shorter and their children will be disobedient.
Children's Property Belongs to the Parents
It is reported that one person came to Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and complained that his father would take his property without permission. His father was called and he came leaning on a walking stick. When he was asked about his son's claim the father said, "When I was strong and he was weak, when I was wealthy and he was poor I did not stop him from taking from my wealth. Now he is strong and I am weak, and he is wealthy and I am poor but he is being miserly towards me." Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam listened to the old man and began to cry and said, "Whichever rock and stone heard your story is also crying." He then turned towards the son and said, "You and your possessions belong to your father!" (Tafseer Roohul Bayaan)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! We should never forsake our elders. How weak were we when we were small and young? We were unable to do any task ourselves. We could not carry out any desire that we had and were totally dependent on our parents for everything. Now if they have reached an old age, it is our responsibility to ensure that their desires and wishes are fulfilled. We are also going to be old one day. If we pay attention to our parents' desires in their old age, then Insha Allah when we reach that stage our children will look after us. May Allah Ta'ala give us the guidance to sacrifice our wealth and possessions for the sake of our parents. Aameen
The Result of Disobeying Parents
Disobeying parents means not obeying and not following the commands of your parents, not fulfilling their rights and doing things that displease them or upset them. This may be just by saying "uff" to them or looking at them angrily as this may upset them. Allah Ta'ala, with great emphasis, has forbidden speaking harshly to parents and even saying "uff" to them in the Holy Qur'an. He says "utter not a faint cry to them and chide them not." Those that chide or speak harshly to their parents are warned, "And he who said to his parents, Fie, I am fed up with you both, do you promise that I shall be brought forth again, whilst generations have already passed before me? And they both cry unto Allah for help, Woe to you: believe you, verily that promise of Allah is true."
To see what kind of punishment and troubles befalls one who is disobedient to parents. Let us look at some Ahadith.
Deprived of The Fragrance of Paradise
The Mercy of all the world's sallalaho alaihe wasallam has said that "do not be disobedient to your parents. The sweet fragrance of paradise is smelt from 1000 years distance away, however, one who is disobedient will not smell the sweet scent of Paradise. Similarly, those that break relations, the adulterer, and one who keeps his pants length below the ankle due to pride, these people will also not smell the fragrance of Paradise. Undoubtedly Magnificence is for Allah Ta'ala alone."
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! The smell of perfume, ittar, flowers etc gives peace to us. This is the sweet smell of worldly things. Allah Ta'ala has made Paradise so beautifully that the fragrances of Paradise are not like the fragrances of this world in that they are felt for a few feet or a short time. Our Beloved sallalaho alaihe wasallam has told us that is can be smelt 1000 years distance away. How unfortunate is that person that disobeys his parents and is not able to smell the sweet scent of Paradise. And when he is not able to smell the scent of Paradise, how will he be able to enter Paradise itself? May Allah Ta'ala make us deserving of the scent of Paradise and make us deserving of Paradise itself and save us from all sins. Aameen
To Make Parents Cry is Forbidden
Hazrat Abdullah Bin Umar radiallaho ta'ala anhuma says that to make the parents worry or to make them cry is a big sin (Gunah e Kabeera). He says that to make parents cry is disobedience and it is amongst the greater sins.
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Never make your parents cry or make them worry as this displeases Allah Ta'ala greatly and this will lead to a large sin in your book of deeds. May Allah Ta'ala keep us free from ever teasing or worrying our parents. Aameen
Punishment of One Who Beats His Parents
The famous companion Hazrat Anas radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "There are seven types of people upon whom Allah Ta'ala will not look at with mercy, will not purify and will not assemble them with other people unless they repent and seek forgiveness. If they repent, Allah Ta'ala accepts their repentance and forgives them.
1) A person who fornicates (adulterer). 2) The person who commits sodomy. 3) The person who allows sodomy to be committed on him. 4) Person who drinks alcohol. 5) People who beat parents up to the extent that they need to complain. 6) One who torments his neighbour so much that he is forced to shout and swear. 7) One who commits adultery with his neighbours wife." (Narrated In Baihiqi- Part on Faith)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! We have heard about sinners that will not be looked upon with mercy by Allah Ta'ala. A full book could be written on each of these sins but because our subject now is parents we will stay focused on that. My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees, parents bring up a child with love and compassion and he reaches adulthood. If a child beats or hits his parents or forces them to seek help after being brought up, such a tyrant and oppressor will not be looked upon with mercy by Allah Ta'ala.
Tell me, if the Mercy of Allah Ta'ala forsakes us then what hope do we have on the day of judgement? If we want to be worthy of the Mercy of Allah Ta'ala and if we are guilty of any of the above-mentioned sins, then ask for forgiveness from Allah Ta'ala and promise not to commit them again. Allah Ta'ala is the Forgiving, the Merciful, and forgives His bondmans mistakes. May Allah Ta'ala save us from all these seven sins and make us worthy of His Mercy. Aameen.
Reason for Reduction In Livelihood
Hazrat Anas radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "When a person stops praying (making dua) for his parents, Allah Ta'ala reduces his subsistence and livelihood." (Kanzul Aa'Maal)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Who does not desire to be well off? Everyone desires this but what deeds do they do? They do the deeds that are shown to them by worldly people and do not listen to the deeds that are told us by Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam. How amazing it is that they figure out that the reason for the reduction in their livelihood is many things but do not think that it is because they have stopped making dua for their parents.
Therefore, keep what our Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam has said in your hearts and from today, ensure that after every namaz you say a prayer and wish for good things for your parents. Always remember the following dua, "Rabbij alni muqiimas salatay wa min zurriyyati Rabbana wataqabbal dua. Rabbig firlee waley waaley dayya wa lil mo'mineena yauma yaqoomol hisaab"(Surah Ibrahim Part 13, ayah 40-41) (Oh my Lord, keep me as an establishor of prayer and some of my children too. O our Lord, and accept my prayer. O our Lord, forgive me, and my parents and all Muslims on the day when reckoning shall take place. (Kanzul Iman)
May Allah Ta'ala guide us all to act upon the teachings of His Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam. Aameen
The Worst Punishment on the Day of Judgement
Hazrat Abdullah Ibn Abbas radiallaho ta'ala anhuma narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "On the day of judgement, the worst punishment will be given to him who has killed any Prophet or one whom any Prophet has killed, also one who kills either one of his parents, one who makes pictures and that scholar (alim) who does not use the knowledge that he has." (Rawahul Baihiqi Fi Sha'bal Iman)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! There has been some tribes who have soiled their characters with the murder of Prophets, like the Jews. There has also been insurgents who rebelled against Prophets and opposed them in a conflict and were killed by the Prophets. Their abode is the fire of Hell. The murderers of parents have been mentioned in the same strict words by Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam. How stone hearted must that person be who kills a Prophet, as Prophets come to show the way to Paradise and to give us contentment and peace? Similarly parents make many sacrifices and withstand many difficulties, and their only desire is to see their children happy and contented. However if a tyrant son becomes his parent's murderer, then such a ingrate will be given a frightening punishment by Allah Ta'ala to pay for his crime. Therefore, never even think about committing such a heinous act. May Allah Ta'ala protect us from such thoughts. Aameen
Risking A Bad Ending (Death)
The biggest punishment for one who is disobedient to his parents will be faced by him in this world and that is that he will not be blessed with the kalima at the time of death. We can see this from many Ahadith. Hazrat Abdullah bin Abi Aufa radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that we went to Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and said, "There is a young man who is between life and death. We are urging him to recite the kalima but he is unable to do so." Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam asked if he was punctual in his Salah (Namaz). The answer was given in the positive.
Upon hearing this Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam stood up and we also stood up. The Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam went to the young man and said, "say La Ilaha Illal Laah." The young man said, "I do not have the strength in my tongue to recite these words." When he was asked why, he replied that he was disobedient to his mother. Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam asked if his mother was still alive. The companions replied that she was. The order was given for the mother to be brought. When she appeared Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam asked her if that was her son. She said that he was.
Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "If a great fire was made and you were told that unless you intercede for your son he will be thrown into this fire, would you intercede for your son?" (A mother is always a mother. Her heart is full of love and mercy for her child. She will cope with the disobedience and injustice of her child, but she will never be able to withstand the fact that her child would be burnt in blazing fire because of her. She realised from the question what was meant by Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and what the future would be for her son. She was aware that her son would not be burnt in the fire of this world, but in a fire much worse and fiercer and that is the fire of Hell). Upon hearing this question the mother immediately said, "I will intercede for him."
Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Make Allah Ta'ala and me witness that you are pleased and happy with your son." She said, "Oh my Lord, I am making You and Your Beloved witnesses that I am pleased with my son." Then Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam turned to the young man and said, "recite La Ilaha Illal Laaho Muhammadur Rasool Allah, (sallalaho alaihe wasallam), and this time the young man recited the full kalima. The Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam thanked Allah with these words, "Thanks be to Allah who saved this young man from the fire of Hell."
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! We see that whether it is friends of Allah Ta'ala or companions, all people will receive punishment for disobedience and will receive reward for obedience to parents. We should all take a lesson from and heed the teachings of the previous Hadith, and obey our parents if we desire a peaceful and good ending. A mother is first a mother and even if the child teases and disobeys her greatly, when he is in trouble the mother will forgive and forget all the pain the child has caused her. May Allah Ta'ala give us all a peaceful and tranquil ending. Aameen
Compulsory (Farz) or Voluntary (Nafil) Deeds Not Accepted
Hazrat Abu Amamah Bahli radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "There are 3 types of people whose compulsory or voluntary worship will not be accepted by Allah Ta'ala. One who troubles his parents, one who gives charity and then brags about his favours and one who does not believe in destiny (Taqdeer)." (Fatawa Razvia)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! A person spends a lot of time performing voluntary (Nafil) deeds, yet he does not worry about whether his parents are in need of his help. This leads to the parents being troubled and grieved.
Similarly, if one is always busy in compulsory acts of worship but he teases or grieves his parents, tortures them with his tongue, he may think he is a very pious and devoted worshipper. Such a person should take a lesson from the aforementioned Hadith that Allah Ta'ala does not accept any worship of one who grieves his parents. May Allah Ta'ala guide us to serve our parents and have our worship accepted. Aameen
Immediate Punishment for Disobeying Parents
Hazrat Abu Bakr radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Allah Ta'ala forgives any sin that He wishes, however, the disobedience of parents is not forgiven. Such a sin is punished in this world." Some incidents show us that sometimes the son is actually innocent, but because of a slight oversight or forgetfulness the parents are displeased as you will see from the following incident.
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Allah Ta'ala bestows great benevolence on his bondmen. If a person is ashamed and regrets his sins and sheds tears and asks Allah Ta'ala for forgiveness, His Mercy is kindled and he forgives him without any punishment. But those that tease and grieve the parents, they are given punishment in this world. Which one of us has the strength to tolerate the punishment of Allah Ta'ala? If not, then for Allah's sake, refrain from grieving the parents. May Allah Ta'ala make us all able to please our parents. Aameen
Cautionary Incident Involving Hazrat Jareez
One time the Communicator of the unseen, the Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam told the tale of a famous friend of Allah Ta'ala amongst the previous nations. His name was Jareez. He was a devoted worshipper and would constantly be busy in the remembrance of Allah ta'ala in his place of worship. One day he was busy in prayer and his mother came to call him and said out loud, "Oh Jareez." He thought to himself, "Oh my Lord my mother is calling me and I am busy in your worship, what should I do? Should I heed my mother's call or continue with my prayer." He continued in this predicament for a while and then decided on one course of action and continued with his prayer. His mother waited for a short while and then left. The next day she came again to call him and once again called out, "Oh Jareez!" Again he thought for a while and continued on with his prayer on this day as well. (He did not respond to the call of his mother and his mother was very hurt and distressed at being ignored like this). She made a malediction (bad dua) in the court of Allah Ta'ala like this, "Until Jareez does not come face to face with a prostitute, do not give him death."
Amongst the children of Israel there was great mention of Jareez and his worship. One obscene woman came to him with a despicable intention. (She was extremely attractive and her beauty was talked about far and wide). Jareez paid no attention to her. She approached a shepherd and he was taken in by her charm and cunning ways and he had relations with her. This resulted in her becoming pregnant. When the child was born she said the father was Jareez. The people surrounded Jareez's place of worship and tore it down. He asked then what they were doing and why they were doing it. They replied that you are an adulterer. There has been born a child to an immoral woman because of you. Jareez asked where they were and they were brought before him. He asked permission to pray salah and then he approached the child. He hit his finger on the child's stomach and said, "Oh child, whose offspring are you?" The child replied "such and such a shepherd's." When the people saw the miracle and the purity of Jareez they were very embarrassed and began to kiss hiss hand and obtaining blessings from him. They offered to build him a golden temple for worship but Jareez asked them to re-build his place of worship from mud and they did. (Muslim Shareef)
Hazrat Jareez was praying voluntary prayers (Nafl namaz). He could have shortened his prayer and obeyed his mother's call but he did not do so. This upset and grieved his mother and because of this he had to endure this embarrassing and upsetting episode. What can be more embarrassing for one who has forsaken the world than to have to withstand these allegations? The Lord did not decide on the punishment here but his mother had decided on and asked for this punishment. He decided not to shorten his prayer and look at the face of his mother and therefore he was forced to look at the face of an immoral obscene woman.
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Hazrat Jareez was undoubtedly a friend of Allah and because of his worship and the pleasure of his Lord he disobeyed his mother for an instance. Allah Ta'ala did not forgive this oversight, and the punishment was seen in this world by him. How then can sinners like us, who for the sake of wealth and family, forsake and grieve our parents, how can we escape the wrath and punishment of our Lord.
Therefore we should learn that we should not be lazy and negligent in obeying our parents. May Allah Ta'ala make us all obedient to our parents. Aameen
Head of a Donkey...
Hazrat Awaan bin Khosaab rehmatullahe ta'ala alaihe says that he went to a village. There was a graveyard on the outskirts and it was Asar time (mid-afternoon). One of the graves split open and a person emerged from that grave that had the body of a man and the head of a donkey. He made a noise like a donkey three times and then disappeared back in the grave and the grave closed up again. An old lady was sat close by knitting. Another lady said to me, "Do you see that old lady?" I replied, "Yes what is the situation with her?" She said, "She is the mother of the person in that grave. He would drink alcohol and come home in the evening drunk. His mother would say to him, "Oh my son, fear Allah, how long are you going to continue drinking alcohol?" The son would say, "You are shouting like a donkey." This young man died at Asar time and ever since, at that time, the grave opens up. He makes noise three times like a donkey and the grave then closes up."
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Beware of using any wrong words against your parents. If not, you have read about the consequences. May Allah Ta'ala guide us to keep our tongues free from any wrong words in respect to our parents. Aameen
Horrific Result of a Mother's Curse
A noble man made intention to go to Makkah. His mother was not happy with his decision. This person tried to persuade her to give him permission but she was not swayed by his arguments. He, nevertheless, set off for Makkah without her permission. His mother made an Ill- wish to Allah Ta'ala and said, "My son has burnt me in the fire of separation, send on him some punishment."
The person reached a city late at night and went into a mosque to pray. By amazing coincidence, on that particular night a thief had entered someone's house. The owner of the house heard the thief and the thief ran towards the mosque. People chased him but as he reached the entrance to the mosque he disappeared. The people thought he had gone into the mosque. They looked in the mosque and saw this respectable man standing in worship. They captured him and took him to the judge of the city. The judge ordered that his hands and feet be chopped off and that his eyes should be taken out as well. The citizens carried out this order, and they made announcements in the city that "this is the punishment for a thief." This noble man said, "Do not say that this is the punishment for a thief, rather say that this is the punishment for one who wishes to go around the Ka'aba without the permission of his mother."
When the people realised that this was a noble man and found out the truth about his situation they began to cry and took him to his place of worship and left him there. At that time his mother was inside that place of worship appealing to Allah Ta'ala, "If you have embroiled my son in any difficulty, then return him to me so that I can see him."
The mother was inside making this prayer and the son was at the door begging, "I am a hungry traveller, please give me some food. (The son did not know that he was at his own door begging and the mother did not know that the traveller was her very son). The mother said, "come close to the door" The traveller replied, "I have no feet how can I come?" The mother said, "extend your hand." "I have no hands," said the traveller. The mother had not recognised that this was her son and said, "If I come in front of you and feed you, there will be no veil between us." The traveller said, "Do not fear about that I have no sight either." The mother brought some food and some water and fed him, and gave him water to drink.
She still did not recognise him but the son had recognised his mother. He placed his head in the feet of his mother and appealed to her, "Oh my beneficent mother, I am your disobedient son." Now the mother also recognised him and her heart became torn at seeing her son in this dreadful state. At this tragic moment the following words came out of her mouth, "Oh Lord, when the situation is this bad, take the soul of my son and I so that we are not embarrassed and ashamed in front of the people." She had not yet finished making this wish when both mother and son passed away. (Azmat E Waalidain)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! The respectable man had not gone to commit any sin, rather he had left to visit the house of Allah Ta'ala. However this visit was not with the blessing and permission of his mother and still he left. The mother was hurt and complained about her son to her Lord and you have seen the result of this complaint. Remember, just as the Ill-Wish of a mother has effect, similarly the prayer (dua) also has influence. We should ensure that we are not lazy in obtaining the prayers of our mother. May Allah Ta'ala look upon us all with clemency. Aameen
Painful Incident
During the khilafat of Hazrat Faruq E Azam radiallaho ta'ala anhu there lived a businessman. One day his mother came to him to ask for some money to help with her expenses. His wife said, "your mother wants to make us poor and that is why she comes and asks us for money every day." The son refused to give his mother any money and the distressed mother left empty handed. Some time later the son was going somewhere with goods for sale. On the way some bandits robbed him of his goods and cut of his arms and placed then on his neck. They left him there covered in blood. Some people passed by and carried him to his home.
When his relative came to visit him he readily accepted his crime and said, "This is the punishment I have received for upsetting my mother. If I had given my mother some money with my hands, then my arms would not have been cut off and my goods would not have been stolen.
His mother then came to him and said, "My dear son, the abusive treatment of you by your enemies has filled me with sadness and grief." The son said, "My dear mother, this happened to me because of the way I treated you. I beg you to be pleased with me." The mother said, "Son, I am pleased with you." That night, by the Glory and Authority of Allah Ta'ala, his arms became as they were before. (Durratun Naseheen)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Look at the justice of the Mighty One. The punishment given was befitting the crime. The son refused to give money and his goods were stolen, he refused to give his Mother money with his hands and those hands were chopped off. His arms were put on his shoulders to proclaim to all, "Look carefully, this is the punishment for being miserly with your parents." Now look at the effect of the words of the mother. As soon as she stated that she was pleased with her son, The Almighty returned the arms to the son. May Allah Ta'ala guide us all to always please our parents. Aameen
Person's Pilgrimage Not Accepted
Hazrat Maalik Bin Dinaar rehmatullahe ta'ala alaihe went for pilgrimage one year. When the people returned from Arafah he saw in a dream that two angels descended from the heavens. One angel asked the other, "How many people's pilgrimage was accepted this year?" The other angel replied, "Everyone's pilgrimage was accepted except Ahmed bin Muhammad Balkhi. He put up with many difficulties and still was devoid of the reward"
Hazrat Maalik bin Dinaar rehmatullah alaihe woke up right away and could not sleep the rest of the night because of this worry. As soon as it was morning he went to where the people of Khorasaan were located and began to look for Hazrat Ahmed Balkhi. In this predicament he came across a large tent where the covering had fallen down. There was a handsome youth that was dressed in the clothing of shame, his feet were in shackles and around his neck were the chains of embarrassment.
When this young man saw Hazrat Malik he greeted him and said, "Oh Malik, I am the young man about whom you were informed of in your dream that his pilgrimage was not accepted and this clothing is a sign of my void"
Hazrat Malik says that he was astounded and said to the young man, "You have such a clear conscience and a pure heart, do you have any idea why your pilgrimage was not accepted?" The young man said, "I know the reason, it is because my father is unhappy with me." Hazrat Maalik asked the young man where his father was and was told that he was in the same group somewhere. Hazrat Malik asked the young man to send someone with him so he could go and speak to his father and intercede. "Maybe I can make him pleased with you." said Hazrat Maalik as he left the young man. The guide led Hazrat Malik to the young man's father. He states that he saw a magnificent tent with splendid furnishings. There was a congenial, delightful old man sat on a chair with dignity and people were stood respectfully before him.
Hazrat Malik went and greeted him and said, "O Shaikh, do you have an adult son?" He replied, "I have an unworthy son with whom I am not happy." Hazrat Malik said, "This day is not one where you remember the faults and shortcomings of others, today is the day to pardon oppression and to forgive enemies. This is not a good thing keeping your son embroiled in punishment. I am Malik bin Dinaar and last night I had a dream. I implore you for the sake of Allah Ta'ala and his Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam to overlook the faults of your son and forgive him."
On hearing this the old man stood up and said, "O Shaikh I had decided that I was never going to be pleased with him, but you are a noble man, and have taken the names of Allah Ta'ala and his Beloved sallalaho alaihe wasallam, therefore I forgive him and my heart is happy with him."
Hazrat Malik says that he said a prayer for the old man and thanked him. Then I went to the tent where his son was to give him the good news from his father. When I got there I was shocked to see that the youth was free from the chains, shackles and shameful clothing, and he came out of the tent with great happiness. He said, "May Allah Ta'ala reward you greatly, for you reconciled the differences between my father and I, and due to his happiness my pilgrimage has been accepted."
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! If the friends of Allah Ta'ala are punished for displeasing parents, this is a warning to the rest of us that we must heed after reading the preceding incident. May Allah Ta'ala include us amongst those that are obedient to their parents. Aameen
Method of a Disobedient Son Becoming Obedient
Hazrat Anas radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrated that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "A disobedient person's parents, or one of his parents pass away. After they pass away he continuously prays for them, asks for their forgiveness. He continues to do this until Allah Ta'ala writes his name in the list of obedient ones." (Baihiqi)
Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Whoever repaid the debts of their parents after they pass away, fulfils their promises, and is not a reason for them to be cursed, (by doing something immoral or shameful and soiling their name), then even if he was disobedient when they were alive, it will be written that he is amongst the obedient ones." (Reported by Ibn Asakar)
Rules of Respect
The author of Tafseer Roohul Bayaan has written some examples of respect with regards to the Quranic ayah "Wa Qada Rabboka Alla Ta'bodo Illa Iyyaaho" (Surah Bani Israel, ayah 23)
" Do not call parents by name as this is not only disrespectful but it is rude. In the course of a normal conversation if someone asks their names then you are able to say their name.
" Do not raise your voice above their voice. Do not speak loud in their presence but speak in a quiet respectful manner. If they are hard of hearing then it is permissible to speak loud.
" Do not curse anyone's parents as they will curse your parents in response.
" Do not look at your parents with anger. Hazrat Ibn Abbas radiallaho ta'ala anhu says that live with your parents in such a way that a slave lives with his strict master. Just as a slave would tread very carefully around his master, children must tread the same way before their parents.
" Always look at your parents with love, affection and with great gratitude.
" Serve your parents yourself; do not pawn this responsibility onto others.
" A person should not be ashamed in serving his parents, his teachers and his spiritual guide (Peer o Murshid). The same order has been given for a king, the ruler of the day and guests.
" Do not be the Imam in Namaz for your father, even if you are more highly educated. If he orders you or is not aware of the rules of Namaz then this is permissible.
" Do not walk in front of the parents. If the intention is to clear a path then this is permissible.
" Do not sit in a higher position than your parents do. This is a sign of disrespect
" If the father has the wrong faith and wishes to take you to his place of worship then do not go. If the father orders you to take him back from his place of worship then you must obey.
" Imam Abu Yusuf rehmatullah alaihe said, "If the parents order him to light a fire for cooking food, and he knows that the fire will be used to cook pork, then he should not hesitate in lighting the fire.
" Do not be ashamed of your parents and associate with someone else because this is cursed. Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam has said, "Whoever leaves his own and associates with others, on such a person is the curse of Allah Ta'ala, of the angels and the curse of all people. None of his worship or goodness will be accepted. (Worship means compulsory actions, goodness means voluntary worship).
" If your parents or either one of them becomes an infidel, then pray for them to accept Islam.
" Kashifi has written that there are different prayers that a child must do for his parents. If they are believers then you must pray for Paradise for them. If they are non-believers then you must pray for them to accept Islam and become believers.
(Tafseer Roohul Bayaan)
Good Behaviour Towards Parents After Their Death
Just as the Lord of the worlds Azzawazala and His Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam have ordered us to treat our parents well when they are alive, they have also given orders to have good behaviour towards them after their death. Good behaviour after their death means arranging for their shroud and burial and respecting their lawful will. It is reported in hadith:
Hazrat Abu Usaid Maalik Bin Rabiyah Sa'adi radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that an ansaar companion radiallaho ta'ala anhu came to the Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam and asked, "Is there anything that I can do in terms of behaviour with my parents after they pass away?" Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam replied, "There are four things"-
" Pray their funeral prayer, " Pray for their forgiveness, " Carry out their will according to their wishes, " Treat their friends well. (Ask about their well being, invite them). Also treat their relations well. These are the things that are left to be done after the parents pass away" (Fatawa E Razviah)
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! The rights of parents are still left after they leave this world. We should be aware of these at all times. May Allah Ta'ala guide us all to obey his commands. Aameen.
Asking For Forgiveness For The Parents
Hazrat Abu Usaid Malik Bin Jararah radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Good behaviour towards parents is that after they pass away, pray for their forgiveness."
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam has shown us how to carry out good behaviour with our parents even after they pass away and that is to pray for their forgiveness. May Allah Ta'ala guide us to treat our parents well. Aameen,
Give Charity On Behalf Of Parents
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar radiallaho ta'ala anhuma narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "When any of you gives any voluntary charity, you should give it on behalf of your parents. They will receive the reward for that and your reward will not be reduced." (Collection Of Hadith)
In another place Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Good behaviour towards parents after they pass away is that with your prayers (namaz), perform prayers for them, and fast on their behalf together with your own fasting."
A'ala Hazrat Imam Ahmed Raza Khan Muhaddith e Bareilly radiallaho ta'ala anhu writes in Fatawa E Razviah that this was in response to a question. A companion came to Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam and asked, "I used to treat my parents well when they were alive, now that they have died what is the way to treat them well?"
The answer to this question was the hadith that was just quoted. The meaning of this hadith is that when you offer optional prayers and Fasts, offer some on behalf of your parents. Or when you worship, make the intention that they will receive the reward because they will receive the reward and your reward will not be reduced.
Hajj On Behalf Of The Parents
Hazrat Zaid bin Arqam radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "When a person performs Hajj on behalf of his parents that Hajj is accepted on behalf of them. Their souls are delighted in the heavens and the sons name is written amongst those that treat their parents well."
Hazrat Jaabir radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Whoever performs Hajj on behalf of his parents, this Hajj is accepted on their behalf and he receives the reward for performing ten Hajj."
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! If Allah Ta'ala blesses you with wealth then definitely perform pilgrimage on behalf of your parents and make them happy amongst the souls. May Allah Ta'ala guide us all. Aameen
Repay The Debts Of The Parents
Hazrat Abdul Rehman bin Samrah narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam stated, "He who fulfils the promises of his parents, repays their debts, and does not subject them to abuse by abusing another's parents, his name is written amongst the faithful children, even if he was disobedient during their lifetime. He who does not fulfil their promises, does not repay their debt, and subjects them to abuse by abusing other's parents, his name is written amongst the disobedient ones, even if he was faithful during their life."
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! Never say anything bad about, and never curse anyone's parents, because they will respond in like fashion and your innocent parents will have to withstand being cursed due to you. If such a person is regular in prayer and fasting, his name will still be written amongst the disobedient ones. May Allah Ta'ala protect our tongues from saying anything bad about anyone's parents, especially protect all husband's from saying anything bad about his wife's parents. Aameen
Visiting The Parent's Graves
Hazrat Abu Hurairah radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Whoever visits the graves of both or one of his parents on a Friday, he is written as keeping good relations with his parents."
The leader of the believers, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique radiallaho ta'ala anhu narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Whoever visits the grave of both or one of his parents on a Friday and recites Surah Yasin, he is forgiven."
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar radiallaho ta'ala anhuma narrates that Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam said, "Whoever visits the grave of both or one of his parents with the intention of obtaining reward, he is rewarded the equivalent of an accepted hajj. Whoever visits the graves regularly, angels will visit his grave."
Hazrat Shaikh Sa'adi rematullahe ta'ala alaihe says in a couplet, the meaning of which is, "It's been many years since you visited your parents graves and performed fatiha khwaani for them (esaal e sawaab), how then do you expect your children to show goodness towards you?"
My Beloved Prophet sallalaho alaihe wasallam's beloved devotees! May we be sacrificed on the gifts given to us by Rasool Allah sallalaho alaihe wasallam. Regular visit of the parent's grave earns us the reward for performing pilgrimage and the angels visit our graves. What can be greater than this gift? For Allah's sake do not forget them after their death but visit their graves and recite "fatiha" for their eesal e sawaab. Insha Allah your children will visit your grave after you leave this world. May Allah Ta'ala guide us all towards goodness and good deeds. Aameen
No comments:
Post a Comment