THE RELIGION OF HUMANITY: Islam’s Ethical and Spiritual Outlook

kinds, yet the pilgrim consciously avoids confrontation out of concern that it may compromise the validity of their pilgrimage. In this way, Hajj becomes not only a journey of devotion to God but also an annual exercise in peaceful coexistence with others. HONOURING ONE’S PARENTS In the Quran, God says: “We have enjoined man to show kindness to his parents.” (29:8) In several other places in the Quran, similar verses appear, strongly emphasizing that a person must treat their parents with the utmost kindness and fulfill all their rights. Even if parents speak harshly to their children, the children should not take their words negatively. Instead, they must not allow their love or service toward them to diminish in any way. They are required to uphold good conduct toward their parents—regardless of how the parents behave. The significance of treating one’s parents well is highlighted in a well-known hadith: “A man once came to the Prophet of Islam and asked, ‘Who among people is most deserving of my good companionship?’ The Prophet said, ‘Your mother.’ The man asked, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said, ‘Your mother.’ The man asked again, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said, ‘Your mother.’ The man asked a fourth time, ‘Then who?’ The Prophet said, ‘Your father.’” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 2548)