NATURE AT MAN’S SERVICE

I n the Quran, God says: “We have enjoined man to show kindness to his parents.” (29: 8) This command is repeated at several places in the Quran, which shows its great importance. It teaches that after God, the greatest obligation of a person is towards their parents. A believer is required to treat them with utmost kindness, respect, and sincerity, and to fulfil their rights in every possible way. Even if parents speak harshly or act in a way that is difficult to bear, children are not permitted to respond negatively. Rather, they must continue to deal with them gently. Their love, respect, and service should not decrease under any circumstance. This is because the command is not based on the behaviour of the parents, but on a higher moral principle. It is a test of the individual’s character and their ability to rise above personal feelings. The importance of this duty is clearly expressed in a wellknown Hadith. A man came to the Prophet of Islam and asked, “Who among people is most deserving of my good companionship?” The Prophet replied, “Your mother.” The man asked again, “Then who?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” He asked a third time, “Then who?” The Prophet again said, “Your mother.” When he asked a fourth time, the Prophet said, “Your father.” (Sahih Muslim) This teaching shows the extraordinary status of parents, especially the mother. In reality, no one sacrifices more for a person than their parents. From birth to adulthood, they endure hardship and make countless sacrifices for the wellbeing of their child. Because of this, a person remains deeply indebted to them throughout life.  HONOURING ONE’S PARENTS Duty beyond Emotion Even if parents speak harshly or act in a way that is difficult to bear, children are not permitted to respond negatively. Rather, they must continue to deal with them gently. Their love, respect, and service should not decrease under any circumstance.