The Virtue of Honoring Parents
📖Sunan an-Nasa’i 3104
It was narrated from Mu’awiyah bin Jahimah As-Sulami, that Jahimah came to the Prophet ﷺ and said: “O Messenger of Allah! I want to go out and fight (in Jihad) and I have come to ask your advice.” The Prophet ﷺ asked, “Do you have a mother?” He replied, “Yes.” The Prophet ﷺ said: “Then stay with her, for Paradise is beneath her feet.”
This Hadith teaches a profound message: even in times of war, serving one’s mother can be more rewarding than joining battle, depending on the situation. It emphasizes that not all Jihad is on the battlefield—for some, caring for one’s mother is the most important struggle.
This advice was given during a time when non-Muslims were actively fighting Muslims, and battles were taking place in defense of the Muslim community. Yet, even in such a time, the Prophet ﷺ showed that personal responsibilities – especially toward one’s mother – can take precedence.
Quranic Context:
📖Quran 2:190
Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you, but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors.
Fighting is only allowed as a defense — not to invade or harm without cause.
📖Quran 22:39
Permission [to fight] has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is competent to give them victory.
This confirms that Jihad is a response to oppression, not an act of aggression.
Even during war, the Prophet ﷺ taught that true Jihad starts at home. Caring for your mother, especially when she is old or in need, can be your path to Paradise, If someone ignores that responsibility in pursuit of public recognition or action, they may miss the very reward they’re hoping for.
How Should Parents Treat Their Children in Islam?
Islam teaches that children are a gift and trust from Allah, and parents must treat them with love, mercy, fairness, and good teaching.
Love and Kindness
📖Quran 3:38
“My Lord, grant me from Yourself a good child. Truly, You are the Hearer of prayer.”
This verse shows that children are a blessing, and we must take care of them with kindness and dua (prayer).
📖Sahih al-Bukhari 5998
The Prophet ﷺ kissed his grandson Hasan. A man saw this and said, “I have ten children, and I have never kissed any of them.” The Prophet ﷺ said: “He who does not show mercy will not be shown mercy.”
➡️ Parents should be gentle, loving, and never harsh.
Be Fair to All Children
📖Book 7, Hadith 184
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Fear Allah and treat your children equally.”
➡️ No favoritism! Boys and girls, younger and older – all must be treated fairly.
Protect and Provide
📖Quran 66:6
O you who believe! Protect yourselves and your families from a Fire…
➡️ Parents must protect children not just from harm, but also teach them right from wrong, and guide them towards Islam.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Every one of you is a shepherd, and every one of you is responsible for his flock.”
📖 Book 7, Hadith 184
➡️ Parents must teach manners, prayer, Qur’an, and good behavior, with patience — not with shouting or anger.