📜 Comprehensive Definition
In Islam, the duty to parents (ﺑﺮﺍﻟﻮﺍﻟﺪﻳﻦ, Birr al-Walidayn) is a profound moral and spiritual obligation that is emphasized repeatedly in the Qur’ān. This duty encompasses various aspects, including kindness, compassion, humility, obedience within reason, and mindful speech. As highlighted in Sūrah XVII:24-25, believers are instructed to show utter respect and avoid expressions of frustration towards their parents, particularly in their old age.
🕰 Etymology
The term “Birr” in Arabic entails righteousness, piety, and dutifulness, while “Walidayn” translates to parents. Collectively, Birr al-Walidayn encapsulates a comprehensive framework of parent-child relationships rooted in consciousness and ethical behavior.
📚 Background and Context
The Qurʾān treats the parent-child relationship with an extraordinary reverence. Surah XVII, known as Sūrat al-Isrāʾ (The Night Journey), underscores the Divine decree that equates the duty to parents with monotheism itself, reflecting the gravity of such a command. This Surah harmonizes divine worship and human virtues, establishing a holistic ethical outlook.
🎭 Cultural Differences and Similarities
While the principle of filial piety is common across many cultures, the Islamic emphasis on verbal and emotional respect, devoid of disdainful expressions such as “uff,” and the perpetual invocation for God’s mercy upon parents make this duty distinctive. In cultures with strong familial ties like those in East Asia, a similar level of respect for elders is seen but may manifest differently, often through specific rituals or traditions.
🔀 Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms:
- Filial Piety
- Parental Respect
- Dutifulness
Antonyms:
- Disrespect
- Insubordination
- Neglect
🔗 Related Terms and Definitions
- Tawhid: The oneness of God, linked closely with the duty to parents in its Qur’ānic context.
- Sabr: Patience, an essential virtue when dealing with aging parents.
- Rahma: Compassion that one must display towards parents.
🌟 Exciting Facts
- In several hadiths, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized the importance of maternal respect by stating, “Paradise lies under the feet of mothers.”
- Stories of past prophets, including instances from the lives of Ibrahim and Yusuf, demonstrate the profound respect for parents in Islamic tradition.
🖋 Quotations from Notable Writers
- “Respect for one’s parents is a cornerstone of ethical life in Islam. It is an obligation that continues until the end of one’s life, reflecting a ongoing divine command.” - Sayyid Abul Ala Maududi.
📔 References and Suggested Literature
- “Parent-Child Relations: A Guide to Raising Children in Islam” by Abdul Aziz Ahmad al Shawak explores comprehensive principles about child upbringing from an Islamic perspective.
- “The Rights of Parents” by Ibn Juzay provides a historical and theological look at the duties enjoined upon Muslims towards their parents.
- The Yusuf Ali Translation of the Qur’ān offers accessible insights and interpretations about Sūrah XVII.
💡 Inspirational Thought: In honoring our parents, we embrace a timeless journey of gratitude, compassion, and continuous devotion, resonating through both earthly and divine connections.
Authored by Ibrahim Latif on October 5, 2023.
