All praise is due to Allah — the Most Merciful, the Most Gracious — who has blessed us with countless blessings, both big and small. We thank Him for allowing us to gather again for Jumu’ah. Every blessing we enjoy, from the air we breathe to the love of our families, is a gift from Allah.
Allah reminds us in the Qur’an to be grateful:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you in favor; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.” (Surah Ibrahim 14:7)
Gratitude brings barakah (blessing), while neglecting it removes blessings from our lives. One of the greatest blessings Allah has given us is our parents.
The Status of Parents in the Qur’an
Allah mentions parents repeatedly in the Qur’an, placing their rights immediately after His own. In Surah Al-Isra (17:23), Allah commands:
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you show kindness to your parents. If one or both of them reach old age with you, do not say to them even ‘uff’, nor repel them, but speak to them with noble words.”
When our parents reach old age, we must speak gently and show compassion — even when they do not understand us or when they repeat things. The Qur’an teaches us to pray:
“My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:24)
The Prophet’s ﷺ Example of Respect
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ showed the highest level of respect toward his parents and those who cared for him.
Once, while sitting among his companions, the Prophet ﷺ saw an elderly woman approaching from a distance. He immediately stood up, laid his cloak on the ground, and invited her to sit on it. The companions were astonished and asked who she was. The Prophet ﷺ replied:
“She is my foster mother, Halimah Al-Sa’diyyah.”
This act showed the immense respect and love he had for those who played a parental role in his life.
The Example of Uwais Al-Qarni (رضي الله عنه)
Another powerful example is that of Uwais Al-Qarni, a righteous man from Yemen. He lived during the time of the Prophet ﷺ but never met him because he was caring for his elderly mother. His devotion was so great that the Prophet ﷺ told Umar (RA) and Ali (RA):
“When you meet Uwais Al-Qarni, ask him to pray for you.”
Such was his status with Allah — raised because of his service and love for his mother.
A Reminder to the Youth
To the young ones: remember that one day you will be parents too. The way you treat your parents now will return to you through your children. If you want your children to respect and love you, begin by showing love, obedience, and care for your own parents today.
Respect them, speak kindly to them, and pray for them — both when they are alive and after they have passed away.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Paradise lies beneath the feet of your mother.” (An-Nasa’i)
Final Dua
May Allah grant us hearts full of gratitude.
May He forgive our parents and bless those who are alive with health and happiness.
And may He grant Jannah to those who have passed away, for they showed us love when we were too young to understand it.
Ameen.
