Question:
Jazakallah Khair
Answer:
Abdullah Ibn Abbas R.A said, “I asked Nabi S.A.W, which action is the most beloved to Allah?” He replied, “Salaah in it’s time,” I then asked, “and after that?” he answered, “respect for parents.” I then asked, “And after that?” He answered, “Jihad in the path of Allah.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
From this Hadith we learn that the most virtuous action (after Imaan on Allah and His Rasool S.A.W) with regards to the rights of Allah is Salaah in its time. And the most virtuous thing with regards to the rights of humans is respect for parents.
Abu Hurairah R.A is reported to have said that Nabi S.A.W said, “May his face be rubbed in sand/dirt (three times), that person who finds one or both his parents during their old age, and this is not a means for him entering Jannah. (Muslim)
Obedience to parents is Waajib at all times, even when parents are young. Nabi S.A.W specifically mentioned old age here because parents are more in need of assistance during their old age. Disobedience to parents makes the child deserving of punishment and exclusion from the mercy of Allah.
Abdullah bin Amr Ibnul ‘Aas narrates, that a man came to Nabi S.A.W and said, “(O Nabi of Allah) I make a pledge of allegiance to you upon Hijrat and Jihad, and for this I seek reward from Allah.” Nabi S.A.W asked him, “Are any of your parents alive?” He said “Yes, both of them.” Nabi S.A.W asked him, “Do you wish to gain reward from Allah?” He replied, “Yes.” Then Nabi S.A.W said, “Return to your parents and live with them in an excellent manner.” (Bukhari and Muslim)
Although Hijrat at that time was Waajib, respect for parents and taking care of them was more important. That is why Nabi S.A.W asked this person to go back to his parents.
For more information on this topic please refer to Riyaadhus Saaliheen, Chapter on Obedience of Parents. This book can be found in English.
And Allah Ta’ala knows best
Shaakir bin Moulana Yaseen Rahim
Attested to as correct by:
Mufti Muhammad Ashraf
Darul Iftaa
Jameah Mahmoodiyah
Springs
26 April 2006
26 Rabee’ul Awwal 1427