I remember to give thanks to my parents for bringing me into this world and for always loving me unconditionally. Respect and gratitude towards parents is emphasized in almost every culture and religion worldwide, including Islam. We are forever indebted to our parents who gave birth to us, nurtured us and provided for our every need until we became independent. They instilled in us not only values, morals, education, knowledge and spirituality, but also countless hours of affection. Even if we spent our entire lives caring and providing for our parents, it would never be enough to repay their kindness, unconditional love and attention bestowed upon us throughout our lives. Islam commands the utmost respect and obedience to one’s parents, after the Lord. The Qur’an clearly states: “And your Our parents spend their entire lives caring for us without asking for anything in return. In their old age this may include feeding them, taking them for a walk or helping with their daily chores. The purity of one’s intentions from the heart is important to conduct whatever we are able to do for our parents. According to this verse, there is a parallel appreciation between God and our parents. We receive heavenly rewards for fasting, charity and worship, amongst other acts. This verse implies that we even receive rewards for showing gratitude towards our parents in any shape or form. There are a number of hadith which support obedience and responsibility for our parents. This responsibility, which still exists even after our parent’s death, encourages us to pray for the forgiveness of their sins and protection from the punishments of the grave. In this way we are able to honour our parents for our upbringing in this lifetime. My mother and father worked very hard to raise my siblings and me. I recall the late-night returns of my father who worked two jobs to make sure our needs were met. Not satisfied that we had food and clothing, He also wanted us to have the best education possible. He made sure I had all the right books for school and even paid extra for out-of-school tuition lessons. My education and health were my parents’ first priority. Now, as they both are getting older, I know they eventually will require some support from me. Whether I am near or far, I believe it is my duty to assist them and provide provision and care in the best way possible. Although I know in my heart that a lifetime is not enough to repay them for their kindness, I can certainly try to the best of my ability to be the daughter that they are proud to have had. I sincerely believe children are their parent’s honour and that each child should remember this before partaking in an act that would bring shame to their parents and family. When I performed well in school or treated anyone with kindness, the praise was always given to my parents rather than me. People I had never had the pleasure of meeting beforehand and who I helped with an errand would not thank me, but instead mention that my parents had given me a good upbringing. On these occasions, the importance of holding my parents’ name in high esteem dawned on me .I do not believe in any way that my parents are special. I just believe that they loved my siblings and me in the same way any parent from any culture or religion loves their children. What I value about Islam is the high status it gives to our parents. In my eyes, every mother is my mother and every father is my father. In the eyes of the elderly, I see my parents and grandparents. This feeling humbles me and I pray that I am able to do justice to my parents at least in this lifetime. May God make it easy for every mother and every father in this world.
