Sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad (Hadith) about Respecting Parents

There are several Hadiths (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad) that emphasize the importance of respecting and honoring parents in Islam. Here is one well-known Hadith on this topic:

Abu Huraira RA reported that a person came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said:

"Who among the people is most deserving of a fine treatment from my hand?" He said, "Your mother." He again said: "Then who (is the next one)?" He said, "Again it is your mother." He (the man) again said: "Then who (is the next one)?" He said, "Again, it is your mother." He (again) said: "Then who?" Thereupon he said: "Then it is your father." (Sahih Muslim 2548a)

This Hadith underscores the elevated status of the mother and emphasizes the significance of treating her with kindness and respect. It highlights the Islamic teaching that places the mother's rights and well-being above all else. The repetition of the mother's rights in the Hadith serves to emphasize the priority given to her in terms of deserving good treatment from her children.

It's important to note that while this Hadith provides a clear emphasis on the mother, other Hadiths and Quranic verses stress the importance of respecting both parents. Islam places a great deal of significance on maintaining strong and loving relationships with parents, recognizing their sacrifices, and treating them with kindness and reverence throughout one's life.

Certainly, there are several Hadiths in Islam that emphasize the importance of respecting and honoring parents. Here are a few more Hadiths on this topic:

1. Abu Bakar RA reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Shall I not inform you of the biggest of the great sins?" We said, "Yes, O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)" He said, "To join partners in worship with Allah: to be undutiful to one's parents." (Sahih Bukhari 5997)

2. Abdullah ibn Amr RA reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, "The pleasure of the Lord lies in the pleasure of the parent. The anger of the Lord lies in the anger of the parent." (Sunan Ibn Majah 3673)

3. Abu Huraira RA reported: A person came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said: Who among the people is most deserving of a fine treatment from my hand? He said: Your mother. He again said: Then who (is the next one)? He said: Again it is your mother (who deserves the best treatment from you). He said: Then who (is the next one)? He (the Prophet) said: Again, it is your mother. He (again) said: Then who? Thereupon he said: Then it is your father. In the hadith transmitted on the authority of Qutalba, there is no mention of the words of Shu'ba: In the hadith transmitted on the authority of Jarir the words are: Who deserves the best treatment from me? He (the Holy Prophet) replied: Your mother, again your mother, again your mother; then your father, then your nearest relatives according to the order (of nearness). (Sahih Muslim 2548a)

4. Abu Huraira reported: A person came to Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) and said: Allah's Messenger, who is most entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me? He said: Your mother. He again said: Then who? He said: Again it is your mother. He said: Then who? Thereupon he said: Again, it is your mother. He (again) said: Then who? Thereupon he said: Then it is your father. (Sahih Muslim 2548b)

These Hadiths reinforce the idea that respecting and being dutiful to one's parents is of utmost importance in Islam. They highlight the special status of mothers and the emphasis on treating them with kindness and reverence. Islam encourages believers to prioritize the well-being and happiness of their parents and to recognize the high regard given to them in the eyes of Allah.