Library Ethics Greater Sins Chapter 8 - al-Walidayn(Disobedience to parents) Benevolence to Parents is Wajib
Benevolence to Parents is Wajib
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Benevolence to Parents is Wajib
The verses of the Qur’an as well as the traditions of the infallible Imams (a.s.) not only prohibit displeasing and angering the parents, but also stress that benevolence towards them is Wajib.
A few examples of the Qur’anic Ayats are presented for the readers:
1) “And We have enjoined on man goodness to his parents.”
(Surah Al-’AnkabÅ«t 29:8)
2) “Be grateful to Me and both your parents...”
(Surah LuqmÄn 31:14)
The above verse is specially worth noting for the fact that Allah (S.w.T.) has mentioned together gratefulness towards Himself and to the parents. Certainly thankfulness to Allah (S.w.T.) is Wajib, and in the same way it is Wajib for the children to be thankful to their parents.
3) “And your Lord has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) “Uff” nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word. And make yourself submissively gentle to them with compassion, and say: O my Lord! Have compassion on them, as they brought me up (when I was) little.
(Surah al-‘IsrÄ’, 17:23-24)
In this Ayat Allah (S.w.T.) has mentioned goodness to parents. In the same sentence He exhorts about service to Him. As service to Allah (S.w.T.) is Wajib, benevolence to parent is Wajib too.
When the Imam (a.s.) was asked to explain the meaning of the term “Bil Walidayn Ihsana” (and goodness to your parents), he said,
“Be good to your parents and if they are in need of something, procure it for them before they ask for it.”
Then the meaning of the words, “Taqullahuma Qualan KarÄ«ma” (speak to them a generous word) was explained by the Imam (a.s.)
“If the parents beat you, say ‘May Allah forgive you’. The phrase ‘Wakhfiz Lahuma’ (and make yourself submissively gentle to them) is elaborated by the Imam (a.s.):
“Do not look at them with distaste. Do not raise your voice above theirs. When you walk with them do not precede them. When you go to a gathering, do not sit before they do. Never keep your hand above theirs (while giving them something).”
