Respecting parents and elders is a fundamental duty in Islam, emphasized repeatedly in the Qur'an and Sunnah. Showing kindness, obedience, and gratitude to parents is a direct path to Allah's pleasure.
Allah commands:
وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوا۟ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَٰنًۭا
"And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and to parents, good treatment."
— Surah Al-Isra (17:23)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
"رِضَا ٱللهِ فِي رِضَا ٱلْوَالِدِ، وَسخْطُ ٱللهِ فِي سَخْطِ ٱلْوَالِدِ"
"The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of the parent, and the anger of Allah lies in the anger of the parent."
— Tirmidhi (1899)
The companions showed profound respect: Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (RA) said, "The pleasure of Allah is in the pleasure of the parents, and His displeasure is in their displeasure."
Respect includes gentle speech, caring for their needs, and praying for them. Even when parents err, Islam encourages kindness, patience, and respectful advice.
Respecting elders extends beyond family to the community, honoring their wisdom and experience, following the Prophet's example.