3.      We must obey, respect and be kind to our parents. In Allah (S.W.A.) words here it goes,

”Your lord has decreed that you worship none but him and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them obtain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt nor repel them but address them in terms of honor (17:23),

Out of kindness lower to them the wing of humility, and say: ‘My Lord! Bestow on them thy mercy even as they cherished me in childhood. (17:24)’

We have enjoined on man kindness to parents: but if either of them strive to force you to join with me in worship anything of which you have no knowledge, obey them not. You have (all) to return to me, and I will tell you (the truth) of all that you do (29:8).”

So my friends the right of our parents to our obedience, respect and kindness is inviolable. We only have one breather, which is if they force us to disobey Allah (S.W.A), but otherwise total obedience to them is a duty binding on us.

The world has become very hectic. Since both men and women work outside the house, it is becoming increasingly hard to care for our old parents. This does not absolve us of responsibility for our parents. It is required of us to take care of them, be kind and respectful to them, obey them, and above all, keep them company. Many of us take old folks to be a nuisance reasoning that they talk too much and repeat the same stories over again and again. This should not come as a surprise to us. When people grow old, they no longer go out a lot to meet and talk with other people. As a result they depend on the household members for news on the outside world. When they receive none, they choose to tell us stories from their days as active members of the society.  Talking and being talked to, is a human need. We should keep our elders especially our parents updated with what is happening in the world in general and to us in particular.  This is good for their mental well-being. We should not just brush them aside reasoning that they won’t understand whatever we might have to tell them. Try them – you may be surprised. Terminology and technology may change, but human nature will always remain the same. Therefore, to talk  and being talked to by the old folks is also to our advantage. Old people are a fountain of wisdom drawn from their experience of long living. Allah (S.W.A) confirms it here.

“It is He who has created you from dust, then from a sperm-drop, then from a leach like clot; then does he get you out (into the light) as a child; then lets you (grow and) reach your age of full strength; then lets you become old – though of you there are some who die before – and lets you reach a time appointed; in order that you may learn wisdom (40:67)”

So my friends, let us be there for our parents, as they have been for us. They  will continue to be there for us and our children. They are a great resource to be wasted in the nursing homes.