Islamic Society & Culture
In communities which base their civil rights on brute
strength, the weaker go to the wall, and public opinion expects nothing else.
Even in modern democracies of the saner sort, it is often told that it is the
fate of minorities to suffer; strength of numbers here becomes the passport to
power and privilege. Islam, while upholding balanced views in general, enjoins
the most solicitous care for the weak and oppressed. The minorities are treated
with justice in every way-in rights of property, in social rights, and in the
right to opportunities of development. The non-Muslim living under the
protection of a Muslim state is referred as Dhimmi, a free non-Muslim subject.
They are exempt from duties of Islam like military service and zakat, instead
they are required to pay jizyah (poll-tax). Historically some Islamic
governments paid this poll tax for poor non-Muslim subjects or reduced it to
mere symbolic tax. If the State cannot protect those who paid jizyah, then the
amount they paid is returned to them. Islam guarantees full protection and
security of the State including freedom of religion to all. The killing of
innocent people is strictly prohibited, according to Qur’an: “..if anyone slew
a person unless it be for murder or for spreading mischief in the land it would
be as if he slew the life of all mankind: and if anyone saved a life it would
be as if he saved the life of all mankind. Then although there came to them Our
apostles with clear Signs yet even after that many of them continued to commit
excesses in the land.”(Qur’an;5:32 ).
Thus the notion that the minorities are treated as second class citizens in an
Islamic state is based on malicious propaganda.
God of Bible and Quran:
Followers of same God, the God of Abraham, Moses, Jesus and Muhammad (pbut), should be closer than apart.
Allah is Arabic name of God. “ELAH” is another name for God, used about 70 times in the Old Testament. It is very similar to Arabic “Allah” or ‘Eelah’. Elahh [hla]‘ (Aramaic; el-aw’): corresponding to God. In Hebrew [hwla] ‘elowahh el-o’-ah; probably prolonged (emphat.) from [la]‘el ale; a deity or the Deity:–God, god. Again, when combined with other words, we see different attributes of God. Some examples: Elah Yerush’lem – God of Jerusalem: (Ezra;7:19), Elah Yisrael – God of Israel: (Ezra;5:1), Elah Sh’maya – God of Heaven:(Ezra 7:23). Elah Sh’maya V’Arah – God of Heaven and Earth: (Ezra;5:11). Jehovah is popular name of God mentioned in Old Testament.
Pope Declared that 'Allah' and 'Jehovah' are the names of same God: The Arabic Bible uses Allah as name of God. In his weekly general audience in late May of 1999, Pope John Paul II addressed Muslims in a series discussing “inter-religious dialog.” He quotes from the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church n. 841 which states, “… together with us they (Muslims) adore the one, merciful, God.” The Pope and many other religious leaders today, who are being wooed into the ecumenical movement, are accepting the idea that the God of the Koran and the God of the Bible are one and the same. [Issue Date: January/February 2000]
Pope Declared that 'Allah' and 'Jehovah' are the names of same God: The Arabic Bible uses Allah as name of God. In his weekly general audience in late May of 1999, Pope John Paul II addressed Muslims in a series discussing “inter-religious dialog.” He quotes from the 1994 Catechism of the Catholic Church n. 841 which states, “… together with us they (Muslims) adore the one, merciful, God.” The Pope and many other religious leaders today, who are being wooed into the ecumenical movement, are accepting the idea that the God of the Koran and the God of the Bible are one and the same. [Issue Date: January/February 2000]
Traditions
of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):
Prophet Muhammad (peace be
upon him) was the main enforcer of human rights safeguarding the legitimate
interests of minorities. The monks of Mount Sinai
were provided protection. On establishing the first Islamic state at Medina
The
Charter of Medina
The Charter of Medina, in
fact was the first ever written constitution in the history of mankind. This
was based on the contract agreed upon by Muslims, Jews and others, stipulating
that they all would be treated as equal citizens of Medina, giving the
non-Muslims right of choosing a legal system they wished their affairs be
governed by, be it Islamic or Jewish law or pre-Islamic Arab tribal traditions.
This confirms the principle “no compulsion in religion”, freedom of expression and
religious practice was open to everyone. It gave the right of protection,
security, peace and justice; not only to Muslims, but also to the Jews who
lived in the City of Medina
Safety,
Security and Protection of Non Muslims:
Narrated
Abdullah bin Amr : The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever killed a
Mu'ahid (a person who is granted the pledge of protection by the Muslims) shall
not smell the fragrance of Paradise though its
fragrance can be smelt at a distance of forty years (of traveling)."(Sahih
Al-Bukhari Hadith:9.49). Narrated Amr bin Maimun: The second Caliph Umar (after
he was stabbed by a man from minority), instructed (his would-be-successor)
saying, "I urge him (i.e. the new Caliph) to take care of those
non-Muslims who are under the protection of Allah and His Apostle (peace be
upon him) in that he should observe the convention agreed upon with them, and
fight on their behalf (to secure their safety) and he should not over-tax them
beyond their capability." (Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith: 4.287).
Prophet
Muhammad’s Everlasting Promise to Christians:
In 628 AD, a delegation from St.
Catherine’s Monastery came to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and requested his
protection. He responded by granting them a charter of rights, still available
at St.Catherine’s Monastery located at the foot of Mt. Sinai Vatican ,
and is a world heritage site. It also boasts the oldest collection of Christian
icons. It is a treasure house of Christian history that has remained safe for
1400 years under Muslim protection.
The copy of this charter is reproduce
below, also available at the website of monastery:
Freedom
of Faith:
There are
no forced conversions in Islam, the non Muslim subjects have the right to
freely choose to convert to Islam or keep practicing their faith. But once a
person converts to Islam, it is obligatory to practice his faith to be a good
Muslim. Apostasy has always been considered as a capital offence in all the
religions and political systems of the world, because it is considered as a
high treason against the established norms of society. The Bible prescribes
death by stoning for apostasy: “You shall stone him to death with stones,
because he sought to draw you away from the LORD your God..”(Deutrony;13:10 ). The pagan Romans brutally
killed the early Christians on same ground. Subsequently this practice was
repeated by the Christian Church against opposing Christians, who were killed
and burnt alive. Death penalty for apostasy remained in force in England
Kindness
and Equity:
Muslims
are encouraged to act towards all the non-Muslims living in Islamic state with
kindness and equity. As per Qur’an; "As for such (of the unbelievers) as
do not fight against you on account of your faith, and neither drive you forth
from your homelands, Allah does not forbid you to show them kindness and to
behave towards them with full equity. Indeed, Allah loves those who act
equitably"(Qur’an;60:8). There are numerous Hadiths, which encourage
Muslims to be kind to other religious communities, especially those who
constitute minorities in the Muslim
State
Legal and
Dietary Freedom:
Islamic law also permits
non-Muslim minorities to set up their own courts, which implement family laws
drawn up by the minorities themselves. The rights of minorities are well
protected in Islam. Another interesting fact in Islamic history is that
although Muslims are prohibited from preparing, selling and consuming alcohol,
whereas the ruling is not the same with non-Muslim. If non-Muslim minority in
an Islamic state wish to do so, and do not involve Muslims, they would actually
be given this right, they even consume
pork, strictly prohibited for the Muslims. This points out that the
concept of human rights in Islam has often been given a much negative view.
While throughout Europe and America
Special Status of People of the Book: The Christians and Jews are
called People of the Book in Qur’an. Muslims are asked to call upon the People
of the Book for common terms that is to worship One Allah, and to work together
for the solutions of the many problems in the society. “Those who believe (in
the Qur'an) and those who follow the Jewish (Scriptures) and the Christians and
the Sabians (monotheistic followers of John the Baptist) and who believe in
Allah and the last day and work righteousness shall have their reward with
their Lord; on them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.”(Qur’an;2:62).
Equitable
Muslim Rule of Spain Spain Ceuta North Africa for help.
He after getting approval of Caliph sent Tariq bin Zyad to Spain Toledo
In Spain Baghdad
The Jews which fled from Spain
during the Inquisition, were welcomed by the Muslims and they settled in the
heart of the Islamic Ottomans Caliphate. They enjoyed positions of power and
authority. In contrast the Muslims who lived in Christian Spain were persecuted
and prejudiced against on account of their faith. When the 2nd
Caliph Omar took Jerusalem Jerusalem
Freedom
of Worship:
It is one function of
Islamic law to protect the privileged status of minorities, and this is why
non-Muslim places of worship have flourished all over the Islamic world.
Muslims during their rule granted freedom of worship to all religious
communities in the Holy City of Jerusalem. Throughout the Muslim world,
churches, synagogues and missionary schools were built within the Muslim
neighborhoods. These places were protected by Muslims even during the
contemporary crises in the Middle East . As per
Qur’an; “…Did not Allah check one set of
people by means of another there would surely have been pulled down monasteries
churches synagogues and mosques in which the name of Allah is commemorated in
abundant measure. Allah will certainly aid those who aid His (cause); for
verily Allah is Full of Strength Exalted in Might (Able to enforce His
Will).”(Qur’an;22:40 )
Marriage
with Chaste Women of People of the Book:
Islam is not exclusive
faith, social intercourse, including food and inter-marriage, is permitted with
the People of the Book. According to Qur’an: “This day are (all) things good
and pure made lawful unto you. The food of the People of the Book is lawful
unto you and yours is lawful unto them. (Lawful unto you in marriage) are (not
only) chaste women who are believers but chaste women among the People of the
Book revealed before your time when ye give them their due dowers and desire
chastity not lewdness nor secret intrigues.
If anyone rejects faith fruitless is his work and in the Hereafter he
will be in the ranks of those who have lost (all spiritual good).”
(Qur’an;5:5).
Racisms
Rejected:
Any man or woman, of any
race or faith, may, on accepting Islam, freely marry any Muslim woman or man,
provided it be from motives of purity and chastity and not of lewdness. As
always, food, cleanliness, social intercourse, marriage and other interests in
life, are linked with the duty to Allah and faith in Him. Duty and faith are
for individual’s own benefit, here and in the Hereafter.
Reward of
Good Deeds of Non Believers:
Islam looks after the
interest of non believers with justice, the good deeds of non-believer will not
be wasted. Narrated Anas ibn Malik: Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) said
about reward for a non-believer, that he
would be made to taste the reward (of virtue in this world). (Sahih Muslim
Hadith:1305). The children of minorities (non-Muslims), are similar to the
children of Muslims with respect to their entry into Paradise.(Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Fiqh
4.89a).
Social
Courtesies:
There are other social
courtesies which Muslims are urged to extend to non Muslims: like the
respect is to be extended to the non Muslim deceased;(Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith:2.399). Condolences are desirable,
even if the deceased was a non-Muslim.
It is permissible for a Muslim to visit a sick non-Muslim
person.(Fiqh-us-Sunnah, Fiqh 4.5). The strong emphasis placed
on the need to behave with equity towards minorities has been heeded by Muslims
throughout the ages. Minorities in the Muslim State
Tolerance
and Moderation:
Tolerance and
moderation is the hallmark of Islam. Tolerance and moderation is the hallmark
of Islam, Allah says :“We have made you (Muslims) a community of the middle way
(keeping balance in extremes) so that you may testify against mankind and that
your own Messenger may testify against you.”(Qur’an;2:143).. Human life of
Muslims and non Muslims alike, has a very high place in Islam, Allah says:
“whoever kills a person, except as a punishment for murder or mischief in the
land (through judiciary), it will be written in his book of deeds as if he had
killed the mankind and whoever will save a life shall be regarded as if he gave
life to all the mankind.”(Qur’an;5:32 ).
Killing is only permitted in state of war or through judiciary if some one
commits some crime warranting such punishment. The English educationist and
historian, Thomas Arnold observed: ‘During the Muslim rule, on the whole, the
level of tolerance exhibited towards non Muslims was missing in Europe till modern times’. Marmaduke Pickthall noted: "It
was not until the Western nations broke away from their religious law that they
became more tolerant, and it was only when the Muslims fell away from their
religious law that they declined in tolerance".
Human
Life:
Human life has very high value according to Qur'an ;
“He who saved one life should be regarded as though he had saved the lives of
all mankind.”(Qur’an;5:32 ).
Islam is the final message for the mankind for all times. It has the ability to
meet the challenges posed by scientific developments.
Permissible Food:
Muslims are allowed to eat everything which is good
for the health and permissible. “O mankind! Eat of that which is lawful and
wholesome in the earth, and follow not the footsteps of the devil. Lo! he is an
open enemy for you.”(Qur’an;2:168). The permissible (Hilal) animals are to be
slaughtered in Islamic way by reciting the name of Allah. There are certain
prohibition in eating and drinking etc for the betterment of Muslims: “This Day
are (all) things good and pure made lawful unto you”(Qur’an;5:5), “He hath only
forbidden you dead meat, and blood, and the flesh of swine, and that on which
any other name hath been invoked besides that of Allah. but if one is forced by
necessity, without willful disobedience, nor transgressing due limits,- then is
He guiltless. for Allah is Oft-forgiving Most Merciful.” (Qur’an;2:173).
Similar
prohibitions are also mentioned in Bible:
“That ye abstain from meats
offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from
fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye
well.”(Acts;15:29 ),“You
shall not eat anything that dies of itself” (Deuteronomy;14:21 ), “Only you shall not eat flesh with its
life, that is, its blood.”(Genesis;9:4) Leviticus 17:14-15, Deuteronomy 12:16 , 1Samuel 14:33 and Acts 15:29 also at Revelation 2:14 . Pork is also prohibited in Bible: “And the swine,
because it parts the hoof and is cloven-footed but does not chew the cud, is
unclean to you. Of their flesh you shall not eat, and their carcasses you shall
not touch; they are unclean to you.”(Leviticus;11:7-8) also Deuteronomy 14:8
& Isaiah 65:2-5. Consumption of alcohol and gabling is prohibited in Islam:
“O ye who believe! Intoxicants and gambling, (dedication of) stones, and
(divination by) arrows, are an abomination,- of Satan's handwork: eschew such
(abomination), that ye may prosper.”(Qur’an;5:90). According to Bible: “Wine is
a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not
wise.” (Proverbs;20:1),“And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be
filled with the Spirit;” (Ephesians;5:18 ).
Muslims are allowed to consume permissible (Hilal) food from the people of the
book (Jews and Christians).
Humanitarian
Obligations:
Humanitarian obligations (Haqooq-ul-Ibad) are highly
relevant in Muslim communities. Generally Haqooq Allah, the duties towards
Allah (belief, rituals, prayers) are over emphasized while duties toward fellow
human beings are given a low priority in
practice, both at the individual and community level. Since a good balance is
the main characteristic of Islam and its code of living so, the
responsibilities toward other human beings are indeed given a very strong
emphasis in Islam.
Bible on
Human Obligations:
Obligations towards fellow
humans have been emphasized in Bible at ‘Romans; chapter 12: “love one another
with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor.”(Romans;12:10 ),“Rejoice in your hope, be
patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”(Romans;12:12 ), “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep
with those who weep.”(Romans;12:12 ),“If
possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all. Beloved,
never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God; for it is written,
"Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord." No, "if your
enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him drink; for by so doing
you will heap burning coals upon his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome
evil with good. (Romans;12:18-21).
Islamic
Role Model:
The Sunnah of Prophet (peace
be upon him) is the role model for the Muslims. The virtues like justice,
truthfulness, kind and courteous behaviour with fellow humans, fairness in
trade, dealings, respect of life and property of others, helping
underprivileged, oppressed and weak, Muslim or non Muslims alike are hall mark
of Islam, the life of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is full of practical examples. The rights of parents
and non Muslims have been elaborated separately due to their special
significance. During his last address to the Muslims Prophet Muhammad (peace be
upon him) said; “O People, just as you regard this month, this day, this city
as Sacred, so regard the life and property of every Muslim as a sacred trust.
Return the goods entrusted to you to their rightful owners. Hurt no one so that
no one may hurt you.……You know that every Muslim is the brother of another
Muslim. You are all equal. Nobody has superiority over other
except by piety and good action.” He said that a Muslim has a "sanctity" which
means that he must always be respected, well treated and immune from assault on
his person, property and integrity. Hence, the Prophet (peace be upon him)
defines the relationship of brotherhood between Muslims, and what it entails in
practical life. He says that a Muslim is a brother to every Muslim: the one
never treats the other unjustly, nor lets him down, nor tries to humiliate
him." He also told that the "sanctity" of a believer is "in
God's view, greater than the sanctity of the Ka’bah." The Hadith implies
that all rights, minor or major, that belong to a Muslim must be always
respected. A person at the receiving end of injustice is sure to have God's
help. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that; "supplication by a person
treated unjustly goes directly to God without any hindrance." This very
statement should be sufficient to make anyone who exercises any degree of power
to be on his guard lest he should treat anyone unjustly. Moreover, mutual help
between members of a Muslim community is highly emphasized.
Helping Each Other:
The Prophet (peace be upon
him) says: "Whoever helps his brother with a certain need shall have God
helping him in accomplishing his own purpose." Prophet (peace be upon him)
himself was the best example of extending a helping hand to all and sundry.
Even the weakest member of the community could draw on an inexhaustible source
of help from the Prophet (peace be upon him). Prophet (peace be upon him) was
also the head of the Muslim state, would let even a slave make any demand on
his time and service. It may be kept in view that the Arabian society in the
pre-Islamic days was highly unjust to both women and slaves.
Charity:
Islam places
great emphasis on charity. Zakah (compulsory charity) is an important pillar of
Islam, while Sadqah is the alms disburse voluntarily to help deserving poor and
destitute over and above Zakah. Allah says: “Righteousness is not whether you
turn your face towards East or West; but the righteousness is to believe in
Allah, the Last Day, the Angels, the Books and the Prophets, and to spend
wealth out of love for Him on relatives, orphans, helpless, needy travelers,
those who ask for and on the redemption of captives; and to establish Salah
(prayers), to pay Zakah (alms), to fulfill promises when made, to be steadfast
in distress, in adversity, and at the time of war. These people are the
truthful and these are the pious.” (Qur’an;2:177). “They ask you what they
should spend in charity. Say: "Whatever you spend with a good heart, give
it to parents, relatives, orphans, the helpless, and travelers in need.
Whatever good you do, Allah is aware of it.”( Qur’an;2:215). “The parable of
those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is that of a grain that
sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. Allah gives manifold
increase to whom He wishes. Allah has boundless knowledge.” (Qur’an;2:261).
“Surely the charitable men and the charitable women, and those who give a
goodly loan to Allah, shall be repaid manifold, and also be given a liberal
reward besides it.” (Qur’an;57:18).“O believers! Spend out of the sustenance
which We have provided for you before the arrival of that Day when there will
be no bargaining, friendship or intercession. It is the unbelievers who are
wrongdoers.”(Qur’an;2:254). If charity is practiced with the true spirit of
Islam there will be no poor person left in society. Narrated Haritha bin Wahb:
I heard Allah's Apostle saying, "Give in charity because there will come a
time on the people when a person will go out with his alms from place to place
but will not find anybody to accept it." (Sahih Bukhari Hadith Number:
9.236)
Rights of
Neighbors:
Qur’an and Bible are unanimous on the good treatment f
neighbors (Qur’an;4:36 , Leviticus;19:18 ,
Mark;12:31 ). Prophet (peace be upon him)
was also the best of neighbors and he emphasized that neighbors have a claim on
our kindness. He mentioned that; "The Angel Gabriel has reminded me so
often of the rights of a neighbor until I began to think that a neighbor may
have a claim to inheritance." .”[Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith Number:48
Volume:8]. This means that the status of a neighbor should be viewed as
comparable to that of a family member.
Equality
and Respect:
On the other hand, when the Prophet (peace be upon
him) heard one of his companions say to Bilal (an African companion) during an
argument, "You son of a black woman", he was very angry indeed. He
said to that man: "You insult him on account of his mother? You certainly
have not purged yourself from the values of an ignorant society." All that
gives just an idea of the sort of emphasis Islam attaches to the rights of
individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable in society.
Fair
Treatment of Women:
The Prophet (peace be upon
him) appreciated good treatment of women, he said: "The best among you are
those who treat their wives best. I am indeed the best of you in the way I
treat my wives." When this is
compared with the notion that prevails among the overwhelming majority of men
in the Muslim world, it is found to be at variance with the Prophet's
instructions. In his last address, Prophet (peace be upon him) said; “O People,
it is true that you have certain rights with regard to your women, but they
also have right over you. If they abide by your right then to them belongs the
right to be fed and clothed in kindness.
Do treat your women well and be kind to them for they are your partners and
committed helpers. And it is your right that they do not make friends with any
one of whom you do not approve, as well as never to commit adultery”.
Treatment
of Servants:
Prophet (peace be upon him)
was very kind with his servants. Anas ibn Malik reports: "I served the
Prophet (peace be upon him), for ten years and he never said to me: Why did you
do this? or why did you omit that?" Delegations visiting Medina
Lack of
Human Obligations a Sin:
It should always be
remembered that God may forgive all sins that relate to human obligations
toward Him, but He will not forgive anything that is due to a human being
(Humanitarian Obligations) until that person is ready to forgive it. Hence, the
Muslims have to perform their obligations like worship and simultaneously be
kind to the other human in the society, which is also a form of worship being
part of Islamic duties.
Rights of Animals: Apart from human, a
believer has to be kind with the animals: Narrated Sahl ibn al-Hanzaliyyah: The
Apostle of Allah (peace be upon him) came upon an emaciated camel and said:
“Fear Allah regarding these dumb animals. Ride them when they are in good
condition and feed them when they are in good condition.”(Sunnah Abu Dawood,
Hadith.1065)
Obligations
to Parents:
Islam attaches great importance to the human rights
which include respect, love and obedience to the parents, and others living
around in the society, specially the weak
and underprivileged. The respect of parents has always been part of
great civilizations, cultures and teachings of previous scriptures. It is
mentioned in Qur’an; “And remember We took a covenant from the children of Israel Mt. Sinai
High
Priority after Tawheed:
It may be
noted that the respect and good behavior towards the parents have been
mentioned immediately after belief in One Allah, in Qur’an: “Your Lord has
decreed to you that: You shall worship none but Him, and you shall be kind to
your parents; if one or both of them live to their old age in your lifetime,
you shall not say to them any word of contempt nor repel them and you shall
address them in kind words. You shall lower to them your wings of humility and
pray: "O Lord! Bestow on them Your blessings just as they cherished me
when I was a little child. Your Lord knows best what is in your hearts. If you
do good deeds, certainly He is most forgiving to those who turn to Him in
repentance.”(Qur’an;17:23-25). The spiritual and moral duties have been
amalgamated here.
Individual
Act of Piety:
The kindness to parents is
an individual act of piety. Hence this matter must be approached with gentle
humility: for the parental love, remind him of the great love with which Allah
cherishes His creatures. There is something here more than simple human
gratitude; it goes up into the highest spiritual region. The Muslim is asked to
honor their father and mother, upon much higher and more universal grounds,
such as befit a perfected revelation. In the first place, not merely respect,
but cherishing kindness, and humility to parents, are commanded. In the second
place, this command is bracketed with the command to worship the One True God.
Parental love should be like a type of divine love: nothing can ever really
compensate for that which have been received. In the third place the spiritual
advancement is tested by this: no one should expect Allah's forgiveness if one
is rude or unkind to the parents who unselfishly brought him up.
No Right
in Deviation to Faith and Worship:
While there is deep respect
for the parents but in the matters of faith and worship, they have no right to
force their children. They cannot and must not hold up before them any worship
but that of the One True God. Children and parents must all remember that they
have all to go before Allah's tribunal, and answer, each for his own deeds. But
even then, it does not mean that one should be arrogant or insolent. Allah
says: “We have enjoined on man kindness to parents: but if they (either of
them) strive (to force) thee to join with Me (in worship) anything of which
thou hast no knowledge obey them not. Ye
have (all) to return to Me and I will tell you (the truth) of all that ye
did.”(Qur’an;29:8). “And We have
enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail did his
mother bear him and in years twain was his weaning: (hear the command)
"Show gratitude to Me and to thy parents: to Me is (thy final) Goal.” But
if they strive to make the join in worship with Me things of which thou hast no
knowledge obey them not; Yet bear them company in this life with justice (and
consideration) and follow the way of those who turn to Me (in love): in the End
the return of you all is to Me and I will tell you the truth (and meaning) of
all that ye did." (Qur’an;31:14-15).
Qur’an on Kindness to
Parents: Allah
has repeatedly asked the children to be good and kind with parents, He says
: “We have enjoined on man Kindness to
his parents: in pain did his mother bear him and in pain did she give him
birth. The carrying of the (child) to
his weaning is (a period of) thirty months.
At length when he reaches the age of full strength and attains forty
years he says: “We have enjoined man to treat his parents with kindness. With
much trouble his mother bore him, and much pain did she give him birth. His
bearing and his weaning took thirty months. When he reaches the age of full
strength and becomes forty years old, he says: "My Lord! Grant me the
grace that I may thank you for the favors which You have bestowed on me and on
my parents, and that I may do good deeds that will please You, and grant me
good children. Surely I turn to You in repentance and surely I am of those who
are Muslims. Such are the people from whom We shall accept the best of their
deeds and overlook their misdeeds. They shall be among the residents of
paradise: true is the promise that has been made to them in this life. But
those who rebukes his parents and say: " Fie upon you both! Do you threaten
me with a resurrection, whereas many a generations have passed before me and
none has come back from among them?" And they both cry for Allah's help
and say: "Woe to you! Be a good believer. Surely the promise of Allah is
true." But he replies: "This is nothing but tales of the ancients.”
(Qur’an;46:15-17). The respect to parents could result in great rewards as
Allah says in Qur’an: “Those who believe and work righteous deeds from them
shall We blot out all evil (that may be) in them and We shall reward them
according to the best of their deeds.” (Qur’an;29:7).
Traditions
of Prophet (peace be upon him):
There are many traditions
(Hadiths) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) which emphasize the respect
and high status of parents: Narrated by Mu'adh ibn Jabal; “Allah's Messenger
(peace be upon him) instructed me to do ten things saying: (1). Do not
associate anything with Allah even if you are killed and burnt on that account.
(2). Don't be disobedient to your parents even if they command you to abandon
your family and your property……..” (Transmitted by Ahmad, Al-Tirmidhi Hadith:
61). Narrated Abdullah ibn Umar: A woman was my wife and I loved her, but Umar
hated her. He said to me: Divorce her, but I refused. Umar then went to the
Prophet (peace be upon him) and mentioned that to him. The Prophet (peace be
upon him) said: Divorce her.(Sunan of Abu-Dawood, Hadith Number.2437). Narrated
by Abdullah bin Amr: A man said to the Prophet(peace be upon him),"Shall I
participate in Jihad?" The Prophet(peace be upon him) said, "Are your
parents living?" The man said, "Yes." the Prophet (peace be upon
him) said, "Do Jihad for their benefit."(Sahih Al-Bukhari
Hadith:8.3). Narrated by Abdullah bin Amr: The Prophet(peace be upon him) said, "Al-Kaba'ir (the biggest sins)
are: To join others (as partners) in worship with Allah, to be undutiful to
one's parents,"(Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith: 9.9). Narrated by Anas : The
Prophet (peace be upon him) was asked about the great sins He said, "They
are:(1 ) To join others in worship with Allah. (2) To be undutiful to one's
parents. (3) To kill a person (which Allah has forbidden to kill-murder). (4)
And to give a false witness." (Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith:3.821).
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