Respect for parents is one of the greatest acts in Islam, mentioned right after worshipping Allah.
What Allah says
- “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and be good to parents… do not say to them ‘uff’, nor shout at them, but speak to them noble words” (Quran 17:23).
- The dua: رَبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا (17:24).
- The Prophet ﷺ named the mother three times before the father as most deserving of good company (Sahih al-Bukhari 5971).
Daily habits by age
| Age | Habit |
|---|---|
| 3–6 | Salam when parents come home; “yes, Mama” when called |
| 7–10 | Helping without being asked; no eye-rolling |
| 11+ | Polite disagreement; the dua for parents daily |
When they’re angry
Teach words for disagreement: “I don’t agree, can I explain?” rather than shouting. See “I hate you” and teen disrespect.
Model it
Children watch how you treat your own parents and in-laws: visits, calls, tone of voice.
Teacher’s tip: teach the dua for parents and say it together after one prayer each day. Children who pray for their parents grow closer to them.
Related: Respecting elders and Luqman’s advice.
