Anecdotes from the Life of the Prophet Muhammad
by Mumtaz Ahmad Faruqui
Respect for Parents
Says the Holy Quran:
“And thy Lord has decreed that you serve none but Him, and do good to parents. If either or both of them reach old age with thee, say not ‘fie’ to them, nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy, and say: My Lord, have mercy on them, as they brought me up (when I was) little.” (The Holy Quran, 17:23–24)
1. Muawiyah bin Jahima relates:
“I went to the Holy Prophet and told him that I was prepared to go to any holy war that he cared to send me. The Prophet asked me if my mother was alive, and I replied in the affirmative. On this, the Prophet said: ‘Go and serve your mother, as Heaven lies at the feet of mothers.’”
2. Abdullah bin Umar relates that the Prophet said:
“Your Lord is pleased if you please your father; and He is displeased if you displease your father.”
3. Anas relates that the Prophet said:
“Whosoever wishes that his wealth may increase and that his life span be lengthened, then he should do good to his kith and kin.”