Before It's Too Late: The Rights of Your Parents in Islam | Birr al-Walidayn

Your parents once held your hand when you could not walk. One day, they may need you to hold theirs. But when that day comes, will you recognise the opportunity Allah has placed before you? In this powerful Friday Jumuʿah bayān, delivered during the winter school holidays before several hundred young people and teenagers, Shaykh Asid Shafait at-Tijānī addresses one of the greatest responsibilities in Islam: Birr al-Wālidayn (بر الوالدين) — honouring and serving our parents. Allah commands: وَبِالْوَالِدَيْنِ إِحْسَانًا “And show excellence towards your parents.” — Qurʾān 17:23 Through the teachings of the Qurʾān and Sunnah, this heartfelt reminder challenges the younger generation to reflect upon the sacrifices of their parents, the meaning of gratitude, and the danger of allowing impatience, distractions and the demands of life to overshadow their sacred rights. For Allah does not merely command us to respect our parents. He commands iḥsān — excellence, kindness and beautiful conduct, especially when they reach old age. فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَا أُفٍّ “Do not even say ‘uff’ to them.” — Qurʾān 17:23 The Messenger of Allah ﷺ warned of the person who reaches the lifetime of one or both parents in old age, yet fails to attain Paradise through them. (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2551) They were patient with you when you were helpless. Will you be patient with them when they become weak? A reminder for the young, a reflection for the old, and a responsibility upon us all. رَّبِّ ارْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِي صَغِيرًا “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they raised me when I was small.” — Qurʾān 17:24 Share this reminder with your family and loved ones. Subscribe for more bayāns on the Qurʾān, Sunnah and purification of the heart. #BirrAlWalidayn #RightsOfParents #IslamicReminder