Quranic Verses About Parents
Islam places parents in an exceptionally honored position. The Qur’an repeatedly commands believers to show kindness, mercy, gratitude, and humility toward their parents, sometimes mentioning this duty immediately after the command to worship Allah alone.
These verses are not only reminders of obligation but also sources of guidance on how to treat parents in daily life, during conflict, and even after they pass away. Below are some of the most powerful Quranic verses about parents, along with explanations and insights from the Sunnah.
Worship Allah and Be Kind to Parents
وَٱعْبُدُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَلَا تُشْرِكُوا۟ بِهِۦ شَيْـًۭٔا ۖ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَٰنًۭا
English Translation
“Worship Allah and associate nothing with Him, and be good to parents…”
Surah An-Nisa (4:36)
Insight from Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ consistently paired Tawheed (oneness of Allah) with kindness to parents. In many hadith, obedience and goodness to parents are mentioned among the greatest deeds beloved to Allah.
Reflection
This verse shows that honoring parents is not a social custom, it is a core act of worship. Treating parents well is a direct extension of faith.
Speak to Parents with Humility and Respect
فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفٍّۢ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًۭا كَرِيمًۭا
English Translation
“Do not say to them even ‘uff,’ and do not repel them, but speak to them a noble word.”
Surah Al-Isra (17:23)
Insight from Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ never raised his voice at his elders and taught that even a small expression of annoyance toward parents is sinful.
Reflection
Islam emphasizes emotional discipline. Even frustration must be controlled when dealing with parents, teaching believers patience, empathy, and refined character.
Make Dua for Mercy Upon Parents
وَقُل رَّبِّ ٱرْحَمْهُمَا كَمَا رَبَّيَانِى صَغِيرًۭا
English Translation
“And say: My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up when I was small.”
Surah Al-Isra (17:24)
Insight from Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ taught that a righteous child’s dua continues to benefit parents even after their death (Muslim).
Reflection
This verse teaches gratitude through supplication. It reminds us that parental sacrifices deserve lifelong acknowledgment and prayer.
Gratitude to Parents Is Linked with Gratitude to Allah
أَنِ ٱشْكُرْ لِى وَلِوَٰلِدَيْكَ ۖ إِلَىَّ ٱلْمَصِيرُ
English Translation
“Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the final destination.”
Surah Luqman (31:14)
Insight from Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever does not thank people has not thanked Allah.”
(Tirmidhi)
Reflection
Thankfulness to parents is a training ground for thankfulness to Allah. This verse nurtures humility and recognition of blessings.
Obey Parents Even When There Is Disagreement (Without Disobedience to Allah)
وَإِن جَٰهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُشْرِكَ بِى مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلْمٌۭ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًۭا
English Translation
“But if they strive to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them; but accompany them in this world with kindness.”
Surah Luqman (31:15)
Insight from Sunnah
Even when parents were non-Muslim, the Prophet ﷺ instructed companions to treat them with kindness and respect.
Reflection
Islam balances faith with compassion. Even disagreement does not justify disrespect or neglect.
Forgiveness for Parents and Believers
رَبَّنَا ٱغْفِرْ لِى وَلِوَٰلِدَىَّ وَلِلْمُؤْمِنِينَ يَوْمَ يَقُومُ ٱلْحِسَابُ
English Translation
“Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers on the Day the account is established.”
Surah Ibrahim (14:41)
Insight from Sunnah
The Prophet ﷺ emphasized making dua for parents as one of the greatest ongoing deeds that benefits them in the Hereafter.
Reflection
This verse connects family love with concern for the Afterlife, reminding believers that true success is eternal.
Additional Reflection: Parents as a Path to Jannah
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Paradise lies under the feet of mothers.”
(Nasa’i)
And he ﷺ warned that neglecting parents can be a cause of loss in the Hereafter.
Honoring parents through actions, words, patience, and Quranic duas is among the clearest paths to Allah’s pleasure.
Conclusion
The Qur’an does not merely command respect for parents, it teaches a complete code of conduct rooted in mercy, gratitude, patience, and faith. By reflecting on these verses and living by them, believers strengthen their relationship with Allah while honoring those who were the means of their existence.
Learning and reciting the Qur’an with understanding allows these verses to transform hearts, benefiting both children and their parents, in this world and the next.
