That’s a really important question. The role and status of parents in Islam is exceptionally high, and it’s a central theme in both the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
In short, Islam places the duty of kindness, respect, and obedience to parents second only to the worship of God (Allah) Himself.
The duty towards the father in Islam is immense, second only to the duty towards the mother, but it shares the same core principles of kindness, respect, and obedience.
While the mother is emphasized three times more for the hardship of carrying and raising the child, the father holds a unique and highly respected position as the head of the family, the provider, and the moral guide.
Honouring Parents is Second Only to Worship
Several verses in the Quran link the command to worship God alone with the command to treat parents with goodness, which demonstrates the immense significance of this relationship.
- A Key Verse: “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.” (Quran, 17:23)
- The prohibition on saying even the smallest word of disrespect—like “uff” or “fie”—is often highlighted as a measure of the extreme care one must take when dealing with them.
Core Principles: Respect and Obedience.
These duties are common to both parents, but they are crucial for the father’s role as the family leader.
Here’s a breakdown of the specific duties toward one’s father:
Just as with the mother, you must never use disrespectful language toward your father. The Quran forbids saying even a minor word of annoyance like "uff" (or "fie") and commands you to speak to them with "a noble word" (Quran 17:23).
You must obey your father in all matters unless his command involves disobedience to God (Allah) or is genuinely harmful to you. Even if he commands you to associate partners with God (which is forbidden), you must still treat him kindly in this world while gently refusing the act of disobedience.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: "The father is the middle of the gates of Paradise, so keep to this gate or lose it." (Sunan al-Tirmidhī), highlighting that one's relationship with their father is a key to salvation.
Conduct and Focus:
- Maintain silence and tranquility. Avoid loud talking, idle chatter, or disruptive behaviour that might disturb those praying, reading Quran, or reflecting.
- Avoid discussing worldly business (buying, selling, or trade) inside the prayer hall.
- Turn your mobile phone off or put it on silent mode.
- Keep the masjid clean and tidy. Do not leave trash, food, or drinks behind
- Try to fill the front rows first.
- Do not cross directly in front of a person who is praying.
- Avoid making noise that disturbs others, even when reciting the Quran individually (unless you are teaching).
- Avoid stretching your legs toward the Qibla (direction of prayer).
- Do not jump over the shoulders of people who are already sitting to move forward in the rows
Foot and Supplication:
- Leave with the left foot first.
- Recite the Sunnah supplication for leaving: “Allahumma innee as-aluka min fadlika.” (O Allah, I ask You from Your favour/bounty).
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
"Whoever builds a mosque for Allah, Allah will build for him a house like it in Paradise." (Sahih al-Bukhari) This promise applies even to those who contribute a small amount, as the intention and sincerity are paramount. The reward is promised even for building a mosque "like a sparrow's nest or even smaller."
As long as the mosque stands and people pray, recite Quran, learn, and remember Allah within it, the reward for every good deed performed there goes back to the one who built or contributed to its maintenance.
The Quran emphasises that maintaining the Masajid is the sole domain of true believers:
"The mosques of Allah are only to be maintained by those who believe in Allah and the Last Day, and establish prayer and give zakah and fear none but Allah." (Surah At-Tawbah 9:18)
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