Let him be humbled into dust; let him be humbled into dust. It was said: Allah's Messenger, who is he? He said: He who sees either of his parents during their old age or he sees both of them, but he does not enter Paradise.
"The one who sees one or both of his parents in their old age but does not enter Paradise":
- Emphasis on Serving Parents: Serving one’s parents, especially in their old age when they are most vulnerable, is a unique form of worship that has immense rewards. The Prophet (ﷺ) stresses that such an opportunity should not be wasted.
- Obligation to Show Kindness to Parents:
- Quranic Reference: “And We have enjoined upon man [care] for his parents. His mother carried him, [increasing her] in weakness upon weakness, and his weaning is in two years. Be grateful to Me and to your parents; to Me is the [final] destination.” (Surah Luqman 31:14)
- Implication: This verse highlights the importance of gratitude towards parents, acknowledging the hardships they endured, especially the mother. It calls for recognizing the debt of care and kindness owed to parents.
- Treating Parents with Humility and Mercy:
- Quranic References:
- “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], ‘uff,’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.” (Surah Al-Isra 17:23)
- “And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, ‘My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.’” (Surah Al-Isra 17:24)
- Implication: These verses command Muslims to show utmost respect and kindness towards their parents, especially in their old age. Even the smallest sign of annoyance or disrespect, such as saying “uff” (a term of mild displeasure), is prohibited, demonstrating the high standard of behavior expected.
- Link Between Serving Parents and Attaining Paradise:
- Quranic Reference: “And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. But if they endeavor to make you associate with Me that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them but accompany them in [this] world with appropriate kindness...” (Surah Luqman 31:15)
- Implication: This verse acknowledges that while one’s primary duty is to Allah, the requirement to treat parents with kindness remains paramount, even when there are differences in belief. It stresses that this kindness and patience are pathways to earning Allah’s pleasure and, ultimately, Paradise.
- Opportunity for Great Reward: The hadith emphasizes that having parents in old age is a unique opportunity for great spiritual reward. By serving them, one has a direct path to Paradise, which should not be taken lightly.
- Parental Rights in Islam: The hadith and related Quranic verses highlight that Islam places immense importance on the rights of parents. This includes physical care, emotional support, and showing respect and humility, especially when they are old and frail.
- Consequences of Neglect: The Prophet’s (ﷺ) strong language serves as a warning against neglecting parents. Failing to serve one’s parents in their time of need is not just a social failing but a spiritual one, with serious consequences in the Hereafter.
- Gratitude and Patience: Islam teaches that caring for parents, especially in their old age, is a form of gratitude for all they have done. It also requires patience and humility, reflecting the care and compassion they showed in raising their children.
May Allāh (سبحانه و تعالى) help us understand Qur'ān and follow the Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, which is embodiment of commandments of Allah contained in the Qur'ān. May Allah help us to be like the ones He loves and let our lives be lived helping others and not making others' lives miserable or unlivable. May all our wrong doings, whether intentional or unintentional, be forgiven before the angel of death knocks on our door.