Hadith #439

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

Mani istankafa min abawayhi faqad khalafa ar-rushd.

This Hadith can be translated as,

One who scorns his parents has diverged from the right path.

Let us delve into the significance of this Hadith in light of the Quran.

Firstly, let us understand the key words in this Hadith. The word "istankafa" comes from the root word "nakafa," which means to belittle, scorn, or show contempt. The word "abawayhi" refers to one's parents, encompassing both the mother and the father. And "ar-rushd" refers to the right path, the path of righteousness and guidance.

The importance of honoring and respecting parents is emphasized in various verses of the Quran. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Isra (17:23),

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.

This verse highlights the obligation of treating parents with kindness, respect, and obedience.

Furthermore, in Surah Luqman (31:14), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) states,

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.

This verse emphasizes the gratitude that we owe to our parents for their sacrifices and the importance of fulfilling our responsibilities towards them.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith highlights the severity of scorning or belittling one's parents. It serves as a stern warning against such behavior, as it leads one astray from the right path. When a person scorns their parents, they are not only disrespecting their immediate caregivers but also violating the commandments of Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Scorning parents can take various forms, such as speaking ill of them, disobeying their reasonable requests, neglecting their needs, or showing ingratitude for their efforts. Such behavior not only damages the relationship between children and parents but also has wider societal implications. It erodes the fabric of the family unit, which is the foundation of a healthy society.

Moreover, scorning parents goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of maintaining strong family ties and treating parents with utmost respect and kindness. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the significance of honoring parents and fulfilling their rights.

The consequences of scorning parents are not limited to this world alone. In the hereafter, such behavior will have severe repercussions. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) warns in Surah Al-Isra (17:23-24),

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. 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.'

This verse highlights the importance of treating parents with humility and mercy. It also emphasizes the need to pray for the mercy of Allah upon them. By scorning parents, one risks losing the mercy of Allah and distancing themselves from His guidance and blessings.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder of the significance of honoring and respecting parents. It warns against scorning parents, as it leads one astray from the right path. By reflecting on the teachings of the Quran and the importance of family ties, we can strive to fulfill our responsibilities towards our parents and maintain strong and loving relationships with them. May Allah guide us all to follow the path of righteousness and grant us the ability to honor and respect our parents as they deserve.