Hadith #6979

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,

مِنَ العُقُوقِ إضاعَةُ الحُقُوقِ۔

This can be translated as,

Disregarding the rights [of your parents] is from [the acts of] filial impiety.

Let us delve into the meaning of the key words in this Hadith. "عُقُوقِ" refers to disobedience or disregard for the rights and commands of someone in authority, particularly parents. It encompasses actions that go against the obligations and responsibilities one has towards their parents. "إضاعَةُ" means to waste, lose, or neglect. And "الحُقُوقِ" refers to the rights or entitlements that are due to someone.

To understand the wise message of this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting parents in numerous verses. In Surah Al-Isra (17:23), Allah says,

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 significance of treating parents with utmost respect and kindness. It prohibits even the slightest expression of annoyance or disrespect towards them. Similarly, in Surah Luqman (31:14), Allah commands,

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.

Here, Allah emphasizes the gratitude owed to both Him and one's parents for the immense sacrifices they have made. It is a reminder of the debt we owe to our parents for their love, care, and nurturing throughout our lives.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith further elucidates the consequences of disregarding the rights of parents. It highlights that such actions are not only a violation of the rights of our parents but also a form of filial impiety. Filial impiety refers to a lack of reverence, gratitude, and obedience towards one's parents, which is considered a grave sin in Islam.

Disregarding the rights of parents can have severe consequences, both in this world and the hereafter. It can lead to strained relationships, loss of blessings, and a disruption in the harmony of the family unit. Moreover, it goes against the teachings of Islam, which emphasize the importance of maintaining strong family ties and fulfilling our obligations towards our parents.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the immense value Islam places on honoring and respecting our parents. It serves as a call to action for Muslims to fulfill their duties towards their parents, treating them with love, kindness, and respect. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of gratitude and appreciation for the countless blessings bestowed upon us by our parents.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the gravity of disregarding the rights of parents and the consequences it carries. It aligns perfectly with the teachings of the Quran, which emphasize the significance of honoring and respecting our parents. As Muslims, it is our duty to fulfill our obligations towards our parents, treating them with the utmost love, kindness, and respect. May Allah guide us all to be dutiful children and grant us the ability to fulfill the rights of our parents.