Hadith #11245

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. 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,

وَلَدٌ عَقُوقٌ مِحْنَةٌ وشُؤْمٌ۔

This can be translated into English as,

The undutiful child is a tribulation and a misfortune.

Let us delve into the meanings of the key words in this Hadith. The word (walad) "وَلَدٌ" refers to a child, specifically one's offspring. (aqooq) "عَقُوقٌ" means disobedience or being undutiful towards one's parents. It encompasses actions or behaviors that go against the rights and expectations of parents. (mihnah) "مِحْنَةٌ" refers to a trial, affliction, or hardship that one may face. And (shoom) "شُؤْمٌ" signifies misfortune, calamity, or adversity.

To understand the profound wisdom behind this Hadith, we can turn to the Quran for guidance. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) emphasizes the importance of respecting and obeying parents in numerous verses. For instance, 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.

Additionally, in Surah Luqman (31:14), Allah 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.

From these verses, we understand that being dutiful and respectful towards parents is a fundamental aspect of our faith. It is a commandment from Allah that holds great significance. Disobeying or being undutiful to our parents not only brings about personal consequences but also has wider implications for society.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), known for his immense knowledge and wisdom, highlights the consequences of being an undutiful child in this Hadith. He describes it as a "tribulation" and a "misfortune." When a child disrespects or disobeys their parents, it creates a state of turmoil and distress within the family. The harmony and tranquility that should exist within the household are disrupted, leading to emotional and psychological hardships for both the parents and the child.

Moreover, the consequences of being an undutiful child extend beyond the immediate family. Society as a whole is affected when the bonds of respect and obedience between parents and children are weakened. This breakdown in filial piety can lead to a deterioration of moral values, social cohesion, and the overall well-being of the community.

Reflecting on this Hadith, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing strong and loving relationships with our parents. We should strive to fulfill their rights and treat them with kindness, compassion, and respect. By doing so, we not only uphold the teachings of Islam but also contribute to the betterment of our families and society at large.

May Allah (تَبَارَكَ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the wisdom and strength to be dutiful children, and may He bless our parents with health, happiness, and long lives.