“My lord, have mercy upon them [parents] as they brought me up [when I was] small.” – Quran [17:24]

A man asked the Prophet [SAW], “who was most entitled to be treated with the best companionship?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man asked, “Who is next?” The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man asked again. The Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man asked the fourth time. The Prophet said, “Your father.” We learn from this how important it is to spend most of our time with our mother and father.

Gaining the pleasure of Allah [SWT] is directly connected to gaining the pleasure of your parents. No matter how religious you think you are, none of your acts of worship will be of any use unless you respect your parents. All of your good deeds, praying, fasting, zakat etc. will be wasted.

By pleasing your parents, Allah [SWT] increases your rizq in this life as well. If you have any financial or other personal problems, one thing to look at is, are your parents pleased with you? You will see that people will have a miserable life from the day they disrespected their parents. Don’t use the sharpness of your speech on the parent that taught you how to speak. Love and appreciate your parents. We are so busy growing up we sometimes forget our parents are growing old. You will realise the value when you see their empty chair.

Start right now. Call them. Sit with them and give them time. Love and care for them. Let your children watch you and one day they will do the same to you.