The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, emphasizes that caring for and honoring parents are among the most beloved and significant acts of worship in the eyes of Allah Almighty and that honoring parents is a profound form of devotion, often mentioned alongside the oneness of Allah in the Holy Quran, underscoring their esteemed status and crucial role in an individual's life.
In a statement issued on the Global Day of Parents, which falls on June 1 of each year, the Council asserts that Islam firmly underscores the obligation to respect and care for parents, recognizing their immense contributions to their children's lives. It is considered one of the greatest acts of obedience and worship, directly linked to Allah's pleasure. The Holy Quran says: (And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be kind to your parents. 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.) (Al-Isra: 23-24).
Islam also urges children to respect their parents, treat them with humility and kindness, bring joy to their hearts, acknowledge their sacrifices, and treat them with mercy and affection. Fulfilling their needs and caring for them is not only a religious duty but also an expression of gratitude and loyalty for their immense efforts and sacrifices in raising their children and maintaining the family. This commitment fosters cohesive societies that uphold the values of compassion, love, and respect.