Dr. Ali Gomaa, former Grand Mufti of Egypt and a member of Al-Azhar’s Council of Senior Scholars, emphasized that Islam gives immense importance to parents, making obedience and kindness toward them one of the noblest acts of worship, while strictly prohibiting disobedience and mistreatment.

He explained that the word “birr” (righteousness) in Arabic signifies goodness, virtue, honesty, and obedience, and that no one can truly comprehend the magnitude of a parent’s sacrifice, for they are the reason for their children’s existence and the foundation of their lives.

Dr. Gomaa added that Islam commands gratitude toward one’s parents, as they dedicate their physical, emotional, and financial strength to raise their children and endure countless hardships for their sake — an effort that no one else can match.

He noted that God Almighty coupled honoring parents with worshiping Him, saying:

“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you show kindness to your parents.” [Al-Isra: 23]

This divine association, he explained, signifies the greatness of their rank, as showing gratitude to parents is inseparable from showing gratitude to God. Honoring them leads to divine pleasure, while disobedience and disrespect are major sins that incur God’s wrath.

Dr. Gomaa cited Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him, who said:

“Three verses are linked with others, and neither is accepted without its pair… ‘Be grateful to Me and to your parents.’ Whoever thanks God but not his parents, his gratitude is not accepted.”

He concluded that honoring parents is both an act of faith and a reflection of character, and that those seeking God’s pleasure should begin with earning the satisfaction of their parents — for in their contentment lies the blessing of life and the mercy of the Creator.

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