Kindness to Parents: A Gateway to Allah’s Mercy – NASFAT

Kindness to Parents: A Gateway to Allah’s Mercy – NASFAT

Zainab Tanimu

Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria

The Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society (NASFAT) has emphasized that showing kindness to parents is a vital pathway to attaining Allah’s mercy, stressing that honoring one’s parents remains a core teaching in Islam.

According to the society, respect and care for parents is not only a moral obligation but also a significant act of worship (Ibadah) that comes immediately after the command to worship Allah alone.

This teaching is strongly supported by both the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Qur’an repeatedly links devotion to Allah with kindness to parents.

In Surah Al-Isra (17:23), Allah commands: “Your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him, and that you be kind to your parents.”

Similarly, a Hadith narrated by Tirmidhi highlights the importance of parental approval, stating: “The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of the parent, and the displeasure of Allah lies in the displeasure of the parent.”

Delivering a lecture on the topic, the Zonal Missioner of NASFAT FCT, Imam Muh’d Marooph Raji, reiterated that parents hold a special place in Islam and are considered a gateway to Paradise. He referenced the saying of the Prophet (PBUH) which describes parents—particularly mothers—as a door to Paradise, urging believers to remain close to them because “Paradise lies beneath the feet of mothers.”

The lecture was delivered during the 40-day Fidau prayer for the late mother of Alhaji Shakirudeen OPoola, held at his residence in Mondo.

Imam Marooph noted that being dutiful to parents brings numerous spiritual, emotional, and practical benefits, including divine rewards, blessings (barakah), and inner peace.

He also commended Alhaji Shakirudeen, an executive member of NASFAT Kaduna Main Branch, for the care and devotion he showed to his mother during her lifetime. The cleric urged others to emulate such acts of love and responsibility, warning that accumulating wealth while neglecting one’s parents is ultimately meaningless.

The scholar further explained that Islamic teachings place great emphasis on treating parents with utmost respect. The Qur’an, he said, even forbids uttering the word “uff”—a minor expression of annoyance—towards parents, indicating that any form of disrespect is considered a grave sin.

He added that serving parents, particularly in their old age, is a noble act of devotion capable of attracting Allah’s mercy, forgiveness of sins, and protection from Hellfire. He also reminded the audience that the supplication of parents for their children is among the prayers that are readily answered by Allah.

Imam Marooph encouraged Muslims to show goodness to their parents in several ways, including acknowledging their sacrifices, making them proud through righteous actions, supporting them financially and emotionally, and speaking to them with kindness and respect regardless of disagreements.

For those whose parents have passed away, the cleric noted that Islam still provides an opportunity to seek forgiveness and make amends by praying for them, giving charity on their behalf, and maintaining good conduct.

He concluded by urging people to cultivate a lifestyle of good deeds, noting that acts of kindness—especially towards parents—carry immense rewards in the sight of Allah.