A Blog by Ayesha Haitham

– Graduate PDP Batch 5

“And lower to them (your parents) the wing of humility out of mercy
and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up (when
I was) small.” Ayat 17:24

If asked, most will answer that they don’t remember the first few years of their life vividly. For a fact, we know that our parents had the most struggle in the first few years of our lives. Thus, pondering on the fact will make us realize this.

Didn’t our Mothers wean us for the first two years of our lives, putting us back to sleep whenever we awoke, and
tending to us whenever we got hurt? And didn’t our fathers work day and night to make sure our needs were
fulfilled so that we turn into healthy and happy children? Giving us their full attention when you have something to
share. Therefore, we must be grateful to them for all the sacrifices and hardships they went through for us!

Getting frustrated at parents for the silliest of things is a problem that we all face in our everyday lives. But we must remember, it is important to not blow our tops at them, as this will eventually only lead to a distant relationship.
Thus it is necessary to remember that our parents were the first ones who showered us with unconditional love and kindness. (Doing wudhu helps to control our anger, so when you get angry next time, try this. Trust me, it really helps you calm down.)

Showing Gratitude:

Thanking them is just one way of showing gratitude, but wouldn’t it be much better if we knew something which would benefit them as well?
Doing something which is ‘Sadaqah Jariyah’ for them. {Sadaqah Jariyah is a gift (good deed) that benefits us and others (loved ones) in this life and in the next.}
It was narrated by Sahih Muslim that amongst the 3 deeds which will remain with the person even after death is ‘Sadaqah Jariyah’ (or continuing charity).
We can also ask for their forgiveness, making the beautiful and beneficial dua that our beloved Prophet, Ibrahim (AS) had asked for. The dua is as follows…

“Our Lord! Forgive me, my parents, and the believers on the Day when the
judgment will come to pass.” – Ayat 14:41

We are commanded to not be unjust or unkind to our parents, but instead treat them with affection, love and
kindness. Even the smallest gesture of unkindness like saying ‘ugh’ or ‘uff’ is forbidden, as not only will it
hurt their feelings but also make Allah unhappy.

Abdullah ibn Umar (RA) said, “The pleasure of the
Lord lies in the pleasure of the parent. The anger of
the Lord lies in the anger of the parent.”

Another beneficial and beautiful dua which we can all make for our parents is…

“My Lord! Be merciful to them as they raised me when I was young.” – Ayat 17:24