Uquq Al-Walidayn

Uquq al-Walidayn (disobedience or disrespect toward parents) is considered a major sin (kabirah) in Islam, directly contradicting the repeated Quranic commands to treat parents with utmost kindness and respect. The severity of this sin is emphasized by its pairing with the command to worship Allah alone: "And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him and that you be dutiful to your parents. If one or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor reprimand them, but address them in terms of honor. 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'" (17:23-24). Uquq encompasses any form of mistreatment,verbal abuse, neglect, ignoring their needs, causing them grief, disobedience to their legitimate requests, or failing to care for them in their old age. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) declared: "Shall I inform you of the greatest of the major sins?" He repeated it three times, then said: "Associating partners with Allah, disobedience to parents, and false testimony" (Bukhari and Muslim). He also stated that a person who reaches old age with parents and fails to enter Paradise through serving them is humiliated (Tirmidhi). The only exception to parental obedience is if they command something contrary to Allah's commands, as "no obedience to creation in disobedience to the Creator." Otherwise, kindness to parents remains obligatory even if they are non-Muslim. Disobedience to parents (uquq) is a major sin. It is among the greatest sins after shirk. The Prophet said: "Allah delays the punishment of the disobedient to parents until the Hereafter, or hastens it in this life" (Ahmad). The punishment for uquq is severe. The Prophet said that the one who causes his parents to cry will be punished. The one who looks at them with anger will not enter Paradise. The cure for uquq is repentance and returning to kindness. The Prophet said: "The one who repents is like the one who has no sin" (Ibn Majah). For believers, honoring parents is a duty. They are kind, patient, and respectful. They serve them in old age, speak gently, and pray for their forgiveness. They know that Paradise lies at the feet of mothers, and that serving parents is a path to Paradise. The believer seeks to be among those who honor their parents, hoping for Allah's mercy and forgiveness.