The Importance of Parents in Islam – A Gentle Reminder
Bismillah
I recently lost my father.
And with that loss came a shift I can’t fully explain. It feels like a part of me is gone — a quiet emptiness that lingers in moments I wish I could share with him.
It changes your perspective on everything.
Allah سبحانه وتعالى reminds us:
“Every soul will taste death…” (Ali ‘Imran 3:185)
And:
“It will be as if they had not stayed [in the world] except for an hour of a day…” (Surah Yunus 10:45)
This life is so temporary. One day, it will feel like we were only here for a moment.
And in that moment, Allah gave us our parents — a mercy, a blessing, and a means to Jannah.
The Status of Parents in Islam
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment…” (Surah Al-Isra 17:23)
Right after the command to worship Allah alone comes kindness to parents. That alone shows their immense status.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Allah’s pleasure results from the parent’s pleasure, and Allah’s displeasure results from the parents displeasure.” (Tirmidhi)
And Abu Darda’ (رضي الله عنه) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:
“The father is the middle door of Paradise (i.e. the best way to Paradise), so it is up to you whether you take advantage of it or not.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 3663)
SubhanAllah… what a powerful reminder.
A Love That Isn’t Always Spoken
We often don’t realise the value of our parents until they’re no longer here.
And something I’ve reflected on deeply…
Our parents don’t always know how to express their love — especially our fathers.
Their love isn’t always in words.
It’s in the quiet actions:
Making sure you’ve eaten
Cutting fruit and bringing it to you
Sorting your car out without you asking
Checking in, in their own way
That was their love language.
And sometimes, we miss it.
And now… I find myself holding onto the small memories.
When I was sick, my dad would make me warm oat porridge with dates and raisins for breakfast.
He would make me a hot kawa drink.
During Ramadan, he would wake up early and prepare Sehri for me, my mum, and my younger sister.
He would guide me, advise me, and remind me about life.
He would tell me about the hardships he faced — supporting his family back home, and working tirelessly here in the UK to provide for us.
And at weekends… he would make the most delicious Afghani pilau.
At the time, these felt like small moments.
But now, I realise… they were everything.
Before It’s Too Late
If your father is still here…
Tell your dad you love him — no matter how uncomfortable or strange it may feel.
Make time for him.
Just like he made time for you:
For your appointments
For your needs
For the things you don’t even remember
Don’t ever forget that.
Because one day… you will wish you could.
What Continues After Death
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“When a person dies, all their deeds end except three: ongoing charity (Sadaqah Jariyah), beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who makes dua for them.” (Muslim)
Even after they return to Allah, your connection doesn’t end.
You can still raise their ranks:
Make dua for them
Give charity on their behalf
Spread beneficial knowledge in their name
This is where small actions can carry huge weight.
Our Deen Diaries Islamic Trivia Cards are designed to spread beneficial knowledge in a simple, engaging way — something that can continue to reward your parents long after they’ve returned to Allah.
A Final Reminder
Honour your parents while you still can.
Sit with them.
Listen to them.
Be present.
Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:
“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.’” (Surah Al-Isra 17:24)
A Special Dua for My Father 🤍
Ya Allah,
Have mercy on my father.
Forgive his sins, both seen and unseen.
Expand his grave and fill it with light and peace.
Make it a garden from the gardens of Jannah.
Ya Rabb, reward him for every sacrifice he made,
For every hardship he endured,
For every early morning he woke for us,
For every meal he prepared with love,
For every quiet act of care we didn’t fully understand.
Grant him the highest ranks in Jannatul Firdaus.
Reunite us with him in Jannah without حساب.
Make me a source of ongoing الخير for him.
Accept my duas, my charity, and my actions as a means of elevating his status.
Ameen.
Call your parents today.
Sit with them.
Tell them you love them.
And if you want to continue benefiting them through ongoing reward, explore our Deen Diaries Islamic Trivia Cards — a simple step towards lasting Sadaqah Jariyah.
With love & Dua’s
Deen Diaries