Quranic Reflections - Islamic School of Stanford

lessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me Salat (prayer), and Zakat, as
long as I live. “And dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblessed
(TMQ, 19:30-32).
Children’s duty towards their parents
Surat Maryam is one of the Qur’an Surahs that strongly focus on duty towards one’s
parents. That was indeed Yahya’s (AS) most important trait. This is clear as Allah
(SWT) says what can be translated as, “And dutiful towards his parents” (TMQ,
19:14), and so was Isa (AS), “And dutiful to my mother” (TMQ, 19:32).
Apparently, a child cannot be dutiful towards his parents unless he is brought up in a
good and right environment. Hence, Surat Maryam makes clear to the parents that
they have to prepare their children to carrying the trust of religion and defending it.
By doing so, they enjoy their children’s righteousness and obedience and will be
greatly rewarded by Allah (SWT) in the hereafter.
Ibrahim (AS) and his father
The following Ayahs refer to a completely opposite example: Ibrahim (AS) a son who
believed in Allah (SWT), and who was trying to help his father get to the right path.
He was so merciful toward his father that he kept calling him in a loving and tender
manner to Allah (SWT). Allah (SWT) describes Ibrahim’s (AS) situation saying what
can be translated as, “O my father! Why do you worship that which hears not,
sees not and cannot avail you in anything “O my father! Verily there has come
to me of the knowledge that which came not unto you. So follow me, I will guide
you to the Straight Path.” (TMQ, 19:42-43).
Try to learn, our youth, from Ibrahim (AS) the good manners in calling to Allah when
talking to the elder people, especially your parents. People mostly repel from religion
because of ill-mannered youths who are religious, but at the same time do not address
people politely. Allah (SWT) says what can be translated as, “O my father! Worship
not Shaitan (Satan). Verily Shaitan (Satan) has been a rebel against the Most
Gracious (Allah). “O my father! Verily I fear lest a torment from the Most
Gracious (Allah) should overtake you, so that you become a companion of
Shaitan (Satan) (in the Hell-fire).” (TMQ, 19:44-45).
Although his father was a disbeliever, Ibrahim (AS) treated him so politely and
righteously that Allah (SWT) granted him his two good sons. Allah (SWT) says what
can be translated as, “So when he had turned away from them and from those
whom they worshipped besides Allah, We gave him Ishaq and Yaqub, and each
one of them We made a Prophet. And We gave them of Our Mercy (a good
provision in plenty), and We granted them honor on the tongues (of all the
nations, i.e. everybody remembers them with a good praise).” (TMQ, 19:49-50).
His being righteous and dutiful to his father was the reason of his having two good
sons, who were “a delight of the eye” (dear ones) to him, and who shouldered the
responsibility of carrying the lantern of religion after him.
Isma’il (AS) (He commanded his family to perform the prayers and pay Zakat
“Alms”)