As mentioned above, both the father and the mother have equal rights to be respected by the family members. Both are the essential members of a family and have equal importance in an Islamic family/society. First of all, Islam emphasizes on the obedience of “Allah Almighty” and his Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peaces and Blessings of Allah be upon him), then makes it also obligatory that the parents which consist of a mother and a father should be obi ed also, but under some conditions and limitations, they should not be followed. That is the difference between the obedience of “Allah and his Prophet” and the obedience of one’s to his/her parents.
According to the teachings of Islam, one should always obey his/her parents except that when they urge him towards some disobedience of Allah or his prophet Muammahd (Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon him). He should act according to what the “Holy Quran” orders him/her and should follow the leader of humanity all the time in all matters. He should respectively follow whatever his parents order him, if it is not against the teachings of the “Holy Quran” and “Sunnah”. But if it is to oppose the “Quran” and “Sunnan”, he should resist, but still should be good to them. We can observe that Islam like Christianity does not blame the mother of humanity “Hawa” (Eve) the first sin doer of humanity. But as the Holy verses mentioned above in the previous writings of mine, it was Adam the father of humanity who has been blamed more than his wife (Eve). The “Holy Quran” makes it clear that Satan first cheated Adam who ate from the forbidden tree, and then both committed the sin together. But Allah Almighty is so much great that he forgave them both after their repentance for him, though they were brought out of the paradise to the earth.
Concerning to the parents (mother and father) the “Holy Quran” declares as follows:
“And we have enjoined on man (to be good) to his parents: in travail upon travail Did his mother bears him, And in years twain was his weaning: hear the commands, “Show gratitude To Me is (they final) Goal”.
“But if they strive to make thee join in worship with Me things of which thou hast no knowledge, obey them not; yet bear them company in this life with justice (And considerations), and follow the way of those who turn to Me (in love): in the end the return of you all is to Me, And I will tell you’re the truth (and meaning) of all that ye did. (31:14,15)”.[1]
“But (there is one) who says to his parents, fie on you! Do ye hold up the promise to Me that I shall be raised up, Eve thou generations Have passed before me (without raising again)? And they seek God’s aid, (and rebuke the son): Woe to thee! Have faith! For the promise of God is true”, but he says, “this is nothing but tales of ancients!” (46:17)[1]
“Say: “come, I will rehearse what God hath (realy) prohinbted you from”. Join not anything equal with Him; Be good to your parents ;…….(4:151)[1]
“We have enjoined on man kindness to parents: but if they (either of them) strive (To force) thee to join with Me (in worship) Anything of which thou hast No knowledge; obey them not. Ye have (all) to return to Me, and I will tell you (the truth) of all tha ye did”. (29:8)[1]
So, from all the verses of the “Holy Quran” mentioned above, we can now conclude that Islam recognizes both father and mother share holders of equal right and responsibility having the same importance. The father and mother are two respectable beings in the society. But there are many sayings of the Holy Prophet through which he has emphasized more on the mother that the mother should be respected at the first steep and then the father.
[1] Text Translation and commentary A Yusuf Ali (Page # 1030)
[1] Text Translation and commentary A Yusuf Ali (Page # 1371)
[1] Text Translation and commentary A Yusuf Ali (Page # 1083)
