Offending one’s parents is considered a grave sin in Islam — the article lists worldly troubles (from loss of sustenance to short life) and severe spiritual consequences in the hereafter, and then suggests steps to repair the damage.
Can a child also ʿāq (turn away from / disrespect) their parents? Disrespecting parents (ʿāq al-wālidayn) means offending and upsetting one’s father and mother by any means. This hurt can arise from speech, behaviour, disrespect, disobedience, or failing to attend to their needs.
In the sublime religion of Islam there are many excellent teachings that can guide people to attain happiness in this world and the next. Islam has recommendations for every aspect of life, among which the commandment to be good to one’s parents stands out. Islam emphasizes treating parents kindly and not causing them distress, so that one does not suffer the consequences of disrespecting them.
Disrespecting parents is one of the major sins in Islam, and it carries unpleasant consequences both in this world and in the hereafter. In this article we examine the concept of disrespecting parents, its effects in this world and the next, and ways to make amends.
Reduced provision and blessing: Disrespecting parents causes the provision and blessing in one’s life to be withdrawn, leading to financial and economic problems.
Shortened lifespan: Some narrations indicate that disrespecting parents leads to a shortened life.
Problems and troubles: A person who disrespects their parents faces many problems and difficulties in life and cannot easily achieve success.
Unanswered prayers: The prayers of a child who has disrespected their parents will not be answered for themselves or others.
Parents’ curse: The curse of parents against a disrespectful child is very powerful and can destroy their life.
Torment of Hell: A person who disrespects their parents in the hereafter is deserving of the punishment of Hell and is among those who will not enter Paradise.
Divine wrath: God is angry with the person who disrespects their parents and does not grant them His mercy.
Rejection of good deeds: The good deeds of a person who disrespects their parents are not accepted by God, and they are deprived of their reward.
Repentance and seeking forgiveness: The first step to rectify disrespecting parents is sincere repentance and seeking God’s forgiveness.
Gaining parents’ satisfaction: Strive to win the parents’ approval and apologize to them.
Being kind to parents: Perform good deeds and acts of service for parents.
Praying for parents: Make supplication for the parents and ask forgiveness on their behalf.
Fulfilling parents’ wills: Carry out the parents’ last wishes after they pass away.
Charity on behalf of parents: Give alms to the needy with the intention of benefiting one’s parents.
Disrespecting one’s parents is a very great sin that has unpleasant consequences in both this life and the hereafter. Therefore, everyone should make every effort to earn the satisfaction of their parents and to do good to them, and refrain from any behaviour that causes them sorrow. If someone has inadvertently committed this sin, they should act quickly to make amends and seek forgiveness from God and their parents.
