Islam and Children - Rights of Parents

Rights of Parents

With regard to Islam, some of the prerogatives of parents with respect to children, and countervailing rights of children are:

• The first and foremost right of the parents is to be obeyed and respected by their children.

Narrated Abu Bakra

The Prophet said thrice, "Should I inform you out the greatest of the great sins?" They said, "Yes, O Allah's Apostle!" He said, "To join others in worship with Allah and to be undutiful to one's parents." The Prophet then sat up after he had been reclining (on a pillow) and said, "And I warn you against giving a false witness, and he kept on saying that warning till we thought he would not stop. (See Hadith No. 7, Vol. 8)

—Muhammad al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Bukhari

• The mother has the right to receive the best treatment than accorded to any other person, in addition the mother has the right of custody of the child in general circumstances, at least until she remarries.

Narrated Abu Huraira:

A man came to Allah's Apostle and said, "O Allah's Apostle! Who is more entitled to be treated with the best companionship by me?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man said. "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man further said, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your mother." The man asked for the fourth time, "Who is next?" The Prophet said, "Your father. "

—Muhammad al-Bukhari, Sahih al-Bukhari

• Parents have the right to be looked after by their children, and to receive physical or financial help as necessary, especially in their old age.