WEBVTT 00:00:16.441 --> 00:00:30.573 Mizaan- Javed Ahmad Ghamidi 00:00:30.573 --> 00:00:39.503 The Social Shariah, Part- 46 00:00:39.503 --> 00:00:44.021 All praise is due to Almighty Allah, And may the peace and blessings of 00:00:44.021 --> 00:00:48.516 Almighty Allah be upon his trustworthy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), 00:00:48.516 --> 00:00:50.520 I seek refuge with Allah from the accursed Satan, 00:00:50.520 --> 00:00:54.012 In the name of Allah, most gracious and merciful. 00:00:54.012 --> 00:00:59.522 Ladies and Gentlemen, In 'Mizaan', Part 2, we are discussing Social Shariah. 00:00:59.522 --> 00:01:04.578 This is the second part of this series. 00:01:04.578 --> 00:01:08.528 This matter is clear from every aspect that, 00:01:08.528 --> 00:01:15.044 the Shariah of Islam has established marriage as the foundation of society. 00:01:15.044 --> 00:01:23.484 As a result of this, the most significant, valuable and divine relationship on earth 00:01:23.484 --> 00:01:26.567 is the relationship of parents. 00:01:26.567 --> 00:01:33.531 How we should behave with our parents, ethically speaking, 00:01:33.531 --> 00:01:39.544 has already been discussed in the chapter on morality. 00:01:39.544 --> 00:01:46.540 Here, certain legal aspects of this will be understood. 00:01:46.540 --> 00:01:53.547 I have made the 14th and 15th verse of Surah Luqmaan as the introduction 00:01:53.547 --> 00:01:58.564 to this topic. Surah Luqmaan is the Quran's 31st Surah. 00:01:58.564 --> 00:02:04.531 Wa wassainal insaana bi waalidaihi hamalat hu ummuhoo wahnan ‘alaa 00:02:04.531 --> 00:02:11.520 wahninw wa fisaaluhoo fee ‘aamaini anishkur lee wa liwaalidaika 00:02:11.520 --> 00:02:18.500 ilaiyal maseer Wa in jaahadaaka ‘alaaa an tushrika bee maa laisa laka bihee ‘ilmun 00:02:18.500 --> 00:02:23.496 falaa tuti’humaa wa saahib humaa fid dunyaa ma’roofanw 00:02:23.496 --> 00:02:29.511 wattabi’ sabeela man anaaba ilayy; summa ilaiya marji’ukum fa unabbi’ukum 00:02:29.511 --> 00:02:37.054 bimaa kuntum ta’maloon. 00:02:37.054 --> 00:02:38.497 It has been translated as: 00:02:38.497 --> 00:02:44.510 And We enjoined man to show kindness to his parents, 00:02:44.510 --> 00:02:50.514 with much pain his mother bears him and he is not weaned before 00:02:50.514 --> 00:03:01.518 he is two years of age. We advised him, be grateful to Me and to your parents. 00:03:01.518 --> 00:03:07.527 To Me shall all things return. But if they press you to serve besides Me, 00:03:07.527 --> 00:03:13.489 that of which you have no knowledge, do not obey them. 00:03:13.489 --> 00:03:23.535 Remain kind to them in this world, and turn to Me with all devotion. 00:03:23.535 --> 00:03:32.493 To Me you shall all return, and I will declare to you everything you have done. 00:03:32.493 --> 00:03:38.514 I have written that all divine revelations instruct man to show kindness 00:03:38.514 --> 00:03:45.533 to their parents. i.e., In Islam, being kind to parents 00:03:45.533 --> 00:03:50.492 has always been the utmost standard of ethical behavior. 00:03:50.492 --> 00:03:53.500 No one should be worshiped besides Allah, 00:03:53.500 --> 00:03:57.062 and parents should be treated with kindness. 00:03:57.062 --> 00:04:01.548 These are the most important commands in the religion of Islam. 00:04:01.548 --> 00:04:05.535 Therefore, all messengers have instructed the same. 00:04:05.535 --> 00:04:10.025 All divine scriptures have also emphasized it. 00:04:10.025 --> 00:04:15.510 All divine scriptures instruct man to show kindness to the parents. 00:04:15.510 --> 00:04:18.130 Various verses of the Qur’ān also direct the believers, 00:04:18.130 --> 00:04:19.527 to be kind to their parents. 00:04:19.527 --> 00:04:23.520 In the 23rd and 24th verse of the Surah Bani Israel, 00:04:23.520 --> 00:04:25.504 the 8th verse of Surah Ankabut, 00:04:25.504 --> 00:04:29.480 and the 15th verse of Surah Ahqaf, this topic is stated in these verses 00:04:29.480 --> 00:04:32.019 by using the same terms approximately speaking. 00:04:32.019 --> 00:04:36.525 The verse which i have used as the introduction to the topic of 00:04:36.525 --> 00:04:39.534 directives relating to parents, that verse is the 14th and 00:04:39.534 --> 00:04:40.962 15th verse of Surah Luqman. 00:04:40.962 --> 00:04:47.494 These verses have also more or less emphasized the same thing in similar words 00:04:47.494 --> 00:04:53.513 The above quoted verses however specifically determine the limits of 00:04:53.513 --> 00:04:57.535 good behavior with the parents. 00:04:57.535 --> 00:05:01.546 i.e., as long as the ethical instruction was in consideration. 00:05:01.546 --> 00:05:05.462 a man was enjoined to show kindness to his parents, 00:05:05.462 --> 00:05:07.517 show kindness to your parents, 00:05:07.517 --> 00:05:10.518 and in order to show kindness, 00:05:10.518 --> 00:05:16.494 a man is made aware of what is the role of parents in his upbringing, 00:05:16.494 --> 00:05:22.512 what hardships they go through. And as a child, if you indeed have some 00:05:22.512 --> 00:05:27.527 humanity, what should be your behavior towards your parents. 00:05:27.527 --> 00:05:30.516 With respect to ethics, 00:05:30.516 --> 00:05:35.514 like I said, this topic has been discussed in Surah Bani Israil, Surah Ankabut 00:05:35.514 --> 00:05:37.496 and Surah Ahqaf. 00:05:37.496 --> 00:05:43.556 All of these verses, from an ethical point of view, have stated the importance 00:05:43.556 --> 00:05:49.493 of this, and narrate Almighty Allah's instructions, warn people, 00:05:49.493 --> 00:05:51.496 and raise awareness among them. 00:05:51.496 --> 00:05:55.526 And the importance of showing kindness, 00:05:55.526 --> 00:05:59.551 to parents which is present in human nature has been mentioned , 00:05:59.551 --> 00:06:01.503 and we are also being reminded of it. 00:06:01.503 --> 00:06:08.558 In the verses of Surah luqman, some limitations have been appointed, 00:06:08.558 --> 00:06:12.543 and this is the difference on the basis of which I have selected these 00:06:12.543 --> 00:06:14.014 verses for this discussion. 00:06:14.014 --> 00:06:16.548 i.e., in case of morality, 00:06:16.548 --> 00:06:23.058 only principles will be under discussion, and in case of laws, the limitations, 00:06:23.058 --> 00:06:28.475 warnings, and terms and conditions are discussed. 00:06:28.475 --> 00:06:30.528 This difference should be considered 00:06:30.528 --> 00:06:34.500 i.e., one being a law which can be passed on state level, 00:06:34.500 --> 00:06:36.515 that has its own limitations, 00:06:36.515 --> 00:06:40.045 but when Almighty Allah states that 00:06:40.045 --> 00:06:42.558 something is shariah and the other is hikmah. 00:06:42.558 --> 00:06:47.522 I have mentioned it earlier and explained with evidences that the whole content 00:06:47.522 --> 00:06:52.542 of Islam, everything included in this religion has been divided into two parts, 00:06:52.542 --> 00:06:56.522 Hikmah which means faith and virtues, that is the true religion, 00:06:56.522 --> 00:07:00.506 and Al-Kitaab i.e., upon which laws are based. 00:07:00.506 --> 00:07:06.506 So, what is the thing that sets law apart? 00:07:06.506 --> 00:07:12.106 The answer is that law is based on ethical values but 00:07:12.106 --> 00:07:15.017 what law does is that it confines it. 00:07:15.017 --> 00:07:17.458 Let's understand this by using an example. 00:07:17.458 --> 00:07:22.523 The Quran has mentioned it in many instances that adultery is a great sin. 00:07:22.523 --> 00:07:25.504 People are told 'la taqrabuz-zina', do not even go close to it. 00:07:25.504 --> 00:07:29.471 This is a moral instruction, a fundamental principle, 00:07:29.471 --> 00:07:32.555 it is the foundation that withstands the religion of Islam. 00:07:32.555 --> 00:07:37.539 But when Quran states in Surah Nur that the sinner will be punished 00:07:37.539 --> 00:07:41.504 for his acts in a certain way, or be dealt with in a particular manner, 00:07:41.504 --> 00:07:45.559 it will be a part of the law or shariah. 00:07:45.559 --> 00:07:49.520 I have contemplated this difference in the entire book, 00:07:49.520 --> 00:07:53.508 that what things should be discussed under the rubric of ethics, 00:07:53.508 --> 00:07:55.983 and they have been discussed under the same. 00:07:55.983 --> 00:07:59.510 Therefore, showing kindness to parents has also been discussed, 00:07:59.510 --> 00:08:01.509 in terms of moral values in that part. 00:08:01.509 --> 00:08:05.503 Here, some of its limitations are discussed, 00:08:05.503 --> 00:08:09.468 and that is the reason i haven't spoken about it under that topic, 00:08:09.468 --> 00:08:11.511 I have included it here, 00:08:11.511 --> 00:08:15.001 i.e., in the series of law, which is in Al-Kitaab. 00:08:15.001 --> 00:08:19.469 This has been mentioned in the second part of Mizaan, which is social shariah, 00:08:19.469 --> 00:08:23.484 for which I was giving this explanation. 00:08:23.484 --> 00:08:28.484 The above quoted verses however specifically determine the limits of 00:08:28.484 --> 00:08:32.557 good behavior with the parents. 00:08:32.557 --> 00:08:36.052 The details of this directive as stated in these verses are: 00:08:36.052 --> 00:08:40.992 i.e., the verses mentioned above from Surah Luqman, the 14th and 15th verse, 00:08:40.992 --> 00:08:43.523 their translation has already been mentioned, 00:08:43.523 --> 00:08:46.519 the limitations which has been fixed in those verses, 00:08:46.519 --> 00:08:50.034 now I'm going to discuss them in the manner of laws. 00:08:50.034 --> 00:08:53.467 The details of this directive as stated in these verses are: 00:08:53.467 --> 00:08:57.551 1. It is the parents who bring into existence a new life and 00:08:57.551 --> 00:08:59.556 become the means to nourish it. 00:08:59.556 --> 00:09:01.553 It is an indisputable fact. 00:09:01.553 --> 00:09:06.465 No doubt, the care and affection of the father is quite a lot, 00:09:06.465 --> 00:09:09.623 however the hardships a mother encounters in bringing up the child 00:09:09.623 --> 00:09:13.519 starting from her pregnancy, to childbirth and then breast-feeding 00:09:13.519 --> 00:09:16.534 the child are unmatched and no child can repay her 00:09:16.534 --> 00:09:18.032 for this great service. 00:09:18.032 --> 00:09:19.492 i.e., in these three stages, 00:09:19.492 --> 00:09:21.541 from pregnancy to childbirth, 00:09:21.541 --> 00:09:25.499 a mother braves through a life & death kind of a situation, 00:09:25.499 --> 00:09:29.522 and then for two or more years she breast feeds the child, 00:09:29.522 --> 00:09:35.496 and even after that she plays a significant role in nurturing the child. 00:09:35.496 --> 00:09:38.523 It is the parents who bring into existence a new life and 00:09:38.523 --> 00:09:41.564 become the means to nourish it. No doubt, the care and affection 00:09:41.564 --> 00:09:45.004 of the father is quite a lot, however the hardships a mother encounters 00:09:45.004 --> 00:09:47.526 in bringing up the child starting from her pregnancy, to childbirth and 00:09:47.526 --> 00:09:50.488 then breast-feeding the child are unmatched and no child can repay her 00:09:50.488 --> 00:09:52.541 for this great service. 00:09:52.541 --> 00:09:57.516 If a person is courteous, and he hasn't contaminated his natural disposition, 00:09:57.516 --> 00:09:59.971 he has not changed for the worse, 00:09:59.971 --> 00:10:04.498 he has not detached himself in the pride of adolescence from the past or present, 00:10:04.498 --> 00:10:09.469 then he would never suggest something different from what has been advised. 00:10:09.469 --> 00:10:13.515 On these very grounds, the Prophet (pbuh) has regarded the right of the mother 00:10:13.515 --> 00:10:16.537 as three times that of the father. 00:10:16.537 --> 00:10:19.512 In the narrations of Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, 00:10:19.512 --> 00:10:24.489 Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) answered a question in such a way, 00:10:24.489 --> 00:10:28.510 that it was made clear that the rights of the mother far surpass, 00:10:28.510 --> 00:10:30.506 the rights of the father. 00:10:30.506 --> 00:10:35.497 Consequently, the Almighty exhorts man to be the most grateful to his parents 00:10:35.497 --> 00:10:39.504 after his Lord. 00:10:39.504 --> 00:10:42.491 i.e., no doubt you have to be partial towards your mother, 00:10:42.491 --> 00:10:45.510 however both of them should be given their due. 00:10:45.510 --> 00:10:48.506 The care and affection of the father is no less, his role is also significant 00:10:48.506 --> 00:10:49.995 in a child's life. 00:10:49.995 --> 00:10:53.496 He does everything to support his family financially, 00:10:53.496 --> 00:10:58.494 sometimes even starve himself to provide resources for his children. 00:10:58.494 --> 00:11:02.994 Consequently, the Almighty exhorts man to be the most grateful to his parents 00:11:02.994 --> 00:11:06.034 after his Lord. 00:11:06.034 --> 00:11:09.513 This gratitude must not be expressed merely by the tongue. 00:11:09.513 --> 00:11:16.511 Its essential corollary is that it should manifest in good behavior towards them. 00:11:16.511 --> 00:11:21.495 Listen to each and every word of this with attention. 00:11:21.495 --> 00:11:26.562 Its essential corollary i.e., the Quran presented this as the first preposition, 00:11:26.562 --> 00:11:29.524 it begins its argument from here, 00:11:29.524 --> 00:11:33.020 that the most important virtue among people is gratitude. 00:11:33.020 --> 00:11:37.982 There is a narrative which states 'man lam yash kurunnasa lam yash kurullah' 00:11:37.982 --> 00:11:44.536 i.e., if a person is ungrateful to to other people who have been kind to him 00:11:44.536 --> 00:11:48.511 in this world, he won't ever be grateful to Allah as well. 00:11:48.511 --> 00:11:54.059 It is known that, philosophically, the foundation of the entire religion 00:11:54.059 --> 00:11:56.515 is based upon the emotion of gratitude. 00:11:56.515 --> 00:12:00.509 i.e., when i look at myself, and when I observe the surrounding world, 00:12:00.509 --> 00:12:03.031 and acknowledge the presence of my Lord, 00:12:03.031 --> 00:12:04.550 gain knowledge about Him, 00:12:04.550 --> 00:12:08.025 and get introduced to Him as the true benefactor, 00:12:08.025 --> 00:12:11.509 for this the feeling of gratitude is manifested in me and, 00:12:11.509 --> 00:12:15.039 this same feeling of gratitude should be towards your parents as instructed 00:12:15.039 --> 00:12:16.499 by the Quran. 00:12:16.499 --> 00:12:21.497 However, everyone should understand, this does not mean that, 00:12:21.497 --> 00:12:25.507 you just say sometimes that i am grateful to my parents, 00:12:25.507 --> 00:12:30.957 it should not be expressed merely in words, 00:12:30.957 --> 00:12:35.490 one should act upon it and behave in a certain manner. 00:12:35.490 --> 00:12:38.486 This gratitude must not be expressed merely by the tongue. 00:12:38.486 --> 00:12:43.491 Its essential corollary is that it should manifest in good behavior towards them. 00:12:43.491 --> 00:12:47.505 He should respect them and never become fed up of them. 00:12:47.505 --> 00:12:51.542 He must not utter a single word of disrespect to them. 00:12:51.542 --> 00:12:57.522 Instead, he should be soft, sympathetic, loving and obedient to them. 00:12:57.522 --> 00:13:01.009 i.e., even if the parent's behavior is bad towards the child, 00:13:01.009 --> 00:13:03.490 or the parent is being unjust to the child, 00:13:03.490 --> 00:13:08.013 the child should be soft, sympathetic, and obedient to them. 00:13:08.013 --> 00:13:09.488 He should listen to them and 00:13:09.488 --> 00:13:13.488 be caring and affectionate to them in the tenderness of old age. 00:13:13.488 --> 00:13:18.523 The parents need their children the most after they have fallen, 00:13:18.523 --> 00:13:22.496 into the tenderness of old age. 00:13:22.496 --> 00:13:27.521 An infirmity manifests in them that makes them act like children. 00:13:27.521 --> 00:13:30.528 So during that time, it is important to take good care of them, 00:13:30.528 --> 00:13:34.518 spend some time with them, be affectionate to them, 00:13:34.518 --> 00:13:42.521 and take their hard work and pains into consideration. 00:13:42.521 --> 00:13:45.468 It has been stated in the Surah Bani Israil: 00:13:45.468 --> 00:13:50.451 Wa qadaa Rabbuka allaa ta'budooo illaaa iyyaahu wa bilwaalidaini ihsaanaa 00:13:50.451 --> 00:13:56.505 immaa yablughanna 'indakal kibara ahaduhumaaa aw kilaahumaa falaa 00:13:56.505 --> 00:14:02.502 taqul lahumaaa uffinw wa laa tanharhumaa wa qullahumaa qawlan kareemaa 00:14:02.502 --> 00:14:07.053 Wakhfid lahumaa janaahaz zulli minar rahmati wa qur Rabbir hamhumaa 00:14:07.053 --> 00:14:12.520 wa qur Rabbir hamhumaa kamaa rabbayaanee sagheera 00:14:12.520 --> 00:14:17.493 Rabbukum a'lamu bimaa fee nufoosikum; in takoonoo saaliheena fa innahoo 00:14:17.493 --> 00:14:21.035 kaana lil awwaabeena Ghafoooraa. 00:14:21.035 --> 00:14:24.019 This is from the 17th Surah, Bani Israil, and above quoted verses are the 00:14:24.019 --> 00:14:26.046 23rd, 24th and 25th verse of this surah. 00:14:26.046 --> 00:14:31.404 And your Lord has enjoined you to worship none but Him, 00:14:31.404 --> 00:14:35.505 i.e., when only He is the one true God, 00:14:35.505 --> 00:14:38.470 then only he should be worshipped and served. 00:14:38.470 --> 00:14:43.020 And your Lord has enjoined you to worship none but Him, and 00:14:43.020 --> 00:14:50.572 to show great kindness to your parents. If either or both of them in your presence 00:14:50.572 --> 00:14:54.069 i.e., the reason why I mentioned that we should show great kindness, 00:14:54.069 --> 00:14:57.052 is because of how the Quran has composed this verse. 00:14:57.052 --> 00:15:02.566 i.e., the Quran has concealed the verb, but kept the noun. 00:15:02.566 --> 00:15:07.067 Instead of Ahsinu bil waledainy ihsaana, wa bil walidainy ihsaana is there. 00:15:07.067 --> 00:15:09.552 The people who know the arabic language, will understand, 00:15:09.552 --> 00:15:12.478 that there is an element of hyperbole in this verse. 00:15:12.478 --> 00:15:17.051 And your Lord has enjoined you to worship none but Him, and 00:15:17.051 --> 00:15:23.553 to show great kindness to your parents. If either or both of them attain old age 00:15:23.553 --> 00:15:26.517 in your presence, show them no sign of impatience. 00:15:26.517 --> 00:15:30.600 This sentence in arabic that do not show a sign of impatience to your parents, 00:15:30.600 --> 00:15:35.568 this means that if a parent says something to his son, the son will shrug and 00:15:35.568 --> 00:15:38.504 respond rudely. 00:15:38.504 --> 00:15:42.511 The Quran instructs that things should never reach this point, 00:15:42.511 --> 00:15:45.503 one should not behave like this, 00:15:45.503 --> 00:15:50.531 the behaviour towards your parents should be loving, affectionate, kind, 00:15:50.531 --> 00:15:52.516 and sympathetic. 00:15:52.516 --> 00:15:56.484 If either or both of them attain old age in your presence, 00:15:56.484 --> 00:16:00.501 show them no sign of impatience, nor rebuke them. 00:16:00.501 --> 00:16:09.505 Why is this thing being said and why is it that only the rights of parents 00:16:09.505 --> 00:16:13.510 are being discussed with respect to this law and not the children. 00:16:13.510 --> 00:16:16.533 If you give it some thought you will get know that, 00:16:16.533 --> 00:16:21.481 the parents have such extraordinary Instincts in them that, 00:16:21.481 --> 00:16:27.065 they do not need to be instructed through religious texts. 00:16:27.065 --> 00:16:31.513 Almighty Allah's method is such, that in instances where things are clear, 00:16:31.513 --> 00:16:34.014 and instincts are intensely strong, 00:16:34.014 --> 00:16:36.526 the possibility of violating a law is much less, 00:16:36.526 --> 00:16:40.476 it is left to the person's wisdom and nature. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., It is obvious that parents will raise their children, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 nurture them, guide and educate them, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and they will do anything that's in their control. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Generally, these things are expected. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 But when parents become old, an important test comes into picture, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., children have passions, exigencies, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 they have their own needs, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and when parents have also fallen into the tenderness of old age, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 they might not make sense sometimes, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 it is possible that sometimes they might be unjust to their children, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 it is also possible that sometimes they might not react calmly, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., there are thousands of problems that come into consideration, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 for this very reason, this chapter is being discussed in Social Shariah, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 because there is a possibility of contravention here, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 here instincts are not so strong anymore. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 This becomes a matter of rationale and wisdom, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 So there is a possibility that something might go severely wrong. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 So know the rights of your parents, show kindness to your parents, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and it's limitations are being stated, and it is being explained in detail, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 so that a child can understand when his parents become old, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 what kind of situations he would encounter during which he should show kind, loving, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and sympathetic behavior towards them. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 If either or both of them attain old age in your presence, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 show them no sign of impatience, nor rebuke them, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 but speak to them kind words. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Treat them with humility and tenderness. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., just like we have a connection of devotion with Allah, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and a connection of humility with Allah, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 the same kind of humility should be shown to parents as well. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 We should bow with humility in front of our parents. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., when a person attains puberty, they start to behave arrogantly. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 This should not happen while dealing with parents. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 But speak to them kind words. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Treat them with humility and tenderness and say, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 'Lord, be merciful to them the way they nursed me when I was an infant.' 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 This is a very special and gracious prayer. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 There is a teaching concealed in this prayer. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 It reminds a person of the rights of his parents that are incumbent upon him, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and the old age of his parents reminds him of his childhood. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 This method of reminding and giving an advice is very profound. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The dua is: 'Lord, be merciful to them the way they nursed me when I was an infant.' 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., clearly when parents will be in the tenderness of old age, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 they might sometimes do something that will antagonize their child, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 it is possible that the child might respond with rudeness sometimes, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 or might react to their unjustness in a certain way. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 So, the child is being reminded about how he behaved in his childhood, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., your parents took care of you when you were a child, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 you were stubborn and sometimes did not obey your parents, you were weak, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 you used to wake up your parents when they were tired and asleep. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 In order to guide, educate and nurture you, your parents have put their 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 own lives at risk. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 So, for this very reason, you should also pray, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 that like they nurtured you during your childhood, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Allah should also look favourably upon them. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 'Lord, be merciful to them the way they nursed me when I was an infant.' 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Your Lord best knows what is in your hearts. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 If you remain obedient, He will forgive those who turn to Him. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 In this profound and pleasing style, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 which the Quran has used to draw our attention, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 with respect to our behavior towards the parents. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 This was the first directive. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Now, the second one is: 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 In spite of the status that Islam confers upon parents, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., first the subject has been introduced, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and we are being reminded of the favour our parents do us. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Hence, observe the verse which we have used as the introduction to this chapter. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Wa wassainal insaana bi waalidaihi hamalat hu ummuhoo wahnan 'alaa wahninw 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 wa fisaaluhoo fee 'aamaini. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., first the beneficence of our parents has been emphasised, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Its your mother who has kept you in her womb for a period of nine months, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and then went through a lot of trouble while breastfeeding you for two years, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 In spite of the status that Islam confers upon parents, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 they do not have the right, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., first their status was fixed, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 then the same was stated, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 the ethical values were made clear, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 that is the beauty of the entire society, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and people were instructed how they should treat their parents 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and what should be their behavior towards them. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 After stating the above, now what is being said is that, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 In spite of the status that Islam confers upon parents, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., this is the favour of our parents, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 one should be grateful to them for this, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 one should always pray for them, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 one should never show disobedience, no matter how insignificant, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 nor rebuke them, and never disrespect them in any way. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 It is their right. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 But even after having such a status, in spite of that.. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 In spite of the status that Islam confers upon parents, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 they do not have the right to force their children to baselessly associate 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 someone with the Almighty. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Here, it is clear that in this verse polytheism is being mentioned, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 that is because the people who are being addressed, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 this issue is the bone of contention among them. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 But as a result this principle emanates, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 that the rights of Allah, take precedence over the rights of the parents. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., the first and foremost right that should be fulfilled is the right of Allah. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Therefore, if someone is obligated to do something which deals with Allah 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and his religion, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 his parents can't force him to show disobedience to Allah. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Keeping their rights aside, and their love, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and showing hospitality towards them, and also gratitude towards them, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 but when Allah's rights come into picture, it is the highest of all. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 On what basis have the rights of the parents been established? 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 They has been established because they brought us into this world, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 they nurtured us, they guided and educated us, they took good care of us 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 when we were weak. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Likewise, the right of Allah, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 He is the reason of the existence of this entire universe, He gave a life to us, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 gave us the capability of understanding, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and promised that an eternal life is awaiting us. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 He filled this world with all sorts and kinds of blessings and favors. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Count them if you can, a verse in the Quran states, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Wain tauddoo niaamata Allahi la tuhsooha, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 which means, You cannot count the favors of Allah, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 So the one true benefactor should take precedence over everything else. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 We should to be grateful to Him most of all. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Consequently, the Quran has made this thing clear that in case of the parents, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Allah instructs you about the rights of your parents, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 how you should treat your parents, what should be your behavior towards them. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 But this does not mean that if your parents force you to baselessly 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 associate someone with Almighty Allah, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 or do not let you fulfil the rights of Allah, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 No, the parents do not have these rights. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The Prophet (pbuh) has said that showing disobedience to parents 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 is the greatest sin after polytheism. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The Prophet (pbuh) has stated this and, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 these are the narratives from Sahih Al- Bukhari and Sahih Muslim, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 their reference is mentioned in the footnotes below. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 However, the above quoted verses of Surah Luqman say that 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 the children should openly disobey their parents with regard to polytheism 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and should follow the way of those who follow Allah. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., your exemplar, your leader, your mentor, your teacher, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 should be only those people who follow and obey Almighty Allah, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and call you towards Him. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Parents are worthy of showing kindness, they deserve to be treated with kindness, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and this right of theirs' should be fulfilled. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 But they do not have the right to take place of a cleric or a guide. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 They should not be the one to say that, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 you can or cannot fulfill the rights of Allah. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 When you know Allah's rights, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 they would be given precedence over everything else. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 And showing kindness to parents is also one of Allah's rights. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 He has given this as a directive, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and it has been mentioned in various verses in the Quran. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Prophet (pbuh) has said that showing disobedience to parents 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 is the greatest sin after polytheism. However, the above quoted verses of 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Surah Luqman say that the children should openly disobey their parents 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 with regard to polytheism and should follow the way of those who follow God, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., the prophets, the righteous, those scholars who have the 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 true knowledge of religion, they should tell people about 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Allah's rights, they should tell people about Allah's command, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 they should inform people about the religion, these people should be followed. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Any calls to evade the Almighty must not receive any positive response 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 even if it is the parents who are giving the call. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Any calls to evade the Almighty, i.e., even if parents who have been 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 given such a status, ask you to leave the way of Allah, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and show disobedience to Him, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 they must not receive any positive response. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Laa ta'ata fil maasiah innamal ta'ata fil ma'aruuf. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 No one can be obeyed if he calls to disobey the Almighty, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 one can only obey what is virtuous. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 It is a hadith mentioned in Sahih Al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 It's reference has also been mentioned in the footnotes. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The same principle has been mentioned in this, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., in the way of Allah's disobedience, neither can the parents be obeyed, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 nor a leader, or head of the society, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 or the scholars, or preachers, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 or guides. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Within the circle of Allah's obedience, people will be respected, and honoured, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and listened to. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The Prophet (pbuh) has stated this on the same basis. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Consequently, all other directives of the Almighty Allah shall also be considered 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 subservient to this directive, and one cannot disobey these directives 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 if the parents ask them to do so. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., the Prophet (pbuh) has also, granted that polytheism was mentioned, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 but it was given a form of a principle, and that is correct, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 that is because the circumstances against which this has been stated, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 that makes it clear, that the actual thing to take into consideration is, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 that where Allah's right is in question, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and the demands of His worship are at stake, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and the demands of His obedience are at stake, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 nothing else will matter in such circumstances. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The third limitation: Even if the parents force their children 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 to commit a sin as heinous as polytheism, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., if the parents are old, or there are differences of opinion over something, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 one being that they are instructing to indulge in polytheism, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 which is the greatest sin of all, they are supporting polytheism. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 They want their children to follow this path. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 These were the circumstances during that era. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 This happens nowadays as well. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., the parents have undertaken certain religious things with respect to a 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 particular context and they think of it as a part of religion 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and then want their children to follow the same. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Even if the parents force their children to commit a sin as heinous as polytheism, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 they must always be treated in a befitting manner. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., on one hand it has been stated that the right of the parents 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 is very significant, but they do not have any right when it comes to 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 disobeying Almighty Allah. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 And on the other hand, it has been instructed that 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 even if the parents are teaching their children to disobey Allah, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 making them follow the path of polytheism, and are persistent about it, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 in spite of all these things, they must always be treated with kindness. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Their needs should be met met as far as possible and 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 a prayer of guidance be continued to be made for them. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 This is what the words 'Wa saahib humma fiddunya ma'aruufa' 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 (remain kind to them in this world) of the verse quoted above entail. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., in the Quran, where it has been mentioned that do not obey your parents 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 when they force you to follow polytheism, do not obey them when they tell you to 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 disobey Almighty Allah, with this it has also been mentioned that, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 with respect to worldly affairs, ? be affectionate and kind to them. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The children may have a right to disobey their parents if they insist upon 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 upon disobedience to the directives of religion but they must still 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 not be slack or indifferent in any way to their duty towards their parents. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., even if the parents are forcing their child to disobey Allah, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and forcing him to commit a sin which is the greatest of all, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 he must still show kindness to his parents. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The last part of the verses caution both the child and the parents, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The last part of the verses caution both the child and the parents, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 one day he has to return to the Almighty to give an account of his deeds. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 This is Quran's special approach, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., you can observe that it first stated 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 what your parents do to nurture you, then it stated that consequently it is 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 necessary to be grateful to them, then it instructed what should be the 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 behavior towards the parents for same, determined certain limits of good behavior 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and then it warned them that, 'summa ilayyi marjiukum 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 fa unabbiukum bimaa kuntum ta'amaluun. This is the last part of the verse. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The last part of the verse caution a person that one day 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 he has to return to the Almighty to give an account of his deeds. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 This is usually how Quran warns people. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 One day we have to return to our Lord, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 a day has been ascertained for us when we will have to answer, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Whenever He commands to do something, or whenever he guides us, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 He always draws our attention to this fundamental fact, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 this is the base of the invitation to Islam. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., the hereafter, the day when we will have to give an account of our deeds, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 the day when we will meet our Lord, in preparation of this. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The last part of the verses caution a person that one day 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 he has to return to the Almighty to give an account of his deeds, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Summa ilayyi marjiukum fa unabbiukum bimaa kuntum ta'amaluun. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 While commenting upon this part of the verse, Imam Amin Ahsan Islahi writes, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 this addresses, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., the verse mentioned above, summa ilayyi marjiukumm, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 one has to return to Almighty Allah, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 This part of the verse addresses both the parents and the children 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 and carries both a warning and an assurance. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 It carries both the aspects, a warning and an assurance. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 The implication is that one day, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 each person will have to return to the Almighty. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Whatever he would have done would be brought before him. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 A believer should keep this in mind while living his life. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 i.e., My deeds are being compiled, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 each and everything is being put on record, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 ma yalfizu min qawlin illa ladayhi raqeebun ateed, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Man does not utter any word except that 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 with him is an observer prepared to record. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 His deeds, his intentions, everything will be brought before him on that day, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Until a person does not comprehend the enormity of this fact, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 he cannot truty follow through on the laws of shariah, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 nor can he fulfill the objectives of this system. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 Whatever he would have done would be brought before him. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 If some parents had violated the rights given to them regarding their children 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 by making them deviate from the path of the Almighty, 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 they will have to face punishment for this attitude and 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 if children duly recognized the rights of the Almighty together with those 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 of their parents as well as remaining steadfast in following the obligations 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 these rights entail, they will be rewarded for their perseverance. 99:59:59.999 --> 99:59:59.999 I say this saying of mine, and I seek forgiveness from Allah for me and for you.