- They should listen when they speak
- Not to walk in front of them
- Not to sit down before they do
- Do not speak badly of them or any others parents.
- However much you disagree, do not say something to hurt them
- When they get old, be aware of their increased physical weakness, be patient with them.
- Help them without being asked to
In return to this parents are also expected to treat them equally:
- They should give their children the best possible education, not just for intelligence but for future earnings.
- Help them have happy marriages
- Deal with their children in justice and with love – never be unfair
- Don’t be overprotecting and neglecting
- Don’t put heavy weights on them by forcing them to do things they are unable of or being disappointed with what they achieve
- Teach them the religion they were born into.
The holy book, Qur’an says “Your lord has ordered that you worship none but him, and (show) kindness to your parents. Where either of them or both of them attain old age in your life, never say to them ‘Ough’ nor be harsh with them but speak to them kindly. And serve them with tenderness and humility and say, ‘My lord, have mercy upon them, jus as they have cared for me as a little child’ “Qur’an 17:23-24
Islam protects the honour, chastity, purity and roots of the family, so it encourages marriage and forbids free mixing of men and women. Islam gives each family member an important role to play. So fathers and mothers take care of the children and give them an Islamic upbringing; children are to listen and obey, and respect the rights of fathers and mothers, on a centre of love and respect.
ii) Describe the roles of husband, wife, parents and children.
Islam pays a great deal of attention to the establishment of strong families and protecting them from things that could harm them, and maintain family ties whilst giving each member of the family an important role in life. Islam honours women, where as mothers, daughters or sisters.
Most importantly Islam honours women as mothers. It was narrated that Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said – a man came to the messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h) and said “ O Messenger of Allah, who among people is most deserving of my care?” He said, “Your mother.” He asked, “Then who?” He said, “Your mother.” He asked, “Then who?” He said, “Your mother.” He asked, “Then who?” He said, “Then your father.”
Mothers are the most precious figure in Muslim families.
Then Islam honours women as daughters. It was narrated from Abu Sa’ee al-khudri that the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h) said – “Who’re has three daughters or three sisters, or two daughters or two sisters, and takes good care of them and fears Allah with regard to them, will enter paradise.”
And lastly Islam honours women as wives. It was narrated that ‘Aa’ishah said – the Messenger of Allah (p.b.u.h) said, “The best of you are they who behave best to their wives.”
Islam gives women their rights like men, the prophet (p.b.u.h) said: “Women are the twin halves of men.” (from the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah) Islam encourages men to treat their wives well, and Islam gives women the freedom to choose their husbands; it gives women much of the responsibility for raising the children. Islam gives fathers and mothers a great deal of responsibility for raising their children.
The women also has responsibility for providing – food for the hungry, hospitality for the guest, peace for the troubled, hope for the distraught, and encouragement for the weak, however it’s the man who should make this possible by protecting the home, give most of the financial support which gives him the reason to be strong, respected and honoured. Because in everything there is a leadership, the man usually leads – not in an overpowering way, and takes care, respect and honour his wife, children and family. However the woman in the family is more intelligent and organized so he leaves her to make most decisions and Islam wise is still important.
iii) Young Muslims in Britain today have many problems in following their religion.’
Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show you have thought about different points of view.
I believe this is partly true. It must be difficult for a young individual to follow Islam in a non-Muslim country, than if they were to be in a Muslim country. They would be hugely influenced by the western culture and by lives of others and may be envious of their way of life. They may begin to think why they are not allowed to do such things, where other people are and start to drift away from the religion, culture and rebel with their parents. Non Muslim peers may pressurize them to do things forbidden in Islam, and the young Muslim individuals may join the activities to not be excluded out of the social group, and be dissociated to because of their religion.
However this does not apply to all young Muslims, some may be engaged in Islamic related activities, such as going to a private Muslim school, attending Islamic festivals and having Muslim peers making it easier to follow religion correctly. Or even some young individuals may haven been brought up in such a good and strong way, they do not mind others views and opinions’ and follow their religion correctly.