Source to Paradise
Being kind to parents can be our source of entering paradise. The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned that Jibreel cursed three types of people and the Prophet (peace be upon him) responded by saying Aameen. One such type is a person who grows up when his parents are alive and (due to his negligence to them) they do not allow him to enter Paradise. (Imam Bukhari’s Al-Adab Al-Mufrad, no. 646 – authenticated by Al-Albani)
This Hadith shows the importance of being good to parents, whether they are Muslims or not. It is one of the causes that leads an individual to paradise and saves him from the Fire.
Long life and wealth
Kindness to parents can increase our life span and sustenance. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever would like to have an extension in his stay in this world or have an increase in his sustenance then let him join his family ties.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Being good to parents is one of the important parts of upholding family ties. It could be a reason for long life with increase in sustenance.
Treatment reciprocated
If we treat our parents well, our children will similarly treat us well in future. Our kindness and respect will only return to us. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Show kindness to your parents and in turn your children shall show kindness to you.” (Al-Hakim)
(No doubt, it would be a blessing) if our children are good to us in times of our need.
Allah’s pleasure
Allah’s pleasure is tied with the pleasure of parents and so is His displeasure. Allah is pleased when we obey Him, and He commanded us to be kind to our parents. So, being kind to parents will please Allah, while the opposite invokes His anger.
– From Sheikh Al-Ghudyan’s lecture “Be dutiful and good to parents” via tele-link to Albaseerah, transcribed in Albaseerah.org forums.
Al-Ghudyan is a member of the Council of Senior Scholars and the Permanent Committee for Research and Islamic Verdicts, Saudi Arabia.