Respect and obedience are paramount virtues in the Islamic view of the relationship between children and their parents. Despite this, Islamic Shariah teachings acknowledge that there are circumstances where disobedience to parents may be permissible.
Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said that the greatest sins are Shirk and disobedience to one’s parents. (Muslim)
This allowance is sometimes subject to specific conditions, such as when parental directives conflict with fundamental Islamic principles. These can be Profession of Faith (shahada), Prayer (Salah), Alms (Zakat), Fasting (Sawm), and Pilgrimage (Hajj) or demand departure from the faith or involve sinful actions.
Muslim Life Partner?
Despite the allowance for disobedience in these exceptional situations, Islam underscores the importance of maintaining respect and kindness towards parents.
Here, we will discuss permissible reasons to disobey parents, conditions for obeying parents, and why respect and kindness are important to them. Throughout the discussion, we will use references from the Holy Quran, Hadith, and the views of most Islamic scholars.
When Can You Disobey Your Parents in Islam: Permissible Reasons
Islam teaches that you should always respect and obey your parents, but in certain situations, disobedience is permitted. According to most Islamic Scholars, here are two permissible reasons to disobey parents:
1. Conflicts with Fundamental Islamic Principles
Allah Taala mentions in the Quran:
وَإِنْ جَاهَدَاكَ عَلَى أَنْ تُشْرِكَ بِي مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِ عِلْمٌ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِي الدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًا
“If they (your parents) compel you to commit shirk (polytheism) with Me, then do not obey them. Associate with them in the world with kindness. (Luqman-15)”
Almighty Allah also Says:
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓا۟ أَطِيعُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَأَطِيعُوا۟ ٱلرَّسُولَ وَأُو۟لِى ٱلْأَمْرِ مِنكُمْ ۖ فَإِن تَنَـٰزَعْتُمْ فِى شَىْءٍۢ فَرُدُّوهُ إِلَى ٱللَّهِ وَٱلرَّسُولِ إِن كُنتُمْ تُؤْمِنُونَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ ۚ ذَٰلِكَ خَيْرٌۭ وَأَحْسَنُ تَأْوِيلًا ٥٩
O you who have believed, obey Allāh and obey the Messenger and those in authority among you. And if you disagree over anything, refer it to Allāh and the Messenger, if you should believe in Allāh and the Last Day. That is the best [way] and best in result. [An-Nisa-59]
An example is found in the hadith where Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said, “There is no obedience to anyone if it is disobedience to Allah. Verily, obedience is only in good conduct. [Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 7257, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1840]”
Islamic teachings prioritize the principles of Islam over all else. In Islam, all human beings are equal and have the right to be treated fairly. If your parents prohibit you from fulfilling your religious duties, like going to the mosque, fasting, or praying, you may disobey them.
Islam emphasizes the importance of maintaining religious obligations, and these practices should not be compromised due to parental pressure.
Abdullah ibn Umar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) said: I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say:
Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the Zakat, making the pilgrimage to the House, and fasting in Ramadan. [Bukhari & Muslim]
In certain circumstances, parents may forbid their children to perform these duties. In such cases, children can disobey their parents and carry out their religious duties according to Islamic teachings.
2. Sinful Demands
Islam is a religion of morality and righteousness, and it is against the teachings of Islam to engage in anything sinful or immoral.
When your parents ask you to engage in sinful activities such as drinking alcohol or lying, you can disobey them. Engaging in such acts is not the right thing to do, and children should refuse to participate.
What are the Conditions for Obeying Your Parents in Islam?
Obedience to parents is highly emphasized in Islam, but there are a few conditions:
No 01: Obedience in Righteousness
In Islam, obedience to parents is conditioned upon righteousness and moral conduct. You must obey your parents as long as the commands align with Islamic principles and promote good behavior. The Quran emphasizes the importance of maintaining good character and treating parents with kindness and respect.
Allah Says In the Quran:
۞ وَقَضَىٰ رَبُّكَ أَلَّا تَعْبُدُوٓا۟ إِلَّآ إِيَّاهُ وَبِٱلْوَٰلِدَيْنِ إِحْسَـٰنًا ۚ إِمَّا يَبْلُغَنَّ عِندَكَ ٱلْكِبَرَ أَحَدُهُمَآ أَوْ كِلَاهُمَا فَلَا تَقُل لَّهُمَآ أُفٍّۢ وَلَا تَنْهَرْهُمَا وَقُل لَّهُمَا قَوْلًۭا كَرِيمًۭا ٢٣
“For your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And honor your parents. If one or both of them reach old age in your care, never say to them ˹even˺ ‘ugh,’ nor yell at them. Rather, address them respectfully. Surah Al-Isra (17:23) states.”
No 02: Prohibition of Sinful or Harmful Acts
Islam prohibits engaging in actions that go against its teachings or cause harm to oneself or others. If parents ask you to abstain from any sinful or harmful actions, then you must do so. Therefore, you are not obligated to obey your parents if they instruct you to commit sinful or harmful acts.
The principle is derived from the general Islamic concept that one should not obey any command that contradicts the teachings of Islam.
No 03: Preservation of Islamic Identity
If your parents support your Islamic preservation choices, you should follow their lead and respect their wisdom. In contrast, if the commands require leaving Islam or compromising one’s faith, you don’t have to obey your parents.
Allah Says in the Holy Quran:
وَإِن جَـٰهَدَاكَ عَلَىٰٓ أَن تُشْرِكَ بِى مَا لَيْسَ لَكَ بِهِۦ عِلْمٌۭ فَلَا تُطِعْهُمَا ۖ وَصَاحِبْهُمَا فِى ٱلدُّنْيَا مَعْرُوفًۭا ۖ وَٱتَّبِعْ سَبِيلَ مَنْ أَنَابَ إِلَىَّ ۚ ثُمَّ إِلَىَّ مَرْجِعُكُمْ فَأُنَبِّئُكُم بِمَا كُنتُمْ تَعْمَلُونَ ١٥
“But if they pressure you to associate with Me what you have no knowledge of,1 do not obey them. Still keep their company in this world courteously, and follow the way of those who turn to Me ˹in devotion˺. Then to Me you will ˹all˺ return, and then I will inform you of what you used to do. Surah Luqman 15.”
The preservation of one’s Islamic identity takes precedence over obedience to any human authority, including parents. Islam encourages the protection of one’s faith and prohibits actions that may lead to apostasy.
No 04: Fulfillment of Religious Duties
If your parents pressure you to fulfill religious duties, such as praying or fasting, you must still fulfill your obligations. Generally, as a Muslim, you should practice Islamic virtues while maintaining respect and kindness towards your parents.
Should I misbehave with my parents when I disobey them?
Even if you disobey your parents, Islam Shariah teaches that you should never misbehave with them. You must remain respectful and use kind words in any interaction with them. It is also important to remember that responding to wrong behavior with more wrong actions will not help resolve the situation.
According to Islamic beliefs, if a parent commits an injustice against a child, the best response for the child is patience and seeking God’s help and forgiveness.
Final Words
According to the Islamic perspective, obedience to parents should be aligned with the principles of righteousness and faith. Following the outlined conditions for obedience will help you navigate situations where disobedience may be okay without compromising your family ties.
While Islam stresses obedience, it also emphasizes maintaining one’s Islamic identity and protecting against sinful or harmful behaviors. This balance helps Muslims remain virtuous and spiritually fulfilling, fostering a sense of mutual respect and understanding within the framework of Islamic teachings.
So, show your obedience to Allah and your parents through good conduct that aligns with Islamic principles.
- Bigamy Vs Polygamy | Know The Differences - April 29, 2024
- Top 5 Marriage Bureaus in Jaipur, India - April 27, 2024
- Can You Drink Alcohol During Ramadan? Not at All - April 20, 2024