Ramadan is that time of year where we reflect alot on our lives, loved ones and other associations. It is that time of year that bonds us to our responsibilities and gives us new sight to elements of value in our lives. How do we give value to our parents in this age of modernity?
We’re taught to respect them. Treat them with honour and bestow kindness upon them. They gave birth to us, nurtured us, shaped and molded us into who we now are.
“And lower unto them the wing of submission and humility through mercy and say: ‘My Lord! Bestow on them Your Mercy as they did bring me up when I was young.’” (Surah Al – Isra’, v.24)
We come to that point in our lives when we suddenly realize that our parents who were once so vibrant, energetic and young are getting on in years. They are not as much fun anymore and much to your secret shame, you don’t want to hang out with them anymore – the third wheel; the daughter in-between. No wonder people think you are old. The cool individuals hang out with their friends in coffee shop sand at the movies.
You distance yourself from those two people who have only ever had your best interests at heart. Maybe deep down you acknowledge that if your parents are aging and you are too. You need to expend your youth to its limits before your time runs out and hanging out with your aging parents will only impede this.
Time goes by, and in your race to achieve all the pleasure that youth and the world has to offer, you find yourself once again alone in your pursuits. Your friends are married, now parents to their own children and responsibilities take presidence. This when you notice those loving, caring faces who through all your years of tantrums and tedium have never abandoned you for their own pursuits. You return to them with much realization and appreciation.
We need to give value to our parents by appreciating them, regardless of disagreements. And if you are younger…. even in spite of the embarrassment you may perceive your time with your parents is limited on this earth, more glaring because they’re aging
Almighty Allah SWT has instructed in Surah Al Isra’:
“And your Lord has decreed that you worship none but Him. And that you be dutiful to your parents. If one of them or both of them attain old age in your life, say not to them a word of disrespect, nor shout at them but address them in terms of honour”
Wherever we happen to be today as individuals in this time of modernity and whether we have the good fortune of having our parents with us or not, take the opportunity to make an extra special duaa for them. Make that phone call to tell them you love and appreciate them. Even though it may seem like a little, it will by no means make up for the great amount of effort they have invested in us and our lives. Dua is the best gift that we can give to them to show that we do care, follows by acts of love, kindness, appreciation and patience.
May each of us take it upon ourselves to make the attempt to reach out to our parents, and may Allah SWT reward us abundantly for our efforts. Especially for those having severed ties with their parents, may this Ramadan seal your grievances with love and respect. May we be blessed with being able to exercise a beautiful patience on our parents and honour them with the dignity and respect that they are deserving of.
