Respect and Love for Parents and the Elderly: The Right Way to Treat Them

"It is our duty to treat our parents and elders with kindness and show them respect at all times. This pleases Allah and brings His blessings upon us.




Allah has commanded two things: First, do not worship anyone except Him. Second, treat your parents with goodness.
If one or both of them reach old age during your lifetime, do not even say 'uff' to them; do not scold or belittle them. Speak to them with honor and respect.
Look upon them with eyes full of love and care, sheltering them like wings of mercy. And always pray for them, saying:
‘My Lord! Have mercy upon my parents, as they brought me up with compassion during my childhood.’
— Surah Al-Isra (Bani Isra’il): 23-24"


1. When you meet your parents or any elder, greet them first with a warm salaam and ask how they are doing with a cheerful face.

2. No matter how busy you are, always reserve some time in your day for them. Your presence brings them immense joy.

3. Upon returning home, exchange greetings with your parents first. Share interesting or noteworthy events from your day, and take interest in their stories too.

4. Before going out, let them know where you’re going. Ask if they need anything or if they’re craving something special.

5. If possible, bring back a little surprise for them when you return home. Unasked-for gifts make them truly happy.

6. Regularly check in on their health. If they’re unwell, ensure they get proper medical care and loving attention.

7. If your parents are no longer earning, give them a regular allowance with humility. Never remind them of it or demand any accounts.

8. Do your best to fulfill any reasonable wishes they may have.

9. In any important or family discussions, let them speak first. Listen with respect before you share your thoughts.

10. Inform them before making any major decisions. Seek their advice and their heartfelt blessings.

11. Even if you live apart, call at least once a day to check on them.

12. At night, make sure they are comfortable and settled before you go to bed yourself.

13. On weekends, take time out from your personal schedule to be with them. Cook their favorite meal or take them out for a pleasant outing. Involve them in spiritual, cultural, or social events. Your companionship brings them joy.

14. Encourage your parents not to spend idle time alone. Involve them in purposeful family or service-oriented activities, helping them feel included and fulfilled.

15. Spend quality, heartfelt time with them on their special days.

16. Always pray for their good health and long life.

17. Whenever possible, take them to visit relatives. If traveling far, make sure they are comfortable and have everything they need.

18. Do not access their diary or mobile phone without their permission.

19. Never take money from their wallet or purse without asking.

20. Even if your views differ, avoid arguing with your parents. Express your opinions respectfully and with humility.


21. If your parents ever fall into serious wrongdoing (such as addiction, infidelity, gambling, etc.) beyond your control, do not create chaos at home or shame them in public. If possible, seek counsel from a trusted elder. Stay calm and pray for them. But never let it ruin your own life or career.

22. If you notice them doing something wrong, politely point it out and help them correct it with kindness and respect.

23. Never repeatedly remind them of their physical or mental limitations that come with aging.

24. Old age is like a second childhood. Don’t become annoyed or angry at their childlike behavior. Instead, be more patient and empathetic.

25. Do not sit cross-legged or with your feet stretched toward elders or respected persons.

26. Stand up out of respect when an elder or senior person begins to speak to you.

27. Avoid gesturing with your hands or pointing fingers while talking to them. If there's no pressing need, remove your sunglasses or cap while speaking.

28. Seek their blessings and prayers before undertaking any good or important task.

29. Always take initiative to help them with anything they’re doing.

30. Avoid deliberately giving a "missed call" to any elder or respected person.

31. If the elder lives within a walkable distance, do not just call to ask something or inform them—go in person.

32. Never speak to elders in a commanding or irritated tone. Always respond to their questions with gentleness and humility.

33. Be fully attentive when they are speaking. Do not show signs of irritation or impatience.

34. Never raise your voice above the tone of a parent, teacher, or elder when speaking.

35. At any gathering or visit, go to the elders first, greet them warmly, and ask about their wellbeing.

36. If you're organizing an event at home, involve them in the planning and preparation.

37. Take any opportunity to sit and chat with them. Discuss positive topics or encourage them to share cherished memories from their past.

38. Encourage your children to visit their grandparents or elder relatives before going to school or elsewhere and ask for their blessings.

39. Teach your children to seek the special prayers of their elders, especially before exams or to celebrate success.

40. At the dining table, sit with the elders and serve them first before anyone else.

41. Do your best to keep them cheerful. A joyful heart can often ease the pains of old age.

42. Always give priority to elderly people in any waiting line.

43. Even if your position, title, or qualifications differ, always give elders the respect they deserve.

44. Even if you don’t immediately agree with the advice or decisions of elders, do not react or protest impulsively.

45. Never refer to your elders using terms like “old man” or “old woman.” Do not mock or belittle them for any physical disability or limitation.

46. Ensure your behavior or words never make them feel like they are a burden on the family just because they have aged.

47. Value the opinions of your elders. Even if your ideas are modern, remember—they are more experienced in life and the world.

48. Always remain humble, grateful, and respectful for the contribution your parents made in your life. Don’t confine your love and duties to just a so-called “Mother’s Day” or “Father’s Day.”

49. In the twilight of life, most parents long to be near their children. Never isolate them in a distant village or leave them surrounded only by house help. Just as they protected you in your childhood, protect and care for them in their old age.

50. Even if you disagree with them or feel overwhelmed, never consider sending them to an old age home. If you do, be prepared for the same fate in your own old age.

51. Take good care of your aging parents. Your own old age will reflect how you treat them now. If your spouse objects, handle the matter wisely—but never neglect your duties as a child.

52. Just as life deserves dignity, so does death. Never abandon a dying parent in a sterile ICU or “life support” room. The most honorable death for them is in your arms, holding your hand, while uttering the name of the Almighty.

53. Always remember the sacrifices your parents made to raise you. And as a child, never forget: Paradise lies at the feet of your mother.

54. If your parents or guardians have passed away, engage in righteous deeds for their peace and forgiveness. Donate in their name, and if you can, take responsibility for raising an orphan into a good human being. Distribute Bengali translations of the Qur’an to honor them and seek divine mercy.


Parents are a true blessing in every child's life.
When we were very young, it was our parents who raised us with immense affection, care, tenderness, and unconditional love. Thanks to their devotion and sacrifice, today we are strong and healthy individuals.

Just as our parents nurtured us in our childhood, it is our duty to care for them with the same love and attention when they grow old. That is the natural cycle of love and responsibility.

Everyone should look after their parents while they are still alive.

I love my mother deeply, and I humbly request everyone to keep her in their prayers.  

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