While much of the world celebrates Mother’s and Father’s Day once a year, Islam encourages honoring parents every day. Here’s the deeper reason, with touching insights and supporting Quranic verses and hadiths.
HNC | Each year, families across the world take part in heartfelt tributes for their parents. Some share gifts, others write loving social media posts, and many plan family dinners in honor of Mother’s Day or Father’s Day. But amidst these beautiful gestures, one might ask:
Why doesn’t Islam officially recognize these days?
The answer might surprise you. It’s not that Islam underestimates the value of parents—quite the opposite. In Islam, honoring one’s parents is a lifelong, daily responsibility, not a seasonal celebration.
In Islam, parents are held in the highest regard. In fact, immediately after the command to worship Allah alone, the Quran emphasizes kindness to parents.
“And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [even] ‘uff’ and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word.”
(Qur’an, Surah Al-Isra: 23)
This verse makes it clear: honoring parents isn’t meant to be confined to a birthday or a holiday. It’s a daily act of devotion, rooted in patience, respect, and love.
Hadiths That Reinforce the Importance of Dutifulness to Parents
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also stressed the importance of being devoted to one’s parents:
- Most Beloved Deeds to Allah
“The most beloved deeds to Allah are: prayer on time, then honoring one’s parents, then striving in the path of Allah.”
(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim) - Among the Greatest Sins
“Shall I not inform you of the greatest of the major sins?” They said: “Yes, O Messenger of Allah.” He said: “Associating others with Allah and being undutiful to one’s parents.”
(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim) - Divine Pleasure Lies in Parental Pleasure
“The pleasure of Allah lies in the pleasure of the parent. The anger of Allah lies in the anger of the parent.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Hasan Sahih)
These authentic hadiths emphasize that serving and respecting parents is among the highest forms of worship in Islam—far beyond an annual tradition.
Western Traditions vs. Islamic Teachings: A Gentle Clarification
Islam does not prohibit expressing love or gratitude. However, unlike Western traditions that dedicate one day to mothers or fathers, Islam prefers a continuous, meaningful connection—not seasonal sentimentality.
As Islamic preacher Ustaz Adi Hidayat once said:
“If you only honor your parents once a year, that’s not devotion. That’s a celebration.”
This distinction is key: Islam promotes love with depth, not just decoration.
Honoring Parents in Islam Is a Lifelong Devotion
In Islam, filial piety is wide in scope—from kind speech, to financial support, to patient care, and even praying for them after they pass away.
Imagine: Islam teaches us to love even after death. That’s why scholars often describe dutifulness to parents as a never-ending act of worship, one that transcends life itself.
More Than Gifts—It’s About Being Present
One reason Islam doesn’t institutionalize Parent’s Day is to prevent genuine affection from becoming performative.
Anyone can send flowers once a year. But what about calling your mother regularly? Or smiling at your father when he walks through the door?
Islam teaches that presence is more valuable than presents.
Don’t Wait for a Holiday to Be a Loving Child
Life is fast-paced. But parents don’t need much. Sometimes, all they seek is a kind word, a shared meal, or just a moment of your time.
You don’t need to wait for May or June to say “Thank you, Mom” or “I love you, Dad.” Islam urges us to honor them every single day, in both words and actions.
In Islam, Every Day Is for Mothers and Fathers
So, does Islam reject Mother’s Day and Father’s Day?
Not exactly. Islam simply doesn’t limit love to a date on the calendar.
While the world seeks a day to express appreciation, Islam calls for a lifetime of sincere devotion—not out of ritual, but out of faith, gratitude, and deep reverence.[Phona]
