The duty of children towards their parents is a form of Ibadah in Islam. Children are responsible for their duties towards their parents immediately after the duties towards Allah. The Qur’an states: “And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment….” (Surah al-Isra’, 17: 23) During their life time, the Qur’an has stated very clearly the duties of children to them in the following ayat. It states: “… and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], “uff,” and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word. And lower to them the wing of humility out of mercy and say, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.” (Surah al-Isra’, 17: 23-24) The reason behind these duties have also been described in the Qur’an. It states: “And We have enjoined upon man, to his parents, good treatment. His mother carried him with hardship and gave birth to him with hardship. [He grows] until, when he reaches maturity and reaches [the age of] forty years, he says, “My Lord, enable me to be grateful for Your favour which You have bestowed upon me and upon my parents and to work righteousness of which You will approve and make righteous for me my offspring. Indeed, I have repented to You, and indeed, I am of the Muslims.” (Surah al-Ahqaf, 46:15).

This is very unique that, in Islam, the duties of children towards their parents do not end only during the life time of their parents, but after their death. It means, after the death of any one or both of our parents, we still have some responsibilities which are very essential for us. However, many of us may have confusion in what kind of duties we may have to our deceased parents which would be benefited for them. The answer has been given by both primary sources of Islamic knowledge; Qur’an and Sunnah. The followings are the duties of children to their deceased parents:

We can classify the duties of children to their deceased parents into two types. (1)Immediately and once only and (ii) Later and Forever. The first type of duties includes most importantly the following three acts:

1. Funeral Prayer and Burial: The first duty of children to their parent(s) after death is to arrange funeral (Janazah) prayer and burial as early as possible according to Sunnah and hope for them receiving mercy of Allah.

2. Payment of their Debt: If the parent(s) left behind any kind of debt or credit, the children are responsible to pay in full immediately from their left personal wealth. If they do not have any personal wealth, the children should pay it if they are and once, they will be capable.

3. Fulfill their Wasiyyat: If they made any wasiyyat which is legal according to the Islamic shari’ah, the children are responsible to fulfill it as early as possible. Because, wasiyyat is allowed in Islam. The Qur’an says: “Prescribed for you when death approaches [any] one of you if he leaves wealth [is that he should make] a bequest for the parents and near relatives according to what is acceptable - a duty upon the righteous.” (Surah al-Baqarah, 2: 180)

4. Distribution of the left wealth: Distribution of their left wealth or asset among the prescribed people in accordance with the Islamic inheritance law is another responsibility of children if they are capable to do that. If not, this responsibility goes to other guardians, near relatives, society and the state.

The second type of acts are included in a Hadith. It states that, once a companion had come to the Apostle of Allah (PBUH) and asked him “Is there anything left from the goodness I owe my parents I should present to them after their death?”  He replied, “Yes, four things: Pray and ask forgiveness for them.  Fulfil their pledges.  Be kind to their friends.  And maintain the ties of kinship that come from only their direction”. (Abu Dawud, vol. 4. hadith No. 632). According to this hadith, the followings are very much important:

1. Prayer (du`a’) for them: This is one of the most useful acts for the deceased parent(s) from their children. Because a Hadith states: “when a person dies, all his deeds come to an end except three: ongoing charity (sadaqah jariyyah), beneficial knowledge (others benefited from it), or a righteous child who will pray for him.” (Sunan At Tirmidhi) There is no doubt that prayer of a righteous child is very useful for the parents. Therefore, children are required to pray for them continuously in their worldly lives. Moreover, the prayer has been taught in the Qur’an. It says: “, “My Lord, have mercy upon them as they brought me up [when I was] small.” (Surah al-Isra’, 17: 23) In addition to that, they are required to visit to the graves of their parents. From any place, du’a can be made.

It is also noteworthy to state that prayer or dua’ for parents should be done in two ways: (i) Asking forgiveness (maghfirah) for them to Allah and (ii) Seeking blessing (rahmah) for their successful life in Jannah.

In continuation of this duty, children can also ask their relatives and surrounding people for making du’a for their parents. Because, Sunnatic tradition goes to make du’a for others also. The Qur’an teaches us as well in this way: “Our Lord, forgive me and my parents and the believers the Day the account is established.” (Surah Ibrahim, 14: 41)

2. Charity for Them: Scholars have opined that charity by children and relatives for deceased parents is also useful for them. Charity includes many things and actions. Among them, building Mosque, Madrasah, helping the poor and needy people in any prescribed way are the most popular. Providing food and clothes and other necessities are considered as charity in Islam. Moreover, wise people do something which is sustainable (jariyyah) for more and long-time benefit.

3. Kindness to their Relatives and Maintaining the Kinship: This is another duty of children to maintain kinship of their parents. In Islam, a person who breaks kinship willingly will not be able to inter into the Jannah. Showing respect to relatives and friends of parents is also a prescribed act for the children.

4. Be on the Right Path: This very important for children to remain on the right path in Islam. Because, if the children lead their lives on the wrong path and involve themselves in wrongdoings and sinful acts, their du’a and other activities will not be beneficial for their deceased parents. Moreover, in such case, parents will be in questionable situation for their children’s activities in the world.

In conclusion, it must be stated that today’s children will one day become parents. Therefore, we must train them accordingly. Remember, if we the parents do not do our duties to our parents, our children will not do their responsibilities to us as their parents. This is very logical. Whatever we are doing to our children and parents will be considered as an investment and, thus, the return will be on the basis of our investment. May Allah help us to understand the reality and bless us to be on the right path!

The writer is a scholar in Islamic studies and researcher on Islamic views on contemporary issues. Email: [email protected]